#France #World Trade Center #Marseille #Global Business Forum #WTCA

The 55th Global Business Forum of the World Trade Centers Association in Marseille

The World Trade Centers Association (WTCA) is set to host its 55th annual Global Business Forum (GBF) from April 6 to April 9, 2025, in the vibrant city of Marseille, France. This year’s theme, "Gateway to the Mediterranean," reflects the strategic economic significance of the region, which connects three continents and serves as a hub for trade, innovation, and investment.

The upcoming forum aims to gather over 300 participants from more than 50 countries, including key representatives from various sectors such as business, government, and science. Attendees will have the chance to engage in meaningful discussions on topics such as trade, investment strategies, and technological advancements, which are essential in today’s rapidly evolving marketplace. Countries represented at the event include Egypt, Australia, Japan, Canada, the United States, and several others, showcasing the forum's global appeal.

Key sessions at this year’s forum include discussions titled "Strategies for Success in an Evolving Marketplace," "Free Trade Zones as Engines of Growth," and "Navigating Trade, Real Estate and Investment Trends in 2025." Notably, this year marks the introduction of a dedicated real estate summit, focusing on "World Trade Center Projects in Focus" and "Expansion of Real Estate Horizons." This new summit aims to address current challenges and opportunities within the real estate sector, emphasizing the role of innovation and resilience in a changing world.

John E. Drew, the Chair of the Board of Directors at WTCA, and Benoit Vincent, CEO of the World Trade Center Marseille Provence, will officially open the forum. The speaker lineup features prominent figures such as Angela Ellard from the World Trade Organization and Ken Levinson from the Washington International Trade Association, among others. These experts will share insights on global market dynamics and offer strategies to navigate the complexities of international trade and investment.

The agenda also highlights the importance of promoting free and fair trade, open markets, and healthy competition—principles that underpin sustainable economic growth and provide new avenues for investment and development. The rigid B2B program is designed to facilitate direct business connections and partnerships, making it easier for attendees to explore collaborative ventures in various industries, ranging from agriculture to technology and tourism.

Marseille was chosen as the host city due to its significance as a European commercial hub, bolstered by strong industrial sectors in logistics, energy, and tourism. This dynamic city presents a unique opportunity for attendees to delve into the Mediterranean market, gain insights into regional trade practices, and connect with influential stakeholders from various fields.

In 2024, the forum was held in Bengaluru, India, attracting nearly 300 participants from 36 countries, which marked a successful transition as the first Global Business Forum under its new name. The event resulted in numerous B2B meetings and memorandums of understanding (MOUs) that solidified partnerships and widened business opportunities across borders.

For those interested in participating, early registration is encouraged to take advantage of the structured B2B matchmaking sessions aimed at pairing attendees with prospective business partners and clients who meet their specific needs. Participants will have access to this matchmaking platform upon registering for the event.

In conclusion, the 55th Global Business Forum promises to be an impactful event, fostering international dialogue, facilitating trade partnerships, and enhancing economic cooperation among attendees. For further details, visit the official website at wtca.swoogo.com/2025gbf and engage with the WTCA community on social media using hashtags #WTCAEvents and #WTCAinMarseille.