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

World Trade Centers Association's 55th Annual Global Business Forum

The World Trade Centers Association® (WTCA®), a global trade organization connecting over 300 World Trade Centers (WTCs) across nearly 100 countries, will host its 55th Annual Global Business Forum (GBF) in Marseille, France, from April 6 to April 9. This premier event brings together business leaders, government officials, academic experts, and representatives from international organizations to discuss pressing topics related to trade, investment, and innovative partnerships across the globe.

Gathering participants from more than 50 countries, the forum is set to attract over 300 attendees. Countries represented range from Albania to Yemen, showcasing the diversity and reach of WTCA's network.

A Platform for Insightful Discussions

The four-day forum will offer extensive programming covering various essential topics, including “Strategies for Success in an Evolving Marketplace”, “Free Trade Zones as Engines of Growth”, and “Navigating Trade, Real Estate, and Investment Trends in 2025.” This year also marks the introduction of the Real Estate Summit, featuring specialized discussions on “World Trade Center Projects in Focus”, as well as sessions addressing innovation and resilience in real estate development.

Participants can expect to hear from influential speakers, including John E. Drew, WTCA Board Chair; Benoit Vincent, CEO of WTC Marseille Provence; and Angela Ellard, Deputy Director General of the World Trade Organization. The gathering will also feature industry insights from leaders in various sectors, ensuring that attendees gain valuable perspectives to navigate today’s complex economic landscape.

Focus on Mediterranean Opportunities

With this year’s theme being “Gateway to the Mediterranean,” Marseille serves as the perfect backdrop for the forum. The city is recognized as a critical hub for trade and innovation, strategically positioned to connect Europe, Africa, and Asia. Its vibrant economic activity, particularly in maritime trade, logistics, energy, and technology sectors, makes it an ideal place for fostering new business opportunities.

The forum encourages B2B engagements, facilitating connections between attendees and potential business partners. One of the significant features this year is the structured B2B matchmaking sessions, designed to help participants meet others with aligned business needs and goals. The platform will be made available to registered attendees, promoting active networking and collaboration opportunities.

Previous Success and Future Prospects

Last year, the WTCA Global Business Forum took place in Bengaluru, India, drawing nearly 300 participants from 36 countries. That event marked the rebranding of the formerly known WTCA General Assembly and underscored the importance of global partnerships. With over 300 scheduled B2B meetings there and the signing of multiple Memorandums of Understanding (MOUs), it established a solid foundation for future collaborations.

As business leaders navigate ever-changing global trade policies and economic uncertainties, the WTCA Global Business Forum is dedicated to promoting the principles of free and fair trade, open markets, and healthy competition. John E. Drew emphasized the necessity of this platform in connecting professionals and exploring new markets, particularly in a time of change. The event creates conducive conditions for economic growth and fosters international collaboration, reinforcing WTCA’s mission of building a connected global community.

Conclusion

The 55th Annual WTCA Global Business Forum in Marseille promises to be an essential event for stakeholders seeking to enhance trade and investment opportunities in a rapidly evolving marketplace. By leveraging the strengths of the WTCA network, attendees can anticipate valuable insights and connections that will drive their businesses forward. The combination of focused discussions, networking opportunities, and access to industry leaders positions this event as a cornerstone of international commerce in 2025.

For further details regarding registration and the forum's schedule, visit WTCA's official site and keep updated on social media using #WTCAEvents and #WTCAinMarseille.