India (May 15, 2023) – The World Trade Centers Association® (WTCA®) — an international trade organization connecting more than 300 World Trade Center® (WTC®) locations in nearly 100 countries —and World Trade Center (WTC) Accra have successfully concluded the 53rd annual WTCA General Assembly (GA) in Accra, Ghana. The five-day event, which took place April 23-27, welcomed representatives from various World Trade Centers in India, including Bengaluru, Kochi, Chennai, Shamshabad, Visakhapatnam, Hosur, Pune, and Mumbai, who actively participated in the event. Their presence highlighted the strong engagement between India and Africa in the realm of trade and investment.
“We had the opportunity to showcase the World Trade Center Shamshabad’s trade services and potential to other WTCs. The event was a resounding success, with many WTCs expressing interest in collaborating with WTC Shamshabad to promote their respective economic regions and visit Telangana. We were pleased to have met with delegates from across the globe, and the exchange of ideas and experiences was both productive and enlightening. Overall, the event provided an excellent platform to network and establish partnerships, and WTC Shamshabad is excited to explore new opportunities as a result of this participation.” Said Varaprasad Reddy, Chairman WTC Shamshabad, Visakhapatnam & Hosur.
Hrishikesh Nair, President of World Trade Centre, Chennai, expressed his delight with his experience in Ghana, where we had the opportunity to connect with the vibrant economies of Ghana and South Africa. “The event in Accra was a tremendous success, with 300+ participants attending. With our upcoming 1 million sq. ft. World Trade Centre in Bengaluru and our IT-specific centers in Kochi and Chennai, we aim to foster collaborations with multinational corporations and board members, promoting business opportunities and growth. In Bengaluru, we plan to engage prestigious organizations such as CII, BCCI Chamber of Commerce, FICCI, and NASSCOM. As one of the top five developing countries, India has a unique story to tell, and we are dedicated to promoting exports and achieving great success” added Nair.
Bengaluru to host 54th Annual WTCA GA
The 2023 General Assembly concluded with a grand ceremonial announcement of next year’s host. The 54th annual WTCA GA is scheduled to take place in Bengaluru, India from March 3-6, 2024, and will be hosted by World Trade Center (WTC) Bengaluru. As a vibrant hub of trade and innovation, Bengaluru offers a dynamic platform for fostering international collaborations and exploring new business opportunities. We look forward to welcoming over 400 participants from around the world to this prestigious event, where we will continue to strengthen global trade networks and drive economic growth.
The business gathering in Accra featured notable keynote speakers, panel discussions, and a series of networking events that focused on Africa’s unique trade and investment opportunity. H.E. Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, Vice President of the Republic of Ghana, emphasized how Ghana is at the forefront to promote Africa’s potential to attract foreign investment, the Global Legal Entity Identification for businesses in Ghana, and the need for Africa to invest in innovative technology to advance its competitiveness in the global market.
African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank) was a key event partner and sponsor represented by Emeka Uzomba, Senior Advisor, AfCFTA, Afreximbank, who discussed financing trade and strategic investments in Africa. In the Afreximbank sponsored “Deal Room,” the Bank’s experts engaged with participants who conducted business meetings, and discussed transactions between African companies and global partners.
“We are thrilled to have partnered with the WTCA at this year’s GA to drive economic growth and development in Africa. Our collaboration will leverage the strengths of both organizations to support businesses in expanding operations and accessing new markets,” said Uzomba. “Together, we are committed to unlocking the full potential of African trade and investment, and creating opportunities for businesses to thrive.”
The WTCA continues to play a critical role in establishing interconnected business networks around the world, and now, through the efforts of this year’s GA, has launched its focus on supporting the growth of African economies. GA participants focused on forging business alliances with buyers, sellers and investors across multiple sectors in Africa, such as Agriculture; Agro-Tech, Food Processing; Manufacturing; Mining, Power and Energy; and Water, among others. These strategic collaborations promise to equip WTCA members and their business networks with avant-garde resources and know-how, thereby boosting growth and expansion endeavors in Africa.
