Marseille, France, will serve as the backdrop for the 55th Annual Global Business Forum (GBF) hosted by the World Trade Centers Association (WTCA) from April 6-9, 2025. The event will bring together key business figures, government officials, and industry leaders from around the world to engage in discussions on trade, investment, and future partnership opportunities.
The WTCA, a global trade network connecting over 300 World Trade Center (WTC) locations across nearly 100 countries and territories, has confirmed more than 300 participants from over 50 countries. Delegates will represent diverse regions, including Albania, Australia, Brazil, China, India, South Africa, the United States, and several European nations, creating a truly international gathering.
With the theme “Gateway to the Mediterranean,” the Forum will address critical topics such as “Strategies for Success in an Evolving Marketplace,” “Free Trade Zones as Engines of Growth,” and “Navigating Trade, Real Estate, and Investment Trends in 2025.” Additionally, a newly introduced Real Estate Summit will offer specialized sessions covering global real estate trends, World Trade Center projects, and Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) shaping the industry.
Key speakers will include prominent figures like Angela Ellard, Deputy Director General of the World Trade Organization (WTO), Ken Levinson, CEO of the Washington International Trade Association (WITA), and leaders from various sectors such as business development, real estate, and investment. John E. Drew, Chair of the WTCA Board of Directors, and Benoit Vincent, CEO of WTC Marseille Provence, will deliver the opening remarks.
The Forum aims to provide a platform for networking and fostering business-to-business (B2B) interactions, with dedicated matchmaking services to connect participants based on specific business interests. The International Chamber of Commerce and Industry (CCI Internationale) Provence Alpes Côte d’Azur will collaborate on facilitating these connections.
Marseille, strategically located at the crossroads of three continents, is recognized as a vital economic hub in Europe. The city’s strong maritime, logistics, energy, and technology industries make it an ideal setting for discussions on global trade and investment. WTC Marseille Provence, a key player in the region’s international business landscape, is poised to offer attendees valuable insights and opportunities to engage with leaders shaping the Mediterranean and global markets.
Reflecting on the importance of the Forum, Drew emphasized the WTCA’s ongoing commitment to promoting free and fair trade, global collaboration, and economic growth. “In today’s dynamic environment, the GBF is more crucial than ever, providing a space for businesses to navigate evolving trade policies, explore new markets, and establish long-lasting partnerships,” Drew noted.
This year’s event follows the success of the 2024 Forum in Bengaluru, India, which featured nearly 300 delegates and marked the debut of the Global Business Forum under its new name, previously known as the WTCA General Assembly. The event was a resounding success, leading to numerous business agreements and strategic partnerships.
For more details on the 2025 Global Business Forum, please visit the official WTCA website or follow the event on social media using the hashtags #WTCAEvents and #WTCAinMarseille.
About WTCA The World Trade Centers Association (WTCA) is a network of over 300 businesses and organizations worldwide, aiming to foster global trade and investment. It provides members with essential resources, events, and business connections to help local economies thrive through international collaboration.
About WTC Marseille Provence Located in Marseille, WTC Marseille Provence plays a key role in the region’s international business activities. Established in 1984, it provides business, convention, and meeting spaces connected to the global WTCA network, contributing significantly to the region’s economic growth and international presence.
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