World Trade Centre General Assembly

CORPORATE/INTERNATIONAL

The 44^th World Trade Centre General Assembly to be held in Mumbai

after 25 years

~The event will attract 300 delegates from

over 50 countries across the globe~

~ Eminent Global speakers such as Dr. Nouriel Roubini, Dr. Parthasarathi Shome, Mr. Hans Martens, Mr. Garcia Bercero Mr. Jochum Haakma amongst others to be present~

The 44^th World Trade Centre General Assembly, a body set up with an objective to promote and facilitate international trade relations, will organize their annual flagship event in Mumbai after 25 years. The financial city will see participation of over 300 global experts, policy makers and marketing gurus all come together to deliberate on the theme “The New Economic Order and World Trade Centers” at the noteworthy event that ensues from the Sunday, 21^st April’13 to Wednesday, 24^th of April 2013. The four day event will see renowned personalities like Dr. Nouriel Roubini, the Chairman of Roubini Global Economics, Dr. Parthasarathi Shome, advisor to the Finance Minister of India, Hans Martens CEO of the European Policy Center Brussels, and many others to present their views and share their experiences in interactive sessions to promote and strengthen cross-continental interaction to explore new market opportunities.

An opening ceremony will be held on 22^nd April followed by an address from Mr. Hans Martens, CEO of the European Policy Center Brussels about his informed views on “Europe in the new economic order”. A special session on branding and marketing will take place to discuss the promotion of the WTC brand and to encourage the establishment of new World Trade Centers. The concept of Network Marketplace will be discussed in a variety of industries, such as Energy, Life Sciences, Sports and Leisure to explore increased participation in international trade by the member nations.

A special address will be given on the 23^rd of April by Mr. Garcia Bercero, Director of

External Trade, European Commission about his perspective on “EU India Relations and Perspectives on FTA” along with Mr. Jochum Haakma, Global Director of Business Development in the TME Group giving the delegates his valuable insight on “Public Diplomacy and The Changing Role in Trade Promotion Between Public and Private Parties”.

On the 24^th April, following the wrap up session, Dr. Nouriel Roubini, the Chairman of

Roubini Global Economics, New York  who anticipated the collapse of the United States housing market and the worldwide recession which started in 2008 and ended in 2009 and Dr. Parthasarathi Shome, Advisor to the Finance Minister of India will give a view on their vision for the global economy and discuss geopolitical risks faced in the global market. Prominent industrialists from various sectors will share their

perspectives and insights into Indian business ethos and practices through the session “Fostering India’s Trade and Investment”. Link on the officials who will be part of the general assembly http://www.wtcaga2013.com/look_who_is_coming.php

Shri Pranab Mukherjee, the President of the Republic of India said, “I am happy to learn that the World Trade Centre (WTC), Mumbai is holding the 2013 General Assembly of the World Trade Centres Association (WTCA), New York on the theme New Economic Order and Role of World Trade Centres from April 21-24, 2013 at Mumbai.” He added, “India today is recognized as an emerging economic powerhouse and has attracted considerable global attention. As a prominent member of the BRICS group and several other multilateral fora, our country is a key partner in shaping global business. With strong economic fundamentals, the country is fast progressing towards sustainable and inclusive growth. It is therefore appropriate that India is the venue of this prestigious global meet which will bring delegates from all over the world.”

Prime Minister of India, Dr. Manmohan Singh, said, I am very glad to know that the World Trade Centre Mumbai has been privileged to organize the prestigious World Trade Centre Associations General Assembly, during April 21 – 24, 2013.  It is indeed a matter of pride for India that such a prestigious international conference is happening in the country. I understand that the theme of the WTCA GA 2013 is “New Economic Order and the Role of World Trade Centres”.  No doubt it   is the most appropriate theme in the current scenario, since I believe World Trade Centres can contribute significantly to this cause.   In fact the world is looking for new ideas and innovations that will contribute to this cause, and I feel that the deliberations at the WTCA GA 2013, will lead to a better understanding of the subject. I recall that I had an opportunity to address the WTCA GA meeting hosted by the WTC Mumbai during 1988.  At that time the theme of the Assembly was “International Trade:  Silent Language for International Integration” and there were interesting discussions on the theme.I take this opportunity to convey my best wishes to the WTC Mumbai for the success of the World Trade Centers Association General Assembly 2013.

Shri Salman Khurshid, External Affairs Minister, Govt. of India said, “I hope the General Assembly of the WTCA will underline the importance of India as a premier destination for investment and promote bilateral trade and economic cooperation between India and other countries. India has achieved tremendous progress since independence especially in the last two decades and in the face of global economic slowdown, the Indian economy has exhibited sustained resilience. I am sure that all delegates will also have an opportunity to witness the cultural richness of our country and our unity in diversity. I send greetings to all the participants and wish them a most productive and rewarding General Assembly of the WTCA.”

Mr. Prithviraj Chavan, the Chief Minister of Maharashtra said, “I understand that the theme of the General Assembly is “New Economic Order and the Role of World Trade Centers. The global economic transition is paving way to a new dimension in trading worldwide necessitating the restructuring of markets, systems and operations. India’s integration into the new global system has accrued immense benefit for India’s economy, trade and investments. The GA 2013 will examine the challenges and opportunities for World Trade Centers to align with this new world order. World Trade Centers influence the economic development of the region and play an important role in revitalizing business. World Trade Centre Mumbai as a prominent member of World Trade Centers Association has significantly contributed to the development of India’s international trade thereby heightening India’s role as a major trading nation of the world.”

Mr. Ghazi Abu Nahl Chairman-WTCA said, “The World Trade Centers Association on behalf of World Trade Centre Mumbai extends a cordial invitation to its members and their delegations to participate in the 44th General Assembly. The theme for the Assembly is the “New Economic Order and Role of WTCs”. The debates and discussions during the Assembly shall be interesting and informative while opening avenues for networking. The assembly will provide a perfect platform for the trade missions seeking to explore the Indian markets. Targeted workshops, forums and networking sessions are planned to provide participants plenty of opportunities to exchange best practices. I consider Mumbai an ideal destination to host the General Assembly as it shall reinforce the importance of the WTC concept amongst other Indian states and countries in Asia. This shall promote establishing of more WTCs. I do not need to impress upon you the business potential, culture and the affable nature of India. I have visited the country on several occasions and have experienced the warmth of their hospitability. I urge all my colleagues from WTC’s to register and ensure the success of this assembly.” 

Kamal Morarka, WTC Mumbai Chairman, said, “A warm welcome to all the WTC Delegates to Mumbai! It is after a gap of 25 years that WTC Mumbai gets to host the prestigious WTCA General Assembly! Today India plays a pivotal role in global economic scenario. WTC Mumbai has an active role in promotion of India’s economic relations and foreign trade with other countries.  The event will attract 300 delegates from over 50 countries across the globe. The WTCA General Assembly shall help foster greater ties with the global economy. I personally welcome all WTC delegates to India.”

Mr. Vijay Kalantri, WTCA Board Director & WTC Mumbai Vice Chairman said, “WTC Mumbai has grown manifold in the last 25 years since we hosted the WTCA GA in 1988. It has expanded its activities considerably and has become “India’s preferred catalyst for trade development. In order to gear up the WTCs to take up the new challenges of the world, we have selected the theme “New World Economic Order & World Trade Centers” for the GA 2013. Special theme sessions and tailor-made programmes are

planned to make the GA 2013 a memorable one for each one of you. I request my WTC Colleagues to participate in GA 2013 along with trade delegates from your region to make it a grand success.”

• Event Details: April 21 – 24, 2013, Trident Oberoi, Nariman Point, Mumbai
• Programme Schedule: http://www.wtcaga2013.com/programme.php
• For more information, please visit: http://www.wtcaga2013.com/

About WTCA: World Trade Centers Association (WTCA New York) is a non profit, non political international organization, set up in 1970.   Today the WTCA has as many as 340 WTC Members operating from 102 countries.  It is a powerful network of the WTCs and with its 10 lakh business associates account for nearly 1/3^rd of the world trade of the order of over US$19.5 trillion. “Prosperity through Trade and investment” is the mission WTCA and the Association and its WTC members continuously strive to achieve this mission. WTCA General Assembly is a prestigious and important international event held once a year which brings together not only World Trade Centres but also stakeholders in international trade such as governments, trade promotion organizations, as well as business enterprises.

About WTC Mumbai: World Trade Centre (WTC) Mumbai was established more than four decades ago, to promote and facilitate India's trade with the world. The WTC is promoted by the Government of India, the State Government of Maharashtra and by the Private Sector, as a unique partnership model.  It is a registered Sec 25 company under Indian Companies Act, 1956, and is public company limited by guarantee without share capital.  It is governed by a council of management comprising industrialists representatives from central and state governments and apex trade promotion organizations. WTC Mumbai is the premier operating Indian member of the World Trade Centers Association (WTCA), New York, having in its hold 342 World Trade Centers spread over 110 countries providing a wide range of services and facilities.