What is a World Trade Center (WTC)?
A WTC connects its business community to the people, the companies, the data and the government agencies that make up the fabric of global commerce.
As branded facilities, WTCs are landmarks in the regions that they serve. They are symbols of the international connectedness and competitiveness of a community. As real estate projects, WTCs are high profile developments that convey a premier international business address and are highly desirable locations for business tenants to occupy.
As economic development platforms, WTCs raise the international profile of a city or region. They represent a global network of active and planned locations in 330+ cities in 100 countries that work to create competitive advantage for businesses conducting international trade. The WTC brand is known around the world and, after 42 years, the WTCA is committed to building the value and effectiveness of that brand for the hundreds of communities and thousands of internationally active businesses that have benefitted from the power of this unique and growing icon of international trade.
By what criteria is a building judged to be awarded World Trade Center status?
WTCs are licensed facilities, for which a license application must be submitted, and vetted and approved by the WTCA Board of Directors. The aforementioned characteristics are important factors that the WTCA evaluates very carefully before authorizing a World Trade Center for any community.
How does a World Trade Center branded facility compare to other non-WTC branded buildings?
Independent studies commissioned three times over the past decade confirm that WTC-branded facilities typically generate higher than average per square meter lease rates than non-WTC branded buildings. Furthermore, these unique international facilities often deliver higher than average occupancy rates than their non-branded counterparts with it not being uncommon for there to be a waiting list of companies wishing to be located in a WTC.
What difference will the presence of a World Trade Center make to a city and a region?
The existence of a WTC in a city sends a very clear message to the rest of the world that “This City is open for business and the world is welcome to come here, to meet with and forge partnerships for cooperation with local businesses.” A WTC is a regional resource to local businesses they compete for overseas business.
What are the main activities of the WTCA?
WTCA Headquarters in New York City is comprised of team of international trade professionals that manage day-to-day operations of the WTCA as it serves 330+ member World Trade Centers in 100 countries. Focus is on managing and building the WTCA brand, and working with WTCA’s intellectual property attorneys to protect our name and service marks around the world.
They also provide support for a variety of member matters, such as facilitating member-to-member cooperation and reciprocity, trade information research and dissemination, and coordination of training programs through Regional Meetings and annual events such as the General Assembly and Member Seminar training forum.
