RECAP OF THE 2024 WTCA MEA REGIONAL MEETING

Over 35 participants from more than 25 World Trade Center (WTC) businesses registered for the 2024 WTCA Middle East & Affrica (MEA) Regional Meeting, which was held virtually on Wednesday, November 27. The meeting kicked off with a regional update from Ahmed Tibaoui, Chairman of the WTCA MEA Regional Advisory Council (RAC) and General Manager and CEO of WTC Algiers, as he highlighted the diverse economic landscapes of the WTCA MEA region, emphasizing their growth potential despite existing challenges. He stressed the necessity of structural reforms and the pivotal role of the global WTCA network in promoting trade and investment in the region.

The MEA region continues to be active in various trade services initiatives and real estate development projects. During the regional meeting, WTCA Members shared insights on their 2024 experiences, developments within their WTC facilities, and expectation for 2025.

Here is a summary of updates from WTCA MEA Members:

• WTC Algiers shared insight into its services that support local and international businesses, including flexible office spaces and professional training programs.
• WTC Antananarivo discussed its current activities and future projects focusing on efforts to reconnect businesses post-COVID, including the construction of a new eco-friendly headquarters.
• WTC Cairo updated attendees on its significance as a business and event destination, emphasizing its role in hosting major events and training sessions.
• WTC Cyprus presented on behalf of World Trade Centers Holdings (Cyprus) Ltd. (which has 13 WTC licenses throughout the MEA region) discussing their extensive network and services aimed at facilitating business connections.
• WTC Dubai shared the organization's history and recent achievements, including hosting Expo 2020 and COP28, along with plans for expansion.
• WTC Kabul provided an update on its business as it has resumed operations after a hiatus.

Victor Moraru, Project Manager at WTC Marseille Provence, captivated the audience by outlining the highly anticipated 2025 WTCA Global Business Forum, themed "Gateway to the Mediterranean," scheduled for April 6-9, while highlighting sponsorship opportunities and what participants can look forward to at the event.

The regional meeting concluded with updates from Aubrey Ball, WTCA Membership Programs Coordinator and Fahima Hussain, WTCA Membership Coordinator. Aubrey presented the WTCA Accreditation Program, detailing its eligibility criteria, benefits and the Accreditation Mentoring opportunity. Fahima followed with a focus on the importance of data in strengthening the WTCA network, urging Members to share relevant information to foster enhanced collaboration.

There is a strong enthusiasm amongst WTCA MEA Members for hosting an in-person WTCA MEA Regional Meeting in 2025. Stay tuned for more details!