World trade centers exist throughout the world and serve chiefly to develop and maintain trade between countries. Many governments believe that participating in the global economy is vital to their own domestic economy. Rather than limiting themselves to an exchange of goods and services produced domestically, these countries view international trade as a symbol of economic success and seek to establish as many contacts as possible with international trade centers.

Countries have come to regard a WTC as a forum simplifying this international networking of governments and businesses. Most world trade centers are conveniently located in capital and major cities. Their overriding concern is to gather market leaders from diverse industries along with technical and academic professionals that provide expertise companies rely upon to export and import goods and services. Your contact with world trade centers, in the Untied States and abroad, can take many forms:

1. Discover the multitude of services most world trade centers offer.

2. Attend noteworthy events at the World Trade Center Institute.

3. Gain optimum exposure to the global community by locating your next office at a world trade center.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Take advantage of the services provided at world trade centers.

From translations to seminars on product development in foreign countries, discover how you can best use any world trade center as a resource for valuable business information.

I recommend: The World Trade Center in Jakarta maintains an office devoted primarily to the development of trade between Indonesia and the global business community. It also houses a business language center providing translation and interpreting services. The World Trade Center in Panama and other world trade centers in Mexico City or Sao Paulo can connect you to Latin American trade. Search a complete listing of world trade centers at the web site of the World Trade Centers Association.

Contact the World Trade Center Institute in the United States to access influential business leaders

Maryland's World Trade Center Institute (WTCI) connects business leaders to events that will help them showcase their company's goods and services on the international scene.

I recommend: WTCI Signature Events include the much acclaimed Embassy Day and International Business Leadership Awards. Embassy Day is the largest gathering of foreign diplomats and international business leaders in the region, which has been going on for more than 15 years. WTCI Sponsorship Opportunities allow you to introduce your latest product and strengthen brand recognition. They are offered to WTCI Premier partners first and then to WTCI members.

Lease space or plan an event at any major world trade center

A business address at a world trade center is the 'ultimate address' any company can have. Scheduling an event at a world trade center gets you the high profile attention your product or service needs for market success.

I recommend: World Trade Centre in Vancouver takes the business of serving its tenants seriously. Enjoy a breathtaking waterfront location and first-class amenities. Host business functions in elegant lounges and a five-diamond hotel boasting spectacular banquet facilities. The World Events Center at World Trade Center in Zurich maintains a staff trained to assist you with every aspect of planning your business events.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Contact the newsroom at international trade centers for assistance in writing presentations planned for seminars and events. These newsrooms maintain sources of data and archives of significant press releases regarding global events.