December 2011

W O R L D T R A D E C E N T E R S A S S O C I AT I O N 1

By Scott Wang, WTCA Business Development Executive, Asia

While people tend to reserve that kind of phrase for a number of major countries or technology giants such as Apple, Google, Facebook etc., a medium-sized city in the booming Yangtze River Delta of China thinks the WTCA can do it with its global network. With the catching phrase as the theme, the City of Jiaxing gathered and celebrated the inauguration of its own WTC on Nov. 14, 2011. The crowd was joined by Rob Frueh, WTCA Director of Member Services, and Scott Wang, WTCA Business Development Executive, Asia.

By all accounts, WTC Jiaxing is well ahead in development given the fact the license application was approved merely a month ago. The construction of the 99-meter-high twin tower was way above ground with a projected completion date at the end of 2012. Two weeks before the inauguration, WTC Jiaxing hosted its first major event featuring Mr. Larry H.P. Lang, one of the nation’s most high-profile speakers on Chinese business and economy. The event generated quite a buzz in the Jiaxing business community. During the inauguration, WTC Jiaxing successfully signed six major companies as the first group of tenants. It was not a hard decision for companies to make as the WTC Jiaxing is one of the landmark buildings in the heart of the

city’s new central business district and best office building in the city after its completion. But the WTC story doesn’t stop here. Throughout the keynote speech delivered by Mr. Frueh and the inauguration remarks made by Mr. Li Mengxing, Chairman of WTC Jiaxing, the key message was how the WTCA global network will add value to the tenants and business community. The message was consistently highlighted in the marketing collaterals developed by the WTC Jiaxing team.

For the city, the presence of WTC goes way beyond the twin tower building. In a meeting with the WTCA and WTC Jiaxing team, Mr. Jiang Weimin, Executive Vice Mayor of Jiaxing Municipal Government noted Jiaxing would be a great addition to the WTCA network and commended WTCA for its decision to grant Jiaxing the WTC license. Since 2000, Jiaxing’s GDP growth has been among the best in Zhejiang Province and amongst the Yangtze River Delta’s 15 cities, which led it to become one of the 50 outstanding economic regions in the country. At the core of its development was the contribution made by the 6,000 export-oriented local companies. International trade is vital to the prosperity of the region and WTC Jiaxing will be right there to help as the local access to the global market. Joining force with local business community, WTC Jiaxing is going to become an integral WTCA power to change the world to the prosperity.

Jiaxing, China Celebrates City’s WTC Inauguration

Power to Change the World

NEWSPAPER

Dear Colleagues:

Our Association has embarked on an ambitious path of growth and development and further strengthening as one of the world’s most unique and powerful networks for global business. As our Association continues to realign itself, we need to face our challenges by employing innovative technologies in dynamic and often demanding markets. Our objective is to meet new collaborators, exchange new ideas, and work together in pursuits for prosperity through trade.

The WTCA Board of Directors recently revised the previously approved strategic vision and plan, and the business plan is in the processes of finalization. The completed business plan will offer many exciting opportunities for further development of the WTCA network. In parallel, we are fully engaged in the search for a CEO in order to lead the executive team in the implementation of the plan.

At the 42nd WTCA General Assembly in Sao Paulo, the WTCA by-laws were amended with the approval of the membership to further strengthen our governance policies and provide the leadership necessary to support our growing global network of World Trade Centers in the future. The amended by-laws have been published on page 4; they are also available online as a pdf for you to print and keep.

After a successful General Assembly in Sao Paulo, with over 100 WTCs attending, I look forward to joining many of you for an empowering and exciting WTCA Member Seminar in New York. I encourage those WTCs attending to participate in the meetings to take advantage of the “transferable ideas” sessions that are the defining theme of this year’s seminar.

I look forward to meeting my friends and colleagues again as we evaluate the great progress we have made in 2011 and look ahead to a most productive 2012.

Sincerely,

Ghazi Abu NahlWTCA Chairman

A letter from

WTCA Chairman

Rob Frueh, WTCA Director of Member Services and Li Mengxing, Chairman of the Board WTC Jiaxing dedicate the newly approved WTC Jiaxing.

Ghazi Abu Nahl, WTCA Chairman

2 W O R L D T R A D E C E N T E R S A S S O C I AT I O N

WTCA expands its China- focused Marketing InfrastructureBy Scott Wang, WTCA Business Development Executive, Asia

WTCA launched its Chinese web site (www.wtca.org/chinese) in early December as the core component of China-focused marketing infrastructure to boost member services and WTCA promotion in this key growth market where one fifth of the world’s population lives. International trade has been a key driver for the nation’s explosive growth in the past thirty years. As a result, the WTCA network has been expanded in a rapid pace in the past ten years to accommodate the increasing demand for premium international trade facilities and services. This was the first non-English web presence created in the history of the organization.The Chinese web site was integrated with the live feeding from the WTCA’s Weibo (www.weibo.com/u/2175128667) – the Chinese micro-blogging platform equivalent to Twitter. The platform enjoys enormous popularity in China with 250 million users and has become a standard marketing tool for corporations and organizations to promote in China. The WTCA launched Weibo in the past September to update the members of the dynamic development of the worldwide WTCA network in a timely manner. The Weibo platform, along with Twitter, was tapped to provide

live broadcasting of Sao Paulo General Assembly in both English and Chinese and was subsequently forwarded by followers to tens of thousands of WTCA constituents worldwide.In addition, the WTCA started to distribute tailored e-Newsletter in Chinese in September as a regular platform to communicate with the Chinese-speaking WTCs on a quarterly basis. Rob Frueh, WTCA Director of Member Services said: “With the addition of new localized communication interfaces started in Chinese, the WTCA aims to further enhancing communications and services to support our diversified membership base worldwide, as well as our efforts to promote WTCA in a localized manner. I want to thank the HQs team for the great endeavors which add value to our membership”.For further information about the subject, please contact Scott Wang, WTCA Business Development Executive, Asia at +1-212-432-5706 or swang@wtca.org.

WTC Taipei announces new online sourcing platformTAIPEI, TAIWAN - In order to make sourcing easy and efficient, WTC Taipei is proud to introduce a powerful platform, “Sourcing Taiwantrade,” featuring complete information about various sourcing projects, including procurement meetings, conferences, e-procurement service, online interaction forums, online trade meetings, and more.The online trade meeting service saves global buyers

substantial time and costs in locating and visiting suppliers. For purchasers who are not able to come to visit sellers in Taiwan, Sourcing Taiwantrade finds suitable local providers and arranges online trade meetings for them to speak face-to-face with potential customers on a secure video-conferencing platform.

For more information, go to www.wtcaonline.com

Beijing to host the 2012 Asia Pacific Regional Meeting (APRM) By China WTC and WTC Beijing

Following the successful conclusion of 2010 WTCA General Assembly, Beijing is going to host another major WTCA event in 2012. Hosted by China WTC and WTC Beijing, the 2012 Asia Pacific Regional Meeting (APRM) will be held in this city during Feb. 22-24, 2012. The meeting will be attended by representatives from about 70 WTCs in the Asia Pacific region, as well as those from the rest of the world at a time when Asia Pacific is gaining increasing importance as the driving growth force for international trade and the world’s economy. Themed at “Connect with Worldwide WTCA Network”, APRM 2012 will mainly focus on the subject of building a successful WTC with sessions including introduction of WTCA service platforms and sharing of WTC best practices in Asia Pacific region and beyond. A roundtable will be held to facilitate the dialogue and communications between the membership base and the WTCA board and management. For many international delegates, the “Doing Business in China” session would be extremely helpful with prominent speakers from local government and business community. In addition, the two hosting WTCs will take the opportunity to showcase the splendid tradition and stunning modernization of the city with an exciting

cultural night and new Beijing city tour. While still three months away, the meeting has already attracted great support and attention with key sponsorship from China’s Ministry of Commerce and the Beijing Municipal Government. Beijing can’t wait for another great gathering of WTCA family. http://www.wtcbj.com/english/ShowArticle.asp?ArticleID=235.

Mumbai

Decision Makers gather at INDIALLIA, the B2B ForumTop Decision Makers will gather in Mumbai in April 2012 to Forge Strategic Alliances at INDIALLIA, the International Multisector B2B Forum

World Trade Centre (WTC) Mumbai and All India Association of Industries (AIAI) present “INDIALLIA 2012”, an international business development forum for the first time in India. This event gives participant an opportunity to meet potential business partners through a series of personalised B2B meetings. INDIALLIA is based on the internationally- recognized business to business matchmaking forum called “Futurallia”, which has successfully brought thousands of businesses together since its founding in 1990.INDIALLIA 2012 promises to open doors for international business partnerships. INDIALLIA facilitates upto 12 personalized meetings with potential trade partners over 2 days for participating enterprises. A series of pre programmed one to one meetings culminate into commercial strategic, technological and financial alliances. It is an International Meeting Place for leaders from corporate houses, SMEs, entrepreneurs, exporters, importers, service providers, professionals, financiers, technocrats, government officials, education and research institutions and trade promotion organizations.Indiallia, a Global Street that Offers…• Over 8,000 business meetings across two days.• More than 600 business leaders participating

from about 30 countries• Upto 12 personalized business meetings

per participant of 30 minutes each.• Business briefing seminar on trade opportunities in India• A showcase of Experts Village, Partners

Village & International Village• Attractive registration packages with

or without accommodation.

The Expo-A Catalyst to Reinforce Your Business OpportunitiesAlongside the B2B meetings, the exhibition, through three villages, offers a unique platform to promote your organization, guaranteeing global exposure to a wide range of business.Experts Village: An ideal platform to exhibit your expertise and services – This section will comprise of financial advisors, bankers, lawyers, research/educational institutions, trade promotion agencies, legal advisors, tax experts and insurers.International Village: A showcase of regions/provinces, comprising of Delegation Leaders, World Trade Centre’s, State Agencies,

International Clusters, Embassies and Consulates, SEZs and FTZs.Partners Village: An Exhibition to showcase sponsors of the event, Government Agencies, State Governments, Public Sector Units, Airlines Transportation & Logistics Companies, Ports & Allied Services and Tourism Promotion Agencies. Prior registration is required to maximize your business meeting opportunities. For registration and more information please visit the web site: www.indiallia.com or contact marketing@wtcmumbai.org

One Forum and Many Opportunities…• Advertising, Printing,

Publishing, Broadcasting and Entertainment

• Agribusiness and Food Processing

• Auto and Auto Components

• Business Services and Hospitality

• Chemicals and Phamaceuticals

• Construction and Infrastructure

• Education and Vocational Training

• Electrical and Electronics• Energy and Environment• Gems, Jewellery

and Handicrafts• Information

Communications Technology/Media

• Life Sciences and Biotechnology

• Mechanical and Metallurgical

• Textile and Leather... and more

WTCA Spotlight

WTC Hull & HumberWhat makes WTC Hull & Humber unique?The mix of private sector partners is what makes WTC Hull & Humber special. The WTC’s private sector consortium of partners includes:• Andrew Jackson - well-established law firm covering

all areas of business, with a strength in shipping• Henderson Insurance Brokers - leading independently

owned commercial insurance broker in the region• Neill & Brown Global Logistics - provides UK,

European and global logistics services• Language is Everything - language services company

providing interpretation and translations• G-West - in-store marketing and point of purchase

specialist working in all areas of creative agency design• Select Group - business IT solutions company, providing

analysis, design, implementation and support• HSBC - banking and financial services organization

providing a full range of banking services• Mapa Public Relations - award-winning public

relations and communications agency Also, the WTC’s facility is supported by corporate partners with backing from key local public and private stakeholders. These stakeholders include:

• Hull City Council - governing body for the unitary authority and city of Kingston upon Hull

• UK Trade & Investment - government department working with UK businesses to ensure their success in international markets and encouraging the best overseas companies to look to the UK

• The Renewables Network - private business-to-business network established to assist members profitably and quickly enter the renewable energy market

• Team Humber Marine Alliance - nonprofit organization of more than 130 marine engineering associated businesses operating in the renewable energy, offshore oil and gas, defense, commercial shipping and inland waterways sectors

Please tell us about WTC Hull & Humber’s ‘Talkback’ service.The relocation of translation and interpreting company Language is Everything to the WTC enabled us to provide ‘24/7 Talkback’, our round-the-clock telephone interpreting service. This service allows businesses from abroad and the UK to talk to the WTC’s staff, who are almost instantly able to connect the caller to an accomplished interpreter, creating a three-way conference call. We are one of only a few WTCs around the globe that offers a 24-hour service, and this is part of our strategy to ensure that the Humber region is always open and ready for business.

Please discuss WTC Hull & Humber’s focus on the renewable energy industry.The Humber is set to be at the heart of the UK’s renewable energy industry. The recent announcement that Siemens plans to locate its £80m wind turbine manufacturing facility in Hull has created great excitement amongst specialist business in the direct supply chain, many of which are members of Team Humber Marine Alliance and the Renewables Network, both based at WTC Hull & Humber. These two organizations are working very hard to find opportunities in the supply chain, and the WTC is working with them to maximize the prospects for the region’s business in relation to offshore wind and other types of renewable energy.As well as co-hosting renewable energy educational and networking events, WTC Hull & Humber is providing incubation space for small, local businesses and start-ups and also for international renewable energy companies wishing to have a new base in the Humber.

Please discuss the WTC’s second focus on the digital gaming and entertainment industry.WTC Hull & Humber is also creating opportunities to help kick start the digital gaming sector in our region by bringing together local talent and industry experts, and providing sound advice in relation to starting a business. The industry is already worth more than £70bn globally and it is set to double in value over the next five to 10 years.WTC Hull & Humber Partner Lindsay West (director of G-West) has created Platform Expos (platformexpos.com), an annual event on the digital gaming and entertainment calendar, to help put the region on the map in this important sector. Platform Expos is approaching its third year, and the next conference in March hopes to attract 10,000 visitors. Lindsay has also formed a relationship with WTC Doha and is now setting up the first Platform Expo at Qatar University in April. This will create a two-way relationship and form the basis for business and educational opportunities between the two territories.

WTC PROFILEOwnership - private sectorOperating Since - November 2010Facilities Highlights

• New 5,500 square foot waterfront offices with stunning views of the Humber estuary, the busiest trading estuary in the UK, and The Deep, one of the world’s most spectacular aquariums

• First-class, stylish and well-equipped offices offer 40- and 50-person conference spaces, meeting rooms and boardrooms and general office space in which video conferencing facilities can also be utilized

• Incubator space provided to help businesses looking to set up operations in the region

Service Highlights• Regular, market-specific seminars and networking

events related to key foreign markets• Trade missions to explore new markets

and assistance to receive delegations• Presence of UK Trade & Investment at the WTC

allows the offer of expertise, giving businesses access to specialist knowledge and a range of short courses, such as the successful Passport to Export and Overseas Market Introduction Service

• Advice and option to purchase services from the WTC’s partners in the areas of international law,

banking, insurance, logistics, language services, marketing, PR and design, and accountancy

Top international markets for the WTC’s local business community for the upcoming year

• Brazil, Russia, India and Qatar• Is looking at emerging markets that

provide opportunities for the expertise in

the Humber to be exported – in renewable energy, digital gaming, oil and gas

• The Humber already has strong links with India in a number of sectors and the intention is to continue building business

Region’s Strengths• The Humber is the fourth largest trading estuary

in northern Europe and the largest in the UK• Ideal geographical position allows the

Humber to provide the infrastructure for the enormous North Sea offshore wind farms to be constructed over the coming decade

• The Humber is home to innovative tidal and wave technology, investment in biomass, and top-level research into carbon capture and utilization, due to its proximity to important power stations that meet much of the UK’s electricity demands

(l to r) Peter Brown, managing director, Neill and Brown Global Logistics; Ian Archibald, manager, WTC Hull & Humber (WTC H&H); Jessica Cross, international business apprentice, WTC H&H; Rob Penrose, managing partner, Andrew Jackson Solicitors; Mary Green, office manager, Team Humber Marine Alliance (THMA); Jeremy Allison, partner, Smailes Goldie Chartered Accountants; Mica Vine, international business executive, WTC H&H; Mark O’Reilly, director, THMA; Lindsay West, managing director, G-West; Catherine Ackroyd, partner, Mapa PR; Andrew Wakefield, associate director, Henderson Insurance Brokers; Mark Robson, international trade director, UK Trade & Investmen

W O R L D T R A D E C E N T E R S A S S O C I AT I O N 3

4 W O R L D T R A D E C E N T E R S A S S O C I AT I O N

New By-lawsAmended Section (October 2011)

16. Qualifications of DirectorsExcept for ex-officio members to the Board, as set forth in 17-(c) below, and permanent WTCA staff appointed by the Board, all elected directors of the Asso-ciation must satisfy and maintain each of the following minimum qualifications to be nominated for, elected to, and continue to serve on the WTCA Board:

a. must be a commissioner, director, or chief executive officer (or its equiva-lent) of a Regular Member in good standing, which includes being fully cur-rent in its dues and all other payments to the Association, adhering to the WTCA’s branding guidelines, and being a certified World Trade Center;

b. must have a minimum of five years experience owning or working for one or more Regular Members (or equiva-lent professional experience if Regular Member is a government or quasi-gov-ernmental entity);

c. must reside or work in the geograph-ic Region with which the Board seat is associated;

d. must be proficient in English (or make arrangements for appropriate translator assistance), so as to satisfy the requirement that all Board meet-ings and General Assembly business be conducted in English;

e. must agree to abide by the WTCA’s conflict of interest and code of ethics policies and otherwise be of good char-acter and integrity;

f. must agree to adhere to the WTCA’s attendance policy for regular and spe-cial Board meetings, which permits no more than one unexcused absence per year; and

g. must satisfy any other qualifying standards established by the Board from time to time and ratified by a ma-jority of those Regular Members present at any General Assembly.

World Trade Centers Association420 Lexington AvenueSuite 518New York, New York 10170 U.S.A.As amended October 2011

By Scott Wang, WTCA Business Development Executive, Asia

The WTCA is pleased to announce the launch of Access China 2012 program, September 7-14, 2012 with participation in China International Fair for Investment and Trade (CIFIT) as a core component. The program also includes the subsequent visits to China’s business hubs including Yangtze River Delta in the east, Pearl River Delta in the south, and Beijing/Tianjin region in the north, where local WTCs organize tailored programs to match the individual needs of worldwide WTCs and their business members which participate in the program. Through the program, WTCA aims to provide access to the fast-growing Chinese market via its member WTCs in the country; offer opportunities for worldwide WTCs to promote their regions, companies, investment projects, products and services; create new revenue stream for WTCs to organize their own trade missions by laying down the framework and infrastructure; achieve the strengthening of global WTCA network and reciprocity by facilitating cross-WTC/cross-region connections; and showcase/brand the WTCA global network as a top international trade facility and service provider to the Chinese and international business communities.

The program will start with WTCA’s participation in the 16th CIFIT, a top international investment and trade facilitation platform sponsored solely by the China’s Ministry of Commerce and held annually in Xiamen, China from September 8-11. CIFIT has been attended by senior government leaders, company representatives, real estate

developers, trade specialists and media reporters from all over China and more than 100 countries/regions. Based on the strategic partnership formed between WTCA and CIFIT, WTCA, with full support from CIFIT and WTC teams from the Greater China region, will establish a WTCA Pavilion to showcase the global WTCA network with presences of all participating WTCs, and organize a series of promotion and facilitation platforms including WTCA Forum, cocktail reception, regional investment environment introductions, and matchmaking sessions. “WTCA is proud to introduce this unique opportunity of active participation in the WTCA Pavilion at CIFIT in 2012 to our valued members and their business members, which will greatly benefit from co-location with fellow WTCs at a dedicated WTCA exhibition booth space. As a result of WTCA’s and CIFIT’s cooperation, attending WTCs will enjoy access to specially-tailored matchmaking meetings, and other facilitation services.” said Mr. Robert J. Frueh, WTCA Director of Member Services.

After CIFIT, WTCs and their business members will fly to cities of their interest where they’ll be received by the host WTCs. With the coordination of WTCA, meetings, site visits, and matchmaking sessions will be pre-arranged between the visiting WTCs and host WTCs to address individual needs. For more details about the program, please visit www.wtca.org/accesschina2012. For further questions and information, please contact Scott Wang, WTCA Business Development Executive, Asia at +1-212-432-2706 or email swang@wtca.org.

By Scott Richie, General Counsel and Audrey Wilkins, Paralegal

Imitation may be the highest form of flattery, but not when it comes to the unauthorized use of one’s trademark and goodwill. Through the success of our Members, the WTCA has built an internationally recognized brand that symbolizes state-of-the-art buildings and quality trade services. Unfortunately, our collective efforts have also spawned scores of imitators each year who attempt to mimic the WTCA brand and pass themselves off as legitimate World Trade Centers.Our task is not only to take forceful legal action to discourage potential infringers, but also to educate the business community on the financial benefits of becoming a licensed WTC. It is a carrot and stick approach that has converted many unauthorized users into becoming accepted members of the WTCA network.First, the stick. In 2009 and 2010, the WTCA spent more than US$1 million in legal fees to protect its three core trademarks – WORLD TRADE CENTER, WTC, and the Map Design Logo – around the world. In 2011, the WTCA hired its first general counsel and first paralegal, who supervise trademark enforcement activities through more than 40 foreign attorneys spread across the globe. The WTCA is currently engaged in more than two dozen enforcement actions – ranging from cease-and-desist letters to trademark registration oppositions – in as many countries.Second, the carrot. Over the past year and a half, the WTCA has worked to settle numerous trademark disputes, resulting in the assignment of four similar foreign trademark registrations to the WTCA and two non-licensed users seeking membership in the WTCA.

We also initiated a “naming-rights” agreement, which we provide to Members who are interested in forming a business arrangement with third-party building owners or developers. This model agreement allows a Member to establish an office, on a free or discounted rent basis, in return for the developer’s use of the WTCA name on its building – all subject to legal safeguards to protect WTCA’s

trademark rights and ensure consistent branding of the building.Instrumental in this carrot and stick effort has been the WTCA’s ability to project a consistent and valuable brand – recognized by international trademark officials as being worthy of protection, and by businesses and developers as being worthy of their investment in joining the WTCA or affiliating themselves with a Member. This result is attributable in no small measure to the cooperative effort by WTCA Headquarters and the majority of our Members to adhere to a consistent use of the WTCA brand.But more needs to be done.One of the first steps in winning the battle against the unauthorized use of our brand is to educate those on the front lines – the WTCs who brand their buildings and brand their trade services -- on how to project a uniform brand. The fame of a trademark does not ensure a legal win against a claim of dilution, genericness or likelihood of confusion if those entitled to use the trademark (i.e., you the Members) do so in an inconsistent or improper manner.

The most important rule: Be consistent! Follow the WTCA’s Brand Guidelines. If you don’t have a copy of the Guidelines, we will gladly send them to you. Use the WTCA’s Logo Builder to ensure adherence to the WTCA’s branding policy.

Use all caps when referencing the WTCA’s trademarks, along with the appropriate demarcation. Demarcation refers to the use of symbols to identify the status of the trademarks under your brand. If a mark or tag line has been applied for but not yet registered, use of the ™ symbol applies. Once the mark is registered, you should change the symbol to reflect the new status ®. In countries where Spanish is the [dominant] language, use of the words “Marca Registrada” or its abbreviation “MR” is acceptable. Where French is the language of rule, “Marque Déposée” or “Marque de Commerce” or their abbreviations, “MD” and “MC” are acceptable forms of demarcation.Remember that distinction is what keeps our brand alive and our trademarks famous. Inconsistency makes it more difficult – and costly – to defend our brand in every corner of the world.

DEFENDING THE WTCA BRAND

Building Strength in Our Brand to Avoid Enforcement Actions

WTCA Launches Access China 2012

W O R L D T R A D E C E N T E R S A S S O C I AT I O N 5

Dynamic Business center Vibrant and dynamic, an international business and conference center, a community with more than 352 businesses and 37 nationalities. A multi-cultural center of knowledge and the top in the area of commerce. Based at the heart of the financial center of the Netherlands, only seven minutes from city centre and Schiphol Airport.

World Trade Center Amsterdam brings busines-ses together and provides them with a range of services that help them succeed.

Want to know more about available office space?Contact us at +31 (0) 20 575 91 11 or email realestate@wtcamsterdam.com

Adv_WTCA_140x185.indd 4 17-05-11 13:20

The industry’s brightest minds come here to shine. Every year one place brings together the innovators on technologies cutting edge. Contact John Kelley at jtkelley@CE.org to learn about special offers for WTCA members.

Tuesday, January 10 – Friday, January 13, 2012 Las Vegas Convention and World Trade Center/The Las Vegas Hilton Las Vegas, Nevada | CESweb.org

The World Trade Centers Association For the 20th consecutive year, the WTCA will organize a stand at the MIPIM International Property Market event to be held in Cannes, France in March 2012. MIPIM is the world’s largest trade show for property developers seeking landmark real estate development projects to showcase their communities.Contact us at wtca.org for more information about how to participate as a WTC member

PromotingPeace & StabilitythroughTrade.

World Trade Centers Association420 Lexington Avenue Suite 518New York, NY 10170 USA(212) 432 2626 tel / 488 0064 faxwtca@wtca.org / www.wtca.org

The World Trade Centers Association provides businesses with substantial advantages through worldwide marketing links via its global network of trade and business organizations in nearly 100 countries. “World Trade Center” is a unique and distinctive brand as well as a premium real estate address that serves as a city’s focal point for international commerce. Contact us at www.wtca.org to find out how the World Trade Center designation can provide a reliable and cooperative advantage to your business.

Copyright © Richard Tatum. All rights reserved.

MIPIM 2012Your chance togreet the world...

Short WTC News from around the World

6 W O R L D T R A D E C E N T E R S A S S O C I AT I O N

WTCA members invited to participate in Las Vegas consumer electronics trade show, co-promoted by WTC Montevideo

LAS VEGAS, NEVADA, USA – Every year, more than 140,000 professionals from 130 countries visit Las Vegas for the largest annual tradeshow in the consumer electronics industry, the International Consumer Electronics Show® (CES).

Uruguay women of the year 2010-2011

MONTEVIDEO, URUGUAY – On August 18, 2011, WTC Montevideo and Juan Herrera Productions organized the 10th edition of the “Woman of the Year in Uruguay” awards ceremony with a gala dinner for 550 guests.

WTC Tacoma’s 18th Annual Globe Awards

TACOMA, WASHINGTON, USA - WTC Tacoma hosted its 18th Annual Globe Awards Gala, the WTC’s annual flagship event, on September 8, 2011 at the city’s Hotel Murano. This occasion also commemorated the 10th anniversary of the attacks on WTC New York of September 11, 2001.

WTC Montevideo promotes local suppliers at global wine, spirits and specialty food event MONTEVIDEO, URUGUAY – WTC Montevideo is collaborating with Efficient Collaborative Retail Marketing (ECRM) for the ECRM Global Wine, Spirits and Specialty Food Event. Held October 10-13, 2011 at the Marriott Napa Valley Hotel & Spa in Napa, California, United States, the event will bring together producers, suppliers, importers and exporters to present their products and services to a global audience of retailers, distributors, restaurant groups and hotels.

ROTTERDAM, THE NETHERLANDS – On September 7, 2011, over 90 members of WTC Eindhoven visited Rotterdam.Members of Beurs-WTC Rotterdam’s Business club joined the program to get the opportunity to meet one another. During this day, members of both Business clubs visited cruise ship De Rotterdam, the largest vessel ever built on Dutch soil and the former flagship of the Holland America Line.

Calling all businesses north of 53, WTC Edmonton to host winter city festivalEDMONTON, CANADA - The city of Edmonton will be the site of an international knowledge-themed winter festival called Metropolis from late December 2011 to mid-February 2012. WTC Edmonton (WTCE) has been asked to help attract the brightest business minds from regions and countries, which lie above the 53rd parallel, to this event hosted by the city.

Historic U.S.-China event in Salt Lake City, Utah

SALT LAKE CITY, UTAH, USA - Salt Lake City was host to a truly historic event when four Chinese provincial leaders met with American governors and businessmen at the U.S. & China 2011 Trade, Culture and Education Conference, held July 14-16, 2011.The conference, co-hosted by the American & Chinese Friendship Promotion Society, WTC Utah, Salt Lake Chamber of Commerce, and the Economic Development Corporation of Utah, coincided with the National Governor’s Association meeting and provided a unique opportunity for the Chinese governors to meet with numerous U.S. governors as well as a wide range of Utah companies.

“Africa: 53 Countries, One Union – The New Challenges” ConferenceThe official conference was held at Johns Hopkins University’s School of Advanced International Studies the next day, focusing on the roles of the United Nations, African Union, European Union, and United States and Chinese governments. Representatives from international organizations such as the World Bank, African Development Bank, World Trade Organization, and Economic Commission for Africa were represented.

Short WTC News from around the World

W O R L D T R A D E C E N T E R S A S S O C I AT I O N 7

Top dealmakers to travel to Cape Town for 2012 WTCA EMEA Regional Meeting & Future of Trade Expo 2012CAPE TOWN, SOUTH AFRICA - More than a thousand high-level business and government representatives from across the world are set to travel to Cape Town to attend from May 30 to June 1, 2012 the first ever WTCA EMEA (Europe, Middle East and Africa) Regional Meeting to be held on the continent.

WTC Warsaw developing commercial ties with Southeast Asia

WARSAW, POLAND - Following a recent delegation of Polish meat producers to Thailand, in September WTC Warsaw brought representatives from Polish coffee and tea-producing giant MOKATE to the Southeast Asian nation. WTC Warsaw President Jacques Tourel personally led the mission and arranged top-level meetings with potential Thai importers.

ALMERE, THE NETHERLANDS - On September 30, WTC Almere and WTC Amsterdam will hold the WTC Golf Tournament at the Golfbaan Naarderbos.The Naarderbos Golf Course is a unique center with a beautiful championship and par-3 course. Located at the Gooimeer Lake, only 15 minutes from Almere and Amsterdam, the Naarderbos Golf Course offers forests, height variations, bodies of water, and an undulating terrain. For those participating in a clinic, the event will also have a challenging program including a match on a par-3 course.

New York City, USA

2011 WTCA Member Seminar in New York-kicks off...

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WTC Cape Town hosting Trade Expo in FebruaryJOHANNESBURG, SOUTH AFRICA – WTC Cape Town is partnering with Ekurhuleni Business Initiative (EBI) to host “Trade Expo 2012” at the Emperor’s Palace Hotel & Convention Center near Johannesburg, in the Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Municipality.

8 W O R L D T R A D E C E N T E R S A S S O C I AT I O N

SPOTLIGHT: INTRODUCE YOUR WTC

ISTANBULIstanbul has long been known as the ‘City of

the World’s Desire’. With access to Europe and Asia, Istanbul has historically been a crossroads where many cultures met, as

well as a trading hub. Today, Istanbul has the fourth highest number of billionaires of any city in the world. Turkey as a whole grew by 8.9% last year, propelled partly by the growth of industry, particularly in Istanbul, an industrial center. Another contributing factor was surely the work of WTC Istanbul, which joined WTCA in 1980 and was certified by the Association in 2009.

Established in 1982, WTC Istanbul is located in an area totaling 500,000 m2 and is one of the most comprehensive trade centers in the world. Within this area, there are 11 exhibition halls, trade and business centers comprised of three separate business towers of 17 floors each, meeting rooms and conference halls. Also located in the WTC Istanbul facilities are the five-star Istanbul hotel, four-star airport hotel, and the 4,000 seat capacity convention center. This month, WTC Istanbul General Manager Haluk Kanca discusses design, cooperation with other WTCs, and Somalia’s famine plight.

WTC Istanbul is jointly owned by several different bodies. How have these relationships benefitted the WTC?The Istanbul Chamber of Commerce, Union of Chambers and Commodity Exchanges of Turkey, Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality, Municipality of Bakirkoy County, Istanbul Chamber of Industry, Istanbul Commodity Exchange, and Business Development Foundation jointly own WTC Istanbul. These bodies are public institutions with specific missions for the common good and our mission is aligned with theirs. Working together on projects with our license owners, which operate in different fields, helps us to diversify our own expertise. Moreover, when we work with other WTCs, we are able to provide them with a wider range of services and therefore operate as a full service trade center, thanks to our affiliation with these bodies.

Please describe your plans for WTC Istanbul’s upcoming Business Club.The Business Club initiative of WTC Istanbul, called “WT Club”, will primarily aim to develop trade events and services to create more trade opportunities for members and to ultimately further strengthen ties between regions of the world. WTC Istanbul would like to offer these networking possibilities to Turkish business circles as well as international ones, where businessmen can take advantage of face-to-face interaction to develop new business relationships.Architecture firm RED Istanbul won the “Best VIP Office Design” award at the 2011 European Union Quality Awards for its design of WT Club. This design reflects the concept of business networking in a relaxed environment.

We would like its visitors to feel the WTC experience as we provide our services. We envision it being an experience and I think the design perfectly supports this objective.

How have you collaborated with other WTCs?We have organized trade missions with other WTCs such as WTCs Bucharest, Algeria, and Twente, to name a few. In addition, we assisted fellow WTCs wanting to host interns from Turkey by working with local universities to provide the WTCs with student interns through international internship programs. We have sent interns to several WTCs in the U.S.A., China and India.

How would you like to additionally collaborate with other WTCs?One of our major goals is to boost our collaboration with other WTCs, especially through trade missions, inbound and outbound. Turkey has become a prime market for foreign businesses because of the country’s dynamism and potential for profitability. Thanks to the WTC’s big public institution licensees that work closely with companies of different sectors, we have a big advantage of being able to reach a broad audience of businesses from various industries.

How does WTC Istanbul assist its local business community in attracting foreign investment?The city of Istanbul currently accommodates over half of the driving force companies of the Turkish economy, and at 43%, contributes a large slice of the Turkish general budget income. WTC Istanbul could play the role of consultancy for international business circles interested in rigorously directing their investment activities to Turkey. In line with this effort, for example, we have successfully managed the mediation of HP’s investment in Western Turkey.

What are the top international markets for WTC Istanbul’s local business community?Turkey’s biggest export market is the European Union (E.U.). Istanbul area companies are also exporting to Middle Eastern and Central Asian countries, due to their increasing purchasing power and public infrastructure spending. China and India are also the main targets of the greater Istanbul area exporters.Turkey is an aspiring member of the European Union.

What do you think the effects on the city of Istanbul and the country would be if Turkey were to join?As mentioned, the E.U. is already the biggest trade partner of Turkey and Turkey’s level of direct foreign investment would likely increase due to E.U. membership. Istanbul provides approximately 70 percent of Turkey’s exports and our exporters could send their products to E.U. countries more easily without significant duties and barriers.Furthermore, WTC Istanbul could expand more rapidly in international exhibitions. In 2010, the WTC’s Istanbul Expo Center, the biggest exhibition ground in Turkey, hosted 90 out of the 185 exhibitions that took place in Istanbul, a statistic that put the expo center and the

WTC at the top of the exhibition industry in Turkey and one which might be more favorable as a result of E.U. membership.

What major challenges do you foresee for WTC Istanbul?Challenges we might face include determining how to help more businesses with opportunities that provide real benefits, and addressing the needs of a large audience. An additional challenge would be how to best achieve economic, business and cultural integration of Turkey into the international business community.

Please describe WTC Istanbul’s recent involvement to help solve Somalia’s famine plight.In line with its social mission and due to its association with some of Turkey’s leading public institutions, WTC Istanbul attaches great importance to local and international charities. In this regard, WTC Istanbul contributed 140,000 USD to help those suffering from famine in Somalia. This gesture was made through the Turkish Red Crescent, which has the best organization, means and distribution channels in Somalia.According to United Nations (U.N.) estimates, 640,000 children in Somalia are acutely malnourished, a statistic likely to worsen. Out of a population of roughly 7.5 million, the U.N. states that 3.2 million Somalis are in need of immediate lifesaving assistance. Hundreds of millions of dollars have been donated to fight the country’s hunger crisis, but the U.N. says it needs hundreds of millions more. WTC Istanbul once again calls on all WTCs to contribute to this cause as much as they can to help reduce the human suffering in Somalia, which needs contributions, no matter what the size.

Haluk Kanca, born in 1968 in Trabzon (Northern Turkey), has been serving as general manager of WTC Istanbul since 2008. Mr. Kanca holds a seat on the executive committee of WTCA’s board of directors.

If you have any feedback or comments on this WTCA Spotlight, please e-mail WTCA Newsletter’s editor at kyoung@wtca.org.

(l to r) Emre Goker, foreign affairs team member; Rustu Argit, foreign affairs manager; Haluk Kanca, general manager; Ershan Ertuzun, foreign affairs supervisor; Okay Basbug, foreign affairs team member

WTCA NewspaperEditor: Andy Grogan, Manager Member Services

The WTCA Newspaper appears 4 times a year. The next edition is in April 2012 in conjunction with the WTCA Regional Meeting of the Americas in San Diego, USAIf you wish to submit an article for the Newspaper or an advert (free to all WTC members) - then please do so before March 15th 2012.

Please contact Andy Grogan atagrogan@wtca.org