Global Trade Leaders Converge in Marseille for WTCA’s 55th Annual Forum

MARSEILLE, FRANCE — In a world increasingly fractured by protectionism and uncertainty, over 400 business and trade leaders from more than 50 countries gathered in Marseille from April 6–9, 2025, for the 55th World Trade Centers Association (WTCA) Global Business Forum (GBF) — a flagship event aiming to reassert the power of global connections.

Hosted by World Trade Center Marseille Provence, this year’s Forum carried the theme “Gateway to the Mediterranean”, spotlighting Marseille's role as a strategic conduit between Southern Europe, North Africa, and the Middle East. The city, France’s oldest and a key Mediterranean port, played more than host — it became a symbol of what’s still possible when cross-border commerce is championed over isolation.

Trade, Real Estate, and the Power of Place

The Forum showcased not just dialogue, but deal-making. Over 500 B2B meetings and more than 20 workshops facilitated direct engagement between businesses, trade officials, and international delegates. Real estate also took center stage, with WTCA debuting its first Real Estate Summit—a deep dive into how infrastructure, logistics, and sustainable development are reshaping the physical backbone of global trade.

This wasn’t simply a conference. For many attendees, it was a strategic inflection point. Discussions ranged from the relevance of Free Trade Zones (FTZs) to the expanding footprint of digital and biotech industries in the Marseille region, all framed by broader geopolitical and environmental shifts.

A Counter-Narrative to Global Fragmentation

In a keynote panel titled “Global Outlook: Navigating Trade and Investment Trends in 2025,” Angela Ellard, Deputy Director General of the World Trade Organization (WTO), urged business leaders to think beyond short-term retaliatory policies like tariffs, advocating instead for a long-term view rooted in stability and inclusion.

WTCA Chair John E. Drew emphasized the resilience of global trade networks, remarking, “This year’s GBF showcased the real value of connection: forging strategic partnerships… opening new pathways to trade; and reaffirming our shared commitment to free, fair, and open commerce.” In an era of uncertainty, the WTCA — through its network of over 300 World Trade Centers — is positioning itself not just as a connector of businesses, but as a custodian of global cooperation.

WTCA’s 55th Annual Forum, Marseille

From Marseille to Philadelphia: The Road Ahead

The Forum ended with a ceremonial handoff: the 56th WTCA GBF will be held in Philadelphia, USA, in April 2026. While the next gathering lies a year away, the message from Marseille was clear — international trade may be turbulent, but the appetite for collaboration is far from gone.

As Benoit Vincent, CEO of WTC Marseille Provence, noted, “This year’s GBF underscored the vital role the Marseille region plays in shaping the future of international trade… we are proud to have hosted an event that actually goes beyond dialogue — sparking real connections to catalyze regional and international business growth.”