Next Week: World Trade Centers Association Brings Global Trade Forum to Marseille Amid Supply Chain Shifts

As geopolitical tensions and supply chain shifts continue to reshape the global economy, the World Trade Centers Association (WTCA) is set to bring over 300 delegates from more than 50 countries to Marseille for its 55th Annual Global Business Forum, running April 6–9.

The annual gathering, hosted this year in France’s second-largest city, comes at a critical time. Regionalization, infrastructure instability, and evolving trade alliances have created new uncertainties—and opportunities—across global commerce. Marseille, with its vital port and Mediterranean crossroads status, serves as a fitting stage.

A Forum for Trade’s Next Chapter

The lineup includes voices from the World Trade Organization, fDi Intelligence (Financial Times), and the World Free Zones Organization, among others. Topics range from free trade zone evolution to the 2025 investment landscape—with a strong focus on the Mediterranean’s role in intercontinental logistics and finance.

One new addition this year: a Real Estate Summit, targeting foreign direct investment (FDI) trends in urban infrastructure, green buildings, and supply chain hubs.

“In an era of economic fragmentation, forums like this are critical to maintaining open markets,” said John E. Drew, WTCA Board Chair. “Marseille’s role as a gateway makes it the ideal venue to address both regional and systemic trade challenges.”

Beyond the Stage: Matchmaking, MOUs, and More

Delegates will also participate in structured B2B matchmaking, powered by a platform co-developed with CCI Internationale Provence Alpes Côte d’Azur. The WTCA hopes to replicate or surpass last year’s benchmark in Bengaluru, where 12 memorandums of understanding (MOUs) were signed.

This year’s agenda reflects a pivot: not just promoting trade but also rethinking it. Attendees are expected to tackle pressing issues like green energy transition in shipping, decoupling from politically unstable markets, and the rise of nearshoring.

Why It Matters

With the Grand Port Maritime de Marseille ranking among Europe’s largest and busiest ports, the city has long served as a vital link between Europe, North Africa, and the Middle East. Now, it's stepping into a larger role: shaping the conversation about the future of global trade itself. Follow the event live via #WTCAinMarseille and on the official WTCA event portal.