The World Trade Centers Association (WTCA) is an international trade organization based in New York. It comprises more than 300 World Trade Centers (WTC) in over 90 countries and connects more than one million member companies. On the occasion of the "Open Investor Day" at the World Trade Center Dresden, the WTCA is focusing its attention on the importance of global trade relations and the opportunities that its network offers.
The WTCA was introduced at today's press conference at the WTC Dresden. Robin van Puyenbroeck, Executive Director-Business Development of the WTCA, explained why each World Trade Center functions like a small city. Each WTC offers comprehensive services and infrastructure that support companies and enable them to operate globally and be successful locally.
The WTCA business network
The strength of the WTCA lies in its extensive global network. Regional WTC managers can establish contacts for companies worldwide. Freerk Faber, WTCA Board Member and CEO of WTC Twente in the Netherlands, reported on a Dutch florist that had lost its British market as a result of Brexit. Faber made connections with the WTC in Bremen to give the retailer access to the German market. This success story shows how the WTCA can support companies in times of crisis.
Patricia Moinard, Director of the WTC Metz-Saarbrücken, also reported on success stories in the border triangle between France, Germany and Luxembourg. These stories underline the importance of the WTCA as a bridge for international trade relations and economic cooperation.
The license holder for the WTC Dresden is Deka Immobilien GmbH. Stefan Scholl, Real Estate Economist and Head of Acquisitions and Sales Europe at Deka Immobilien GmbH, spoke about the impact of global developments on the real estate and retail sector in Germany. He emphasized the importance of adapting to changing market conditions and developing innovative usage concepts for office and commercial properties.
History of the Dresden WTC
The World Trade Center Dresden has an eventful history. During the GDR era, a factory of the VEB Dresdner Süßwarenfabriken "Elbflorenz" was located on the site of today's WTC. After reunification, production was discontinued as there were no interested buyers for the business. In 1993, construction work began on the first World Trade Center in East Germany. The building complex comprises around 90,000 square meters of office and commercial space, spread over 7 and 16 floors respectively. The WTC Dresden was completed in 1996 and quickly developed into a leading business, science and administration location in Dresden.
Today, the WTC Dresden is facing new challenges. Germany is aiming for a virtually CO₂-neutral building stock by 2050, and the WTC Dresden is committed to achieving these climate protection targets. Under the motto "WTC 2033+", a long-term vision has been developed that focuses on sustainability.
The Comödie Dresden at the WTC
In addition to the commercial and scientific facilities, the World Trade Center Dresden is also home to the Comödie Dresden. This theater offers a wide range of entertainment programs and attracts visitors from all over the region. With a varied repertoire ranging from classic comedies to modern plays, Comödie Dresden contributes to the cultural diversity and vibrancy of the WTC. The integration of cultural institutions such as Comödie Dresden into the WTC not only strengthens the sense of community, but also makes the World Trade Center a lively meeting place for business, science and culture.
Today's press conference at the WTC Dresden highlighted the important role of the WTCA in the global trading world. With a strong focus on networking and partnerships, the WTCA offers companies the opportunity to operate successfully worldwide. The history of the Dresden WTC shows how a former industrial area can become a leading business location. Through the "WTC 2033+" vision and commitment to sustainability, WTC Dresden is facing up to the challenges of the future and remains a central hub in the WTCA's global network.
