GIBRALTAR, U.K. - With MIPIM, the world’s property market, taking place in Cannes this week, 11 to 14 March, World Trade Center Gibraltar found itself positioned almost directly opposite the Madrid exhibition stand. The irony wasn’t lost on the Gibraltar delegation.

“The World Trade Centers Association Stand, of which we were part, occupied a prime location on the main Show thoroughfare and, nearly directly in front, was Madrid. Every visitor to the Madrid stand will have walked past the scale model of World Trade Center Gibraltar and could not have helped but to notice it - as it was centre stage. What a great way to spread the message that Gibraltar is more than open for international business,” said Karen Houston, representing World Trade Center Gibraltar.

The World Trade Centers Association, which represents WTCs in 100 countries, gave Gibraltar the spotlight this year, she said.

“The WTCA has been hugely encouraging. Its mission statement is ‘prosperity through trade’ and, by supporting Gibraltar’s grand 45 million pound vision to attract inward investment and stimulate trade, they believe that the project will help to overcome differences and bind nations. So far this belief has been borne out with a FTSE 250 company already having approached us to confirm its interest in moving to World Trade Center Gibraltar.”

An extravagant fireworks display over the Cannes skyline kicked off MIPIM 2014, a Show that celebrates its 25th anniversary this year. The Event brings together influential players from all international property sectors.

MIPIM 2014 is expected to achieve a record audience of more than 25,000.