Q&A With WTCA's RAC Chairs

The WTCA Editorial Team sat down with our new Regional Advisory Council (RAC) Chairs for a Q&A to gauge their thoughts on what Members within their regions should expect in 2025.

Our interviewees:

• Remy Swaab [RS], Chair, Latin America (LatAm) RAC
• Ed Allison-Wright [EAW], Chair, European RAC (ERAC)
• Vineet Verma [VV], Chair, Asia Pacific (APAC) RAC
• Ahmed Tibaoui [AT], Chair, Middle East & Africa (MEA) RAC
• Ivan Barrios [IB], Chair, North America (NA) RAC

Economic and Market Overview:

What are the projected economic conditions for your region in 2025?

• RS: The LatAm region’s growth is projected to continue steadily at about 2.5% in 2025. Some contributing factors include low unemployment and low inflation.
• EAW: There is mixed opinion as to how the European region will fare economically in 2025, with the anticipation of a change and volatility being abundant in international markets. Flat to modest economic growth is most likely.
• VV: The APAC region is expected to witness moderate to strong economic growth, with emerging markets such as India, China, Taiwan and Vietnam continuing to drive the region’s expansion. Since the 2024 WTCA Global Business Forum (GBF) took place in Bangalore, India last March, we have seen a significant interest for the WTC brand across the region. The growth trajectory for WTCA will be influenced by several factors, including acceptance of the brand as an international trade agency, particularly amongst government and business bodies; geopolitical stability across the region; digital transformation measures adopted by the WTCA network; enhanced trade partnerships to benefit the EXIM community; supply chain resilience, especially with the region’s vast manufacturing; sustainability measures WTCA adopts and practices; and finally innovative ideas we collectively bring in to grow international trade.
• AT: It must be said that multilateral organizations such as the World Bank issue forecasts for Sub-Saharan Africa and the Middle East & North Africa (MENA) region. Growth has resumed in Sub-Saharan Africa, but remains weak. Economic activity in the region, which bottomed out at 2.4% in 2023, grew by 3% in 2024, driven by private consumption and investment. It is expected to accelerate further to 4% in 2025-2026. However, the outlook remains uncertain despite declining global inflation and improving global activity supporting growth in the region. The MENA Economic Situation Report projected regional GDP growth to be modest at 2.2% in 2024 (down from 1.8% in 2023), amid growing uncertainty. In addition to examining the regional macroeconomic outlook, this biannual edition devotes a chapter to the economic impact of the conflict on the Palestinian economy, as well as on economies in the MENA region and beyond.
• IB: In 2025, the North American region is expected to see steady economic growth, driven by trade, tourism, infrastructure development and nearshoring trends. However, inflation and political instability in parts of Latin America, and global economic uncertainty could pose risks.

Which factors are expected to influence growth or stability and how do you see the WTC brand acting as a stable figure for organizations in your region?

• RS: Supporting international business is a cornerstone activity amongst the 50+ WTC businesses in the LatAm region, allowing our Association to make a positive impact on global trade and commerce.
• EAW: Ironically, volatility in macro markets can create fertile ground for the WTC brand, given that WTC businesses can bridge some of the gaps that such uncertainty creates. In times of uncertainty, trusted, recognized global brands such as the WTC brand can be the glue that keeps trading relationships together.
• VV: I believe that the WTC brand will continue to serve as a stabilizing force, providing organizations with connectivity, resources and the required support they need to thrive in an increasingly interconnected and complex global economy.
• AT: The most active WTC businesses in the region organize events, contributing to the economic growth of their country by organizing B2B meetings, webinars with their counterparts, trade fairs and conferences. It is in this capacity that they facilitate the visibility of their country by sending back a dynamic image with the support of WTCA, an international organization that is unique in the world. No other organization in each country can boast this image, even the Chambers of Commerce, because WTCA has an exceptional globally connected network.
• IB: The WTC brand will serve as a stabilizing force by connecting North American businesses through trusted networks, fostering trade expansion and promoting knowledge exchange. WTCA’s global presence will strengthen the region’s economic resilience and facilitate sustainable growth.

Member Engagement and Development:

How will WTCA Members in your region collaborate, co-create, or support one another in 2025?

• EAW: WTCA European Members, along with Members from other regions will have opportunities to explore, discuss and learn about the business opportunities and market threats through our global meetings as well as meetings hosted by our Member Advisory Councils (MACs), which focus on specialties such as Real Estate, Trade Services, Conferences and Exhibitions, and also Business Clubs. We have some trailblazer Members in Europe, such as WTC Lisbon that have extensive Business Club experience, putting key stakeholders into the room together and delivering exclusive high-level, C-suite content for Members across our region. As a region, we’re very fortunate to have many Members like this that have similar focuses in their respective cities.
• VV: I believe that collaboration, co-creation and mutual support will be essential pillars for WTCA APAC Members in 2025. The challenges and opportunities in our region require a unified approach where each WTC business contributes its unique strengths to build a robust ecosystem for trade and investment. The business ecosystem we have created here is already helping Members to collaborate through cross-border initiatives and leverage digital platforms. By co-creating solutions — whether in sustainability, innovation or trade facilitation — we can harness collective expertise to drive regional growth. Over the years, APAC WTCA Members have supported one another by facilitating trade missions, business matchmaking and joint events. We will continue to be a connector and facilitator for these collaborations, ensuring that our APAC Members are well-positioned to adapt and thrive in 2025 and beyond.

Upcoming Events and Initiatives:

What WTCA events, trade missions, or partnerships are planned for 2025 in your region (i.e., Regional Conferences, the upcoming WTCA GBF in Marseille, etc.)? How will WTCA Members in your region benefit from attending?

• RS: As a region, we are projecting 4 meeting events – including the WTCA LatAm Conference held in August in Curitiba, Brazil. As a non-profit Association, partnerships are always in our sights as it allows us to expand our reach and services for both our Members, and our business members. The WTCA GBF will be a great source of knowledge and connections for our Members, and allow them to promote their country, city and services at such an amazing event in the heart of Marseille, one of the oldest cities and commercial ports in Europe.
• AT: Aside from the GBF in April, WTCA MEA Members will have the opportunity to participate in the WTCA MEA Conference to be held September 6-7 in Algiers, Algeria. These events will offer incredible networking opportunities to meet with other businesses/organizations from around the world, insights into global market trends and opportunities, business development opportunities that lead to new business ventures, and workshops/presentations that enhance knowledge and skills. Coinciding with the WTCA MEA Conference, t he IATF meeting in Algiers in September will also be a great opportunity to demonstrate our cohesion and the power of our global WTCA network.
• IB: WTCA North America Members will actively participate in key events such as the WTCA GBF in Marseille, and the WTCA North America Conference in Kansas City, USA to be held June 2-4 that will focus on cross-border trade, nearshoring and innovation. Additionally, targeted trade missions between North America and Latin America, Europe, and Asia will help Members explore new markets and strengthen supply chain connections. These events will provide Members with invaluable networking opportunities, market insights, and access to global partnerships that can drive business growth. 

What can you share about this year’s Regional Conferences that would benefit WTCA Members?

• EAW: The European Conference in June will be hosted in Bulgaria, to the east of our region, where we are experiencing some exciting Membership growth and our aspiration is that a European Conference in this part of the region will underpin this momentum and garner further growth of our Membership. I must also include the GBF in Marseille, France given the entre WTCA Membership will converge in Europe. Taking place this April, it is set to be a game changer in terms of local business attendance, creating opportunities for visiting WTCA Members and representatives of international businesses to create new growth prospects. There is also a focus within our region to re-examine how we operate and thrive as a network. Be it through real estate innovations, utilization of AI and PropTech, or through additional services our network is yet to implement that will complement all of our Members – both the GBF in Marseille and our European Conference will hone in on this.
• IB: This year’s Regional Conferences will be a key platform for WTCA Members to strengthen their networks, explore new business opportunities and address shared challenges in today’s global trade environment. For North America, this Conference will offer valuable insights on topics such as supply chain resilience, nearshoring, digital transformation, and sustainability — all critical areas impacting trade across North America and beyond. As Chair of the NA RAC, I’m excited to see these events serve as a space for Members to co-create solutions and collaborate on initiatives that foster regional growth. By attending, Members will gain direct access to decision-makers, potential partners, and new markets through trade missions and matchmaking opportunities. The Regional Conferences will also focus on practical takeaways, helping WTCA Members develop actionable strategies to grow their businesses and strengthen their role in global trade. In addition to knowledge-sharing, these gatherings will further unite our region, advancing WTCA’s mission of “Connecting Businesses, Globally.”

Local Strategies with a Global Focus:

How do you envision WTCA’s motto “Connecting Businesses, Globally.” implemented in your region through your efforts as a RAC chair?

• RS: The WTCA RACs are a conduit for our Members to bring forth region-specific initiatives, as well as direct intercommunication with the regionally-appointed Board Members. Strengthening the region is the basis to reach out globally as a cohesive Association.
• VV: I would like to lead the APAC RAC to develop a strong, interconnected network of collaborative initiatives that will link our local businesses with global markets, resources and opportunities. The APAC RAC would like to focus our efforts on facilitating seamless cross-border partnerships, promoting regional trade hubs and enhancing digital platforms. These will benefit WTCA Members across all regions.By organizing trade missions, industry-specific events and virtual networking platforms, we will empower businesses to engage with international partners and investors, breaking down geographical and logistical barriers. Through these initiatives, our RAC aims to ensure that the WTCA motto resonates throughout our regions, creating a dynamic ecosystem where businesses can thrive globally while remaining deeply rooted in their local markets.

Closing Statement:

To close, share your anticipation of how the region will grow or strengthen in 2025.

• VV: In 2025, I anticipate the APAC region to experience dynamic growth and strengthened economic integration. The region is witnessing encouraging growth driven by both emerging markets and innovative industries. The growing focus on digital transformation — including AI, e-commerce and fintech — will open new markets and business models. These will collectively elevate our region as a global innovation leader. I would like to extend APAC RAC’s support to the WTCA Board and all Members — together, we will continue to grow trade as well as equip our Members to meet the challenges and opportunities of 2025 and beyond.
• AT: The evolution of the MEA region is different in that multilateral institutions such as the World Bank analyze the MEA region differently by separating the MENA region from the Sub-Saharan Africa region. Following this "division," growth will be different given the geopolitical factors that impact the economy of these regions. According to the World Bank, the MENA region will have an average growth of 2.6% while sub-Saharan Africa will have an average growth of 4%. WTCA and the MEA RAC must take advantage of this dynamic to give more visibility to our organization by identifying a certain number of events — the WTCA MEA Conference, trade missions with B2B opportunities, trade fairs with regional or international scope — and raising public awareness via PR efforts as well as social networks.

We thank our contributors, listed below. Should you wish to speak with your local RAC, please contact WTCA at info@wtca.org.

• Remy Swaab, Executive Director, WTC Panama
• Ed Allison-Wright, Director, WTC Gibraltar
• Vineet Verma, Managing Director, WTC Bengaluru
• Ahmed Tibaoui, General Manager & CEO, WTC Algiers
• Ivan Barrios, President, WTC Miami