WTCA CEO Eric Dahl's visit to So. American members

NEW YORK, NY, U.S.A. – WTCA CEO Eric Dahl, together with Carlos Ronderos, made a highly productive visit to five cities in three countries, meeting with CEOs and senior staff representing a total of 11 WTCA Licensees in South America. Their key findings during the trip, which took place March 21-27, were:

Cartagena, Colombia
The WTC Cartagena is operating with one full time employee plus some part time support from the Chamber of Commerce, and currently offers only trade services. However, there are approved plans for a large mixed-use facility that will be branded as the WTC Cartagena in its new location.

Valencia, Venezuela
The WTC Valencia facility is truly impressive with a large office tower, hotel, extensive conference facilities and restaurants. The hotel lounge on the top floor is available to WTC Valencia business club members (with free food and drinks). Membership in the club includes many top companies; for example, GM, Ford, Coca Cola, etc. WTC Valencia also offers services and has plans to further expand and strengthen the service team.

Porlamar, Venezuela
WTC Porlamar has plans for a new facility and will start their trade services in the near term.

Cali, Colombia
The WTC Cali site will complete its phase one of construction in Q3, 2014, and will include a shopping mall. The WTC Cali Tower and Hyatt Regency Hotel are scheduled to open Q4, 2015. This project has strong city support, and the local business community is very excited about the future impact of a on WTCA license on their city’s economy.

Ibague, Colombia
The WTC Ibague will offer a large mixed-use facility that includes a WTC Ibague office tower, WTC offices, a lounge, a shopping mall, and soon a hotel. The WTC Ibague complex is expected to open in 2015.

Santiago, Chile
The WTC Santiago facility is very impressive with a large office tower that is connected to the Radisson Hotel. Service offerings include Trade Information, Business Services, Trade Education, Trade Missions and Conference Facilities.

In conclusion, the quality of varying WTC facilities is most impressive. All of the visited WTC Operations either offer services or are preparing to provide services in the future. The local teams are strong and eager to support your business member needs.