MUMBAI: World Trade Centers Association (WTCA) today said it is planning to open 4-5 more centres in emerging cities in the country as it intends to expand in the Asia-Pacific region.
“We are considering India as a growing market and see lot of opportunities. We are looking at opening 4-5 new WTCs in emerging cities in the country. We already have 20 WTCs across the country,” WTC CEO Scott Ferguson told PTI here.
There are 332 WTCs across 89 countries at present. WTCA serves as an ‘international ecosystem’ of global connections, properties and integrated trade services under the umbrella of the WTC brand.
“India is now setting tone of for world economic growth under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. India is moving ahead in a measured way with definite policies and plans rather than populist approach,” Ferguson said.
Ferguson, who is on two-day visit to the city, addressed the board members of the World Trade Centre Mumbai. He will also be visiting Hyderabad, Bangaluru and New Delhi.
“The world today needs strong leadership as there are confusing signals around. It is nice to see India growing and the measured approach taken by Modi in growth as well as his messaging. And the Indian economy is backing him on what he is trying to do,” Ferguson said.
Praising central projects like Make in India and Startup India, Ferguson said that WTC network can have a role to play in such initiatives.
“Governments across the world are trying to capture the flourishing startup community and I believe WTCs have a role in this initiative as we have a huge network and connect.
“I believe the WTC Mumbai has many programmes in this segment, which the startups will take advantage of,” he added.
On Britain’s decision to leave the European Union, Ferguson said he was disappointed with the referendum outcome.
“The lesson learnt is that global business and politics cannot be controlled. We have lots of members in Europe, they will have to find ways to change their approach and businesses,” he said.
Earlier, Scott Wang, Vice-President, Asia Pacific, WTCA said that India is the fastest growing market for World Trade Centres as the number of WTCs in India has risen from a mere 5 in 2011 to 20 in 2016.
“There is change in FDI facilitation in India now. The Make in India campaign has had a huge impact. It is time that WTC Mumbai leverages its service capacities that will make the other WTCs in India grow,” he said.
WTC Mumbai Vice-Chairman Vijay Kalantri said it is playing a leadership role among the 20 WTCs in India.
“WTC Mumbai can play a bigger role in the membership seminars. We receive around 60 trade missions annually and our experience can be shared,” Kalantri said.