WTCA forum to offer businesses access to key European market
The Department of Trade and Industry’s Export Marketing Bureau (DTI-EMB), in collaboration with World Trade Center Metro Manila (WTCMM), is encouraging Philippine businesses to explore market opportunities in France.
In a recent information workshop, DTI-EMB and WTCMM delved into the export landscape, spotlighting the untapped potential of Philippine products in France, and the benefits of existing free trade and bilateral agreements. The session provided valuable insights into how to strategically position Philippine products and services in this lucrative European market.
“France is a significant trading partner of the Philippines,” said WTCMM Chairman and CEO Pamela D. Pascual, “The trade relationship has shown growth over the years, with efforts to enhance trade ties continuing through business collaborations and economic engagements between the two countries.”
Trade between the two nations primarily involves machinery, electronics, pharmaceuticals, and agricultural and agri-food products. France also invests in various sectors in the Philippines, contributing to economic ties between the two countries.
Air France’s resumption of non-stop flights to Manila in December 2024 after a 20-year hiatus further demonstrates the strengthening of bilateral relations between France and the Philippines, reflecting the growing potential for trade, tourism, and knowledge exchange.
DTI-EMB and WTCMM noted opportunities for further growth in other industries in France. These include business process outsourcing (BPO) and IT services, furniture and home décor, and textiles and apparel, to name a few.
The session introduced the 55th annual World Trade Centers Association (WTCA) Global Business Forum (GBF), which will take place from April 6 to 9, 2025 in Marseille, France, and will have the theme, “Gateway to the Mediterranean.”
The forum is recognized as a premier platform for fostering global trade and investment partnerships. This year, it provides a doorway to France, an economically refined nation with a large, diverse, and sophisticated consumer base, as well as the greater Mediterranean region with access to Southern Europe, North Africa, and the Middle East. Specifically, with the forum’s location in the Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur region, attendees will experience and learn about the Port of Marseille-Fos, France’s largest port and a critical gateway for international trade – with nearly 10,000 ships docking each year and 79 million tons of goods handled annually.
Hosted by World Trade Center Marseille Provence (WTCMP), the GBF will focus on business sectors such as aeronautics, agriculture and food processing, consumer goods, cosmetics, food & beverage, fashion & retail, freight & shipping, logistics & transportation, luxury goods, maritime & energy services, and tourism, among others.
The GBF convenes WTCA members and global leaders from business, government, academia, and international organizations. Participants exchange insights and engage in B2B matchmaking, connecting with global business opportunities.
Philippine logistics company Airspeed, focused on freight forwarding solutions, warehousing, and distribution, generated new leads and business relationships through its participation in the 54th annual WTCA Global Business Forum (GBF), hosted by World Trade Center Bengaluru in India last year.
“We learned about the WTCA GBF through World Trade Center Metro Manila. We decided to participate to network and explore international business opportunities for our end-to-end logistics service company,” said Grace Pascual, Chief Commercial Officer of the Airspeed Group of Companies.
Ms. Pascual added that the B2B meetings at the forum allowed her to meet with several potential customers and business partners and resulted in at least one new international client for Airspeed. The 2024 GBF in Bengaluru, India, facilitated over 300 B2B meetings, fostering partnerships between local and global businesses.
“We encourage other Filipino companies to participate in WTCA’s global meetings and programs. These are designed to help accelerate business growth and economic development, opening up opportunities for increased trade and investments,” said Airspeed’s Ms. Pascual.
“The annual WTCA GBF is where doing business across the globe is as easy as doing business across the street. The power of the global WTCA network is that it simplifies business processes to drive seamless cross-regional collaboration and mutual exchange of opportunities – these are key to driving your business to success,” shared WTCMM’s Ms. Pascual.
For the past 55 years, global companies looking to expand their footprint abroad have leveraged the WTCA network – as WTCA connects businesses globally through its network of more than 300 World Trade Center (WTC) businesses across nearly 100 countries; and a regular calendar of international trade events and programs.
As a leader in international trade and investment, WTCA’s expansive global network provides essential access to local business ecosystems and key markets worldwide. By participating in the annual GBF, companies gain access to international markets and key industry insights, all in one location.