The 2025 WTCA Asia Pacific Conference, organised by the World Trade Centers Association (WTCA) and hosted by World Trade Center Mumbai, was held from 20 to 22 November 2025 in Mumbai, India. The conference forms part of WTCA’s regional platform for engagement across Asia Pacific and brought together hundreds of delegates from nearly 100 countries, including business leaders, policymakers, trade representatives, and members of the WTCA global network of over 300 World Trade Centers.
Held under the theme “Asia Pacific Drives Global Trade,” the programme focused on the region’s growing role in international business and trade development. The conference included keynote sessions, panel discussions, and structured networking engagements, with participation from WTCA leadership and regional stakeholders. John E. Drew, Chair of the WTCA Board of Directors, and Vijay Kalantri, Chairman of World Trade Center Mumbai, were among the key figures contributing to discussions on regional collaboration and global trade connectivity.
Across the programme, sessions examined how trade systems are evolving in response to sustainability priorities, digital transformation, and the need for greater inclusion of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in global markets. Scott Wang, Vice President of WTCA Asia Pacific, led a session on “Sustainable Trade in the Asia-Pacific,” where he discussed approaches to integrating environmental standards into cross-border trade and supply chains. Vijay Kalantri also highlighted India’s efforts in developing green infrastructure and more environmentally responsible logistics systems, including initiatives aimed at improving energy efficiency and sustainable sourcing practices.
SME development was addressed through a session titled “Empowering SMEs in Emerging Markets,” led by Dr Rupa Chanda, Trade Economist and Professor. The discussion focused on policies and programmes supporting small businesses in accessing international markets, including capacity-building initiatives, cross-border partnership programmes, and trade facilitation support. Examples shared during the session included structured networking platforms that connected SMEs from Southeast Asia with investors and international partners.
Digitalisation was also discussed as a key enabler of trade efficiency and transparency. Sessions explored how digital tools are being applied to streamline trade processes, improve documentation systems, and enhance cross-border coordination between businesses and institutions.
Governance and trust in global trade were recurring themes throughout the conference. John E. Drew emphasised the importance of ethical business practices and adherence to global standards in maintaining confidence in international trade systems. A panel on “Building Trust in Global Trade Networks” brought together policymakers and industry representatives to examine regulatory alignment, anti-corruption frameworks, and the use of digital systems to improve transparency in trade transactions.
The 2025 WTCA Asia Pacific Conference reflects ongoing efforts within the WTCA network to strengthen collaboration across the region while addressing structural challenges in global trade. As Asia Pacific continues to play an increasingly central role in international commerce, the conference provided a platform for stakeholders to exchange perspectives and explore practical approaches to business and trade cooperation.
