Sharjah Hosts Inaugural 2025 WTCA Middle East Members Conference To Enhance Trade Cooperation

The emirate of Sharjah recently hosted the first-ever 2025 World Trade Centers Association (WTCA) Middle East Members Conference. Organised by Expo Centre Sharjah, the event gathered leaders and representatives from 18 World Trade Center businesses in the region. The conference aimed to enhance strategic cooperation, share expertise, and explore how artificial intelligence (AI) and advanced technologies can optimise WTCA operations and boost performance.

Held at the headquarters of the Sharjah Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SCCI), the conference saw participation from key figures such as Saif Mohammed Al Midfa, CEO of Expo Centre Sharjah, and Mohamed Juma Al Musharrkh, CEO of the Sharjah FDI Office. Several officials from the Sharjah Chamber and Expo Centre Sharjah were also present. The agenda focused on strengthening international trade through collaboration among WTCA Members.

Participants emphasised accelerating digital transformation in exhibitions, creating a unified platform for data sharing, and activating networking frameworks among Middle Eastern World Trade Centers. These efforts aim to boost competitiveness, attract investments, and foster innovation. Discussions highlighted the importance of coordinated efforts in promoting international trade and supporting regional economic development goals.

Saif Mohammed Al Midfa remarked that hosting this inaugural conference underscores Sharjah's leading role in global exhibitions and conferences. He affirmed Expo Centre Sharjah's commitment to enhancing regional and international cooperation to advance the exhibitions sector. This includes optimising operational efficiency, driving sustainable development, and supporting various economic sectors.

During his presentation, Mohamed Juma Al Musharrkh outlined Sharjah's promising investment opportunities. He highlighted the emirate’s world-class infrastructure with specialised free zones and integrated transport systems. Additionally, he pointed out Sharjah’s pro-investment regulatory framework designed to support business scalability, ensure operational ease, and streamline new ventures.

The conference also featured Ahmed Tibaoui, General Manager and CEO of WTC Algiers. He noted that regional integration is crucial for increasing operational effectiveness in exhibitions and reinforcing their contribution to sustainable growth. Crystal Edn, WTCA Executive Director, presented WTCA’s global initiatives aimed at supporting World Trade Centers globally.

Empowering Regional Members

Milan Ramjee, WTCA Membership Lead for Africa and the Middle East, discussed ongoing efforts to empower regional members with tailored tools that streamline international trade. These initiatives aim to foster sustainable economic growth across local and regional markets. Participants reviewed successful case studies from Expo Centre Sharjah and World Trade Centers in Algiers, Cairo, and Riyadh.

The presentations provided insights into best practices for growth models. Attendees explored strategies for enhancing World Trade Centers' roles with a consensus on innovation's critical role in driving sustainable progress through digital transformation.

The conference underscored the strategic importance of strengthening cooperation among WTCA Middle East Members. Speakers stressed coordinated efforts' role in promoting international trade while supporting economic development goals within the region.

With inputs from WAM