World Trade Centre to be set up in Chandigarh

New York-based World Trade Centre Association (WTCA), part of the global network of WTCs across the globe - covering New York, Dubai, Chicago, Amsterdam and 320 other locations - will establish a WTC Chandigarh to connect Indian MSMEs with their international counterparts across industry domains.

This was announced by Eric Dahl, CEO, World Trade Centre Association, in Chandigarh recently during an interaction with industry members at the PHD Chamber.

Addressing the industrialists, Dahl said, "WTC Chandigarh will be developed as a Grade A+ state-of-the-art facility encompassing office spaces, conference facilities, auditorium, retail and exhibition area."

WTC Chandigarh will ensure that the legacy of entrepreneurship in Punjab is taken forward by connecting MSMEs to their international counterparts across industry domains. Also on offer will be a venture accelerator centre (V@C) to support a large start-up segment in the state. This will be achieved in conjunction with various trade bodies and chambers of commerce already operating in the region, especially the PHD Chamber of Commerce and Industry, added Dahl.

Calling it a step towards empowering the large entrepreneur base in Punjab, Dalip Sharma, regional director, PHD Chamber of Commerce and Industry, committed his organisation's support in the effort to promote trade and business in Punjab and the northern region.

"The timing of the announcement to establish WTC Chandigarh could not have been more apt, when Punjab is gearing up to hold its first-ever Investment Promotion Summit on December 9-10. The two-day event will host business heads and representatives of more than 2,000 companies from across the country and even abroad," said Sharma. "Together, these will help bring in lots of investment to Punjab."

WTCs across the world are known as symbols of growth and prosperity serving the local region. Each WTC connects its tenants, members and partners to the rest of the globe through this trade network. SMEs, start-ups and corporates have all benefited by this reciprocity.

"We propose to establish WTC Chandigarh in association with Spire, a leading infrastructure developer from Delhi NCR, while the local partner in the project is IFM," said Dahl.