Winnipeg's World Trade Centre

April 2012 was a very exciting time for Centrallia and its core partners: ANIM, Manitoba's Bilingual Trade Agency and The Winnipeg Chamber of Commerce. Winnipeg's application for the establishment of bilingual World Trade Centre in Winnipeg was successfully licensed and approved!

Winnipeg receives approval for a World Trade Centre

Mariette Mulaire, President and CEO of ANIM, is very enthusiastic about the new doors that will open for Winnipeg thanks to this status. “With the Centrallia global business forum, not only did we broaden our worldwide connections we also found a key partner in the Winnipeg Chamber of Commerce,” explains Mulaire.

“Building a bilingual World Trade Centre is a bold idea that we knew we could achieve through our association: ANIM brings its international experience and a network of more than 70 international economic development agencies, industry associations and chambers of commerce, and The Winnipeg Chamber of Commerce will secure and manage the World Trade Centre location so it becomes a focal point for Central Canada’s international trade community and a valuable resource to its local members.”

Winnipeg Chamber of Commerce President and CEO, Dave Angus, certainly shares in the excitement. "This is a tremendous opportunity for Winnipeg as well as for Manitoba businesses since a World Trade Centre (WTC) provides businesses with access to a diverse array of state-of-the-art trade services, enabling them to increase their international sales."

The World Trade Centers Association established in 1968 was born out of a studied need to create facilities that would serve as focal points for the convenience of the promotion of international commerce. There are currently more than 320 World Trade Centers in 96 countries.

Centrallia will be hosted by Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada from October 10-12, 2012.

Is International Business for You?

Globalization trends continue to bring businesses together from around the world to meet, trade and grow. As companies learn from each other and gain experience in the international marketplace, groups that have traditionally focused on local economies are beginning to expand their scope. Smaller businesses are finding avenues for growth through new deals with foreign companies, and Winnipeg is listening.

The Canadian economy is one of the strongest in the world and looks to continue this growth as more private companies and public corporations are capitalizing on opportunities from outside the country. Some companies have shifted their development towards new global market, while others look to gain knowledge through establishing new partnerships.

Starting a dialogue is the first step in expanding this horizon. The idea of bringing Canadian ingenuity - both in goods and services - to new people and new places is exciting and can mean great returns for our businesses while providing a new alternative for international clients. Whatever your industry, it is worth exploring how importing and exporting with international partners can provide growth for your business.

The global business to business forum at Centrallia looks to enable these types of relationships for Manitoba businesses and establish valuable connections in new markets and in different regions. Learn more about International Business and what benefits your business can gain from Centrallia 2012!