In a significant development, India is set to overtake China as the largest member of the World Trade Centers Association (WTCA) within the next five years, according to John E. Drew, Chairman of the WTCA. Drew highlighted India's remarkable global strides and its alignment with a China-plus-one corporate sourcing strategy, aimed at mitigating supply chain risks on a global scale.

Drew emphasized the growing prominence of India on the global stage in the past decade, citing its active participation in major economic discussions alongside powerhouse nations like China, the US, Russia, and the EU. Currently, India boasts around 40 WTC licensees across more than 30 cities, with a burgeoning number of Indian entrepreneurs successfully establishing companies, particularly in tech hubs such as California and Massachusetts.

"I expect this trend to continue, paralleling the trajectory seen with Chinese entrepreneurship", Drew commented, noting the potential for India's growth trajectory to outpace that of China over the next few years. He attributed India's strength not only to lower costs but also to its intellectual capabilities and high educational standards, enabling the country to adeptly handle more complex projects.

To foster international business connections and capitalize on India's robust market growth, the WTCA is bringing its global business forum (GBF) to India from March 3-6, 2024. The event is set to host 80 businesses from 30 countries, with a focus on identifying Indian businesses early on and facilitating connections with counterparts from other member countries.

"We're actively working towards every city holding a World Trade Center license to be actively engaged. Therefore, a significant portion of our staff's efforts are dedicated to activating cities that are still in the developmental phase", explained Drew, outlining the WTCA's growth approach in India.

As India's economic influence continues to rise, the WTCA's move to strengthen its presence in the country reflects the changing dynamics of global trade and the growing importance of India in the international economic landscape.