SINGAPORE, April 1, 2025 – In a significant move to expand Singapore’s investment footprint in Europe, the World Trade Centers Association (WTCA) has announced that the 55th Annual WTCA Global Business Forum (GBF) will take place from April 6-9, 2025, in Marseille, France. The event, hosted by World Trade Center Marseille Provence (WTCMP), aims to foster stronger economic ties between Singapore and the broader EMEA (Europe, Middle East, and Africa) region, with a particular focus on emerging sectors such as agriculture, banking, construction, consumer goods, health technology, logistics, manufacturing, and energy services.
Expanding Singapore’s Global Reach
Over the next five years, Singapore is set to invest S$20 to S$25 billion in the EMEA market, aligning with the government’s long-term vision of strengthening global trade partnerships and driving innovation. The Mediterranean region, in particular, has become a strategic gateway for Singaporean businesses looking to expand in Europe.
“Since 2011, corporate investments from Singapore into the EMEA region have grown nearly fivefold, highlighting its potential as a key entry point for Singaporean businesses,” said Scott Wang, WTCA Vice President, Asia Pacific.
The upcoming WTCA GBF in Marseille is set to provide a platform for Singaporean enterprises to explore new business opportunities, form strategic alliances, and gain insights into market trends and investment strategies.
Singapore and France: A Strategic Partnership
The year 2025 marks 60 years of diplomatic relations between Singapore and France, and both nations have recently launched a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership (CSP) to enhance cooperation in green and digital economies, clean energy, sustainability, and cybersecurity.
France has long been a key partner for Singapore, with bilateral trade exceeding S$30 billion in 2023. Over 2,600 French companies operate in Singapore across industries such as aerospace, consumer goods, and energy, while Singapore plays a vital role in France’s expansion into Asia, offering access to regional markets.
Given these deep economic and trade ties, the WTCA GBF in Marseille will serve as a bridge for Singaporean and European businesses to collaborate, innovate, and capitalise on new opportunities in a rapidly evolving global market.
A Forum for Global Business Leaders
Under the theme “Gateway to the Mediterranean,” the 55th WTCA GBF is expected to attract over 300 attendees from more than 50 countries, including business leaders, government officials, and trade experts.
Marseille, with its strategic location in the Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur region, is home to the Port of Marseille-Fos, France’s largest port and a crucial hub for global trade, handling nearly 10,000 ships and 79 million tons of goods annually. The city’s rich trade history, diverse industries, and thriving innovation ecosystem make it the ideal venue for this year’s forum.
“Marseille has long been a crossroads of global trade, driving economic growth and fostering international collaboration,” said Benoit Vincent, CEO of WTC Marseille Provence. “This event will create new opportunities for investment, trade, and partnerships in one of the world’s most dynamic economic regions.”
Key Discussions and New Initiatives
The four-day event will feature a range of discussions, including:
- “Strategies for Success in an Evolving Marketplace”
- “Free Trade Zones as Engines of Growth”
- “Navigating Trade, Real Estate, and Investment Trends in 2025”
This year, WTCA is also introducing a Real Estate Summit, featuring sessions on:
- “World Trade Center Projects in Focus”
- “Expanding the Real Estate Horizon: Innovation and Resilience in a Changing World”
- “FDI Trends Reshaping Real Estate and Infrastructure”
For Singaporean businesses, the forum presents a unique opportunity to engage with industry leaders, explore emerging markets in Europe, and forge valuable partnerships. Through these initiatives, WTCA aims to equip businesses with the knowledge, connections, and resources needed to navigate the evolving global economy successfully.