LBEP Signs Historic MOU with Port of Long Beach to Relaunch WTCLB
The relaunch of the World Trade Center Long Beach (WTCLB) plays a pivotal role in driving regional trade and investment by expanding international market access for Long Beach companies, attracting foreign investment into high-growth industries, and establishing crucial connections to global markets. Under the guidance of LBEP, WTCLB is poised to become the strongest and most reliable local trade-promotion entity, engaging strategic partners locally and abroad to create jobs, attract businesses and investments, improve cargo efficiency, and drive economic prosperity.
- Attract Foreign Direct Investment (FDI)
- Expand International Exports
- Promote Trade Gateway Long Beach
The WTCLB seeks to stimulate trade and investment opportunities for commercial property developers, economic development agencies, and international businesses looking to connect globally and prosper locally. Further, the World Trade Association supports the global business community and offers resources and solutions to businesses. The World Trade Association serves as an ‘international ecosystem’ of global connections, iconic properties, and integrated trade services under the umbrella of a prestigious brand. The exclusive ‘World Trade Center’ and ‘WTC’ branded properties and trade service organizations are located in more than 90 countries and supported by 15,000 WTC professionals that deliver integrated, reciprocal resources to solve your business needs.
As part of this undertaking, LBEP immediately reached out to a network of global trade experts and professionals working in the field to discuss priority issues and regional gaps as it pertains to international trade business support and development.
This last year, under the direction of consultant, Felipe Cusnir, the WTCLB effort has included:
- MOU with Port of Long Beach / September 2022
- WTCLB task force convened / January 2023
- World Trade Day event in Long Beach / May 2023
- Meetings with local, state and federal trade partner organizations / June-August
- 2023 Strategic plan approval process with Harbor Commissioners / September 2023
- Relaunch 2024 objectives set / November 2023
- Meetings with Harbor Commissioners / January 2024
- Meetings with Port of Long Beach leadership / February 2024
- WTCLB Announcement - World Trade Day / 2024
*see WTCLB strategic report for graphics
The combined goals, requirements and guidelines – tied to ongoing and future capital improvement projects and world-class events such as the Olympic and Paralympic Games – not only provide a clear path forward, but also identify key services, activities and opportunities to boost the international trade and investment environment in Long Beach.
LBEP continues to support the growth and prominence of the World Trade Center Long Beach as it seeks to further stimulate trade and investment opportunities including the lead up to the Olympic Games 2028. After signing an MOU between the Port of Long Beach and LBEP, the relaunch efforts have been underway and will provide international trade and investment resources to Long Beach companies, attracting foreign investment into high growth industries, and connecting the region to the global markets that matter most.
