EMSDC at the 54th Annual World Trade Centers Association Global Business Forum
Brian Oglesby, President and CEO of The Eastern Minority Supplier Development Council (EMSDC), recently traveled across the world for the 54th Annual World Trade Center Association Global Business Forum (GBF). Held March 3-6, 2024 in Bengaluru, India, GBF is “the Association’s premier annual event,” gathering representatives from Member World Trade Center (WTC) businesses and leaders in business, government, media, academia, and international organizations to “reflect a diverse global footprint.” This year’s theme was EPIC: Empowering Progress through Innovation & Collaboration, with a focus on business opportunities in 12 industry sectors, including:
- Aviation & Aerospace
- Agriculture & Food Processing
- Automotive
- Biotech
- Education
- Heavy Engineering
- IT, ITeS & Electronics
- Manufacturing
- Real Estate & Construction
- Textile & Garments
- Travel & Tourism
- Tech Startups
The “Silicon Valley of India”
Bengaluru, located in the state of Karnataka, is considered the “Silicon Valley of India” and a rising investment destination. According to The World Trade Centers Association (WTCA) Press Room, “India stands as the world’s fifth largest economy by nominal GDP, and the third largest by purchasing power parity.” The 2024 GBF event strived to connect businesses around the world and further advance the Association’s core mission by shifting attention toward an “international trade presence and integration into various global supply chains.” It also demonstrated “the strength of the global WTCA network to facilitate business relationships” through notable speakers and onsite B2B matchmaking services, “connecting international delegates with business opportunities in the state of Karnataka.”
Valuable Insights from Brian
Brian was proud to represent the EMSDC’s certified MBEs and member corporations at this incredible global event. He also had the opportunity to discuss the value of the ongoing diversification of the global supply chain and the role Philadelphia plays in it. Click here to see his interview with Barb Mitchell of WTCA on LinkedIn and gain valuable insights into the initiatives led by EMSDC to foster diversity and inclusion in supply chains, driving economic growth and prosperity in Philadelphia and beyond.
According to Brian, “The journey to India helped to establish direct relationships with World Trade Centers around the world, as well as the overarching World Trade Center Association. These relationships will allow us to support our MBEs and Corporate Members as they navigate the global marketplace through hundreds of WTC affiliates in nearly 100 countries. EMSDC’s reputation as a global council preceded us, and there’s more news to share in the coming months.”
Brian notes that, “EMSDC is also partnering with the World Trade Center of Greater Philadelphia (WTCGP) in preparing a bid to host the 2026 WTC Global Business Forum in Philadelphia. Through our regional strength and relationships, EMSDC will be a major contributor and participant. As Chair of the WTCGP’s Global Diversity Advisory Council, I want to extend my appreciation to Thomas Young for the invitation to be a delegate, and to the entire WTCGP team for an impactful journey.”
The mission of the Eastern Minority Supplier Development Council (EMSDC) is to stimulate and support economic development with minority-owned businesses throughout Pennsylvania, Southern New Jersey, and Delaware, in an effort to initiate growth and opportunity through Supplier Diversity channels. As an affiliate of the National Minority Supplier Development Council (NMSDC), we certify and connect MBEs with member corporations that are committed to supplier development and want to purchase their products, services, and solutions.