The World Trade Center Association, WTCA was established in 1970 to facilitate smooth international trade by bringing together exporters, importers and service providers under a common platform. The first World Trade centers were established at Houston, New Orleans, New York and Tokyo and gradually world trade centers were established at all major cities
The World Trade Centers Association (WTCA) is a not-for-profit, non-political association that promotes world trade and develops programs for cooperation between the various World Trade Centers. In 2007, WTCA membership includes nearly 300 World Trade Centers in almost 100 countries. Over 750,000 companies worldwide are affiliated with WTCA as members .
Though most World Trade Centers are located in the central business district of a city in buildings which are often architectural landmarks, a World Trade Center (WTC) helps business and government agencies involved in international trade work together and provides essential trade services.