World Trade Centers Association Celebrates 35 Years of Promoting Peace and Stability Through International Trade.

NEW YORK -- Hundreds of Delegates From Around the World to Meet at Annual General Assembly in Geneva, Switzerland on October 3-6, 2004

The World Trade Centers Association (WTCA), a leading international, non-political, not-for-profit organization will hold its 35th Annual General Assembly in Geneva, Switzerland on October 3-6, 2004. With 293 trade centers in 83 countries servicing 750,000 businesses, the organization is a preeminent advocate of global stability and peace through international trade.

Hosted by the World Trade Center Geneva, the three-day event will feature a session and reception held at the United Nations' Geneva headquarters. Highlights of the three-day event include seminars, briefings, panels, guest speakers and tours. Dr. Supachai Panitchpakdi, Director-General of the World Trade Organization and Sergei Ordzhonikidze, Director-General of the United Nations Geneva will be among the featured speakers. Hundreds of delegates from around the world are expected to participate in this year's General Assembly and anniversary celebration including 12 new organizations seeking final approval for WTCA licenses.

"Every year at our General Assembly, WTCA delegates from around the world put their respective political beliefs aside and engage in an open dialogue to establish and maintain a mutually beneficial international trade environment," said Guy F. Tozzoli, President of the WTCA. "This is the essence of the WTCA's mission, and why we have reason to celebrate our success over the past 35 years in forging trade and mutual understanding among diverse cultures," he said.

The 35th General Assembly will provide global business leaders with a deeper understanding and enhanced access to international business operations and opportunities. Throughout the three-day event, members are encouraged to strengthen existing international trade relationships, and forge new trade alliances. The annual meeting appropriately brings the global marketplace to Geneva in the heart of Europe. Geneva is home to 125 major multinational companies, 130 non-governmental organizations and 165 diplomatic missions.

For the past 35 years, the WTCA has been responsible for countless initiatives to promote positive international relations by increasing membership in the international trade community. A WTC has become a highly sought-after symbol of economic achievement and a fruitful means for global networking. This past year alone, the WTCA has granted new licenses to Aguascalientes, Basra, Chittagong and Cologne. For the past seven years, the WTCA and Mr. Tozzoli have been nominated for the Nobel Peace prize.

"The founding principles of the Association are even more relevant today than they were 35 years ago. We will continue to work tirelessly to promote peace and stability through trade, while stressing the importance of every nation's voice in the global community," Mr. Tozzoli said.

Please visit the WTCA web site, www.wtca.org, for more information.

About The World Trade Centers Association (WTCA): Established in 1970, the World Trade Centers Association is an expanding international membership organization of World Trade Centers serving over 750,000 businesses. With its unique global mission and membership, the WTCA has been a world leader in creating innovative services for international business.