6th World Trade Expo Unites 32 Nations to Boost Global Trade

A major international gathering at WTC Mumbai strengthens global partnerships.

The 6th World Trade Expo in Mumbai convened over 32 countries and 150 exhibitors, reinforcing international trade collaboration and supporting India's economic growth vision.

Over 32 countries and more than 150 exhibitors gathered at the World Trade Center Mumbai for the 6th World Trade Expo, a major platform designed to accelerate global trade and deepen international partnerships.

The expo was inaugurated by Ms. Pankaja Munde, Minister of Environment and Climate Change, Government of Maharashtra. She was joined by key dignitaries including Mr. Ameet Satam, Mumbai BJP Chief; Mr. Mangal Prabhat Lodha, Minister of Skill, Employment, Entrepreneurship & Innovation; Ms. Sangeeta Jain, Senior Director, All India Association of Industries (AIAI); Ms. Priya Pansare, Director, Trade Promotion & Investment; Governor Gustavo Adolfo Valdés of Corrientes, Argentina; Dr. Vijay Kalantri, Chairman, WTC Mumbai and President, AIAI; Capt. Somesh Batra, Vice Chairman, WTC Mumbai; Mr. John Nickell, Head – Political & Bilateral Affairs; and Mr. Aliaksandr Matsukou, Consul General of Belarus.

Speaking at the inauguration, Ms. Punde said, “I am confident that the 6th World Trade Expo will promote India’s trade relations and closeness with the African continent, Latin America, ASEAN Countries, Europe and the USA, while also giving greater focus to developing nations. With over 32 countries and 150 participants, including State Governments, this platform will help us achieve the Hon’ble Prime Minister’s vision of a 5 trillion-dollar economy and the Hon’ble Chief Minister’s goal of a 1 trillion-dollar Maharashtra economy by 2027.”

She added that this two-day flagship event by AIAI and WTC Mumbai brings together international trade missions, foreign delegates, Indian MSMEs, and government officials to drive global trade, encourage sustainable partnerships, promote joint ventures, support technology transfers, and boost import–export opportunities from Maharashtra.

Mr. Mangal Prabhat Lodha emphasized the importance of exports in building meaningful and resilient partnerships for knowledge exchange and global connectivity. He highlighted that the government is implementing multiple skilling schemes and is open to collaborations with private organizations to develop entrepreneurship and export-ready skilled manpower.

Addressing the gathering, Mr. Ameet Satam said, “Maharashtra has laid out a red carpet for investors from across the world. Our single-window clearance system and institutional support ensure better growth, employment, and export opportunities. As India’s economic capital, Mumbai is the ideal destination for global business.”

Dr. Vijay Kalantri shared insights on how the expo aims to empower MSMEs, women-led enterprises, and startups by helping them access global markets. He said, “We expect over 6,000 business visitors from India and overseas and more than 5,000 B2B meetings. We are focusing on untapped regions like Africa, CIS countries, Latin America, and Australia. To unlock these opportunities, we must strengthen connectivity, improve communication, and enable trade settlements in local currencies to reduce business costs.”

He further noted that participating countries offer promising yet underutilized business possibilities, and the expo will play a key role in fostering these collaborations, demonstrating the trust global partners place in India’s rising global influence.

Ms. Priya Pansare added, “This two-day flagship event is a powerful convergence of global trade missions, foreign diplomats, Indian MSMEs, and government leadership. The 6th World Trade Expo reinforces WTC Mumbai’s mandate as a nexus for international business and diplomatic engagement, enabling knowledge exchange and sustainable commercial growth.”

Capt. Somesh Batra, Vice Chairman, MVIRDC WTC, delivered the vote of thanks.
Mr. Sharad Upasane, Vice Chairman, MVIRDC WTC, and Ms. Sangeeta Jain, Senior Director, AIAI, honored the guests and exhibitors.