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Welcome to TradeWinds — the official digital newsletter of the World Trade Center Washington, DC (WTCDC).
Trade policy remained a central focus of our first-quarter programming, shaping dialogue on the evolving landscape of global commerce. We welcomed the Washington International Trade Association (WITA) for its 2026 Washington International Trade Conference and the National Association of Foreign-Trade Zones (NAFTZ) for its 2026 Legislative Summit, where both organizations discussed the recent Supreme Court tariff decision, priorities for USMCA, and AI in manufacturing among other timely topics.
As part of our monthly diplomatic conversations, we partnered with Washington International Professional Group (WIPG) on separate conversations with H.E. Mark Glauser, Deputy Ambassador of Canada, and H.E. Binalf Andulem Ashenef, Ambassador of Ethiopia, who shared insights on their countries’ bilateral trade relationships with the United States.
Enjoy the cherry blossoms and springtime in Washington, DC!
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Meet the Ambassador:
H.E. Mark Glauser
Deputy Ambassador of Canada to the United States
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WTCDC had the honor of hosting His Excellency Mark Glauser, Deputy Ambassador of Canada to the United States, for a fireside chat and networking reception in close collaboration with WIPG.
Reflecting on the long-standing Canada–U.S. relationship, the Deputy Ambassador shared valuable insights into the actions being
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pursued by his government to address the key areas of concern that have surfaced on the trade front of the bilateral dialogue.
The Deputy Ambassador Glauser also discussed a range of other topics, including immigration cooperation, fentanyl-related public health challenges, and collaboration on energy and critical minerals. He emphasized the importance of sustained dialogue and partnership in navigating the rapidly evolving geopolitical dynamics, underscoring the depth, resilience, and strategic importance of the Canada–U.S. relations.
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Explore Canada
Discover below the natural beauty, from the turquoise lakes and peaks of Banff National Park to the powerful Niagara Falls and the rugged coastlines of Nova Scotia, and its rich cultural heritage through its museums, Indigenous traditions, and iconic landmarks like Parliament Hill in Ottawa.
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Meet the Ambassador:
H.E. Binalf Andualem Ashenef
Ambassador of Ethiopia to the United States
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The WTCDC was delighted to welcome His Excellency Binalf Andualem Ashenef, Ambassador of Ethiopia, for a networking reception held in collaboration with WIPG.
Ambassador Binalf Andualem Ashenef, a seasoned career diplomat, serves as Ambassador of the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia to the United States. We had the pleasure of hosting him
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as he highlighted Ethiopia’s strategic location along critical global trade routes, its population of more than 130 million people, and its position as the third-largest economy in Sub-Saharan Africa.
During the reception, Ambassador Ashenef underscored Ethiopia’s expanding investment landscape and reform agenda, emphasizing opportunities across agriculture and agro-processing, manufacturing and industrial parks, ICT and digital transformation, infrastructure and tourism. He highlighted Ethiopia’s ongoing economic liberalization—including financial sector reforms and investor incentives such as tax exemptions and repatriation guarantees—reaffirming the country’s commitment to public–private partnerships as key drivers of sustainable growth, competitiveness, and economic transformation.
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Explore Ethiopia
Explore Ethiopia’s natural and cultural wonders below, from the Simien Mountains and Danakil Depression to Lake Tana, the source of the Blue Nile. Discover its rich history at the National Museum, experience vibrant traditions, and visit remarkable sites like the rock-hewn churches of Lalibela.
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ET Now: Leaders of Tomorrow Interview with John E. Drew
The World Trade Center Washington, DC was honored to have our Chairman, John E. Drew, join Ritwika Gupta on ET Now Leaders of Tomorrow, where they discussed India’s growing influence in global trade, the strengthening of cross-border business networks, and the expansion of opportunities for MSMEs in global value chains. View the interview here.
| | | The WTCDC welcomed the National Association of Foreign-Trade Zones for their 2026 Legislative Summit bringing together trade leaders from across the United States, engaging in policy briefings and advocacy efforts. The event highlighted the critical role of the U.S. Foreign-Trade Zones program in strengthening domestic supply chains, supporting American jobs, and enhancing global competitiveness, while reinforcing the importance of continued engagement with policymakers on Capitol Hill. | | WITA convened leaders from government, business, and global trade communities to examine the evolving landscape of international trade at the 2026 Washington International Trade Conference. Through in-depth panels and discussions on topics including critical minerals policy, USMCA priorities, trade and AI and hemispheric trade, speakers explored strategic challenges and opportunities facing the U.S. and global trade policy communities. The conversation highlighted the importance of multilateral dialogue in effort of strengthening economic competitiveness and shaping the future of trade policy. You can view panel footage and conversations from the event here. | | |
The Ronald Reagan Building and International Trade Center is a dynamic hub for government, commerce, culture and community, in the heart of the nation’s capital. As the first and only federal building dedicated to both public and private use, the Reagan Building is DC’s premier venue for hosting influential conferences and events and as the World Trade Center Washington, DC offers a powerful forum for international trade promotion. It's where leaders lead, where nations and cultures connect, and where events matter. Visit www.rrbitc.com for more information.
TCMA (A Drew Company) is the exclusive manager of the Ronald Reagan Building and International Trade Center (RRB/ITC) on behalf of the U.S. General Services Administration. The RRB/ITC is the official World Trade Center Washington DC, and a premier conference and event venue with executive office space, attractions, dining, retail, parking and community activities.
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