World Trade Month Special Edition

Welcome to TradeWinds — the official digital newsletter of the World Trade Center Washington, DC.


Since 1938, the United States has celebrated World Trade Month in the month of May to recognize the vital role global trade plays in our economy. This year, as part of our observance, we were honored to host H.E. Godfrey C. Xuereb, Ambassador of Malta, and H.E. Rizwan Saeed Sheikh, Ambassador of Pakistan, for insightful discussions on trade and investment opportunities in their respective countries.


We also welcomed trade delegations from Ireland and Vietnam as they explored exciting business opportunities across the DMV region.


To conclude the month, we proudly joined Washington Performing Arts, DC Public Schools, and the diplomatic community in celebrating the 50th Anniversary of the Embassy Adoption Program. Congratulations to the more than 70,000 global citizen students who have participated in this extraordinary program since its inception in 1975!


Wishing you a vibrant and successful summer season!


Meet the Ambassador:

The Honorable Godfrey C. Xuereb

Ambassador of Malta to the United States


The WTCDC had the privilege of hosting His Excellency Godfrey C. Xuereb, Ambassador of Malta to the United States for an evening conversation with the Washington Intergovernmental Professional Group (WIPG).


Ambassador Xuereb is a distinguished diplomat who has served as Malta's

Ambassador to the United States since April 2023.


Holding a PhD in Public Health, Ambassador Xuereb brings extensive international experience from his previous role representing the Pan American Health Organization in the Americas and has dedicated years to serving in regional cooperation efforts in Malta and the United States.


Ambassador Xuereb highlighted Malta’s economic and investment potential, emphasizing its strengths in advanced manufacturing industries such as electronics, medical devices, and pharmaceuticals. He pointed to Malta’s strategic location, EU membership, and highly skilled workforces as key advantages for American businesses. The event fostered meaningful engagement with stakeholders and reaffirmed the strong US-Malta relationship, rooted in decades of diplomatic and regional cooperation.

Explore Malta


Discover the natural and cultural wonders of Malta, where crystal-clear Mediterranean waters, abstract cliffs, and ancient ruins shape the landscape. Stroll through Valletta’s baroque architecture, explore hidden coves and vibrant marine life, and marvel at the prehistoric Ħal Saflieni Hypogeum – one of the world’s oldest underground temples. Check out below to experience the rich history and unique beauty waiting for you in this captivating island nation!

EVENT HIGHLIGHTS

Visiting Business Delegations from

Ireland and Vietnam

The WTCDC, in collaboration with its sister organization, World Trade Center Dublin, was pleased to host a distinguished Irish trade delegation as part of a six-day U.S. tour. A networking luncheon brought together numerous members of the visiting delegation, offering a dynamic platform for cross-border business engagement.


The event featured a compelling fireside chat focused on the evolving U.S.-EU trade landscape with an interactive dialogue that strengthened economic ties between Dublin and Washington, DC. The luncheon fostered meaningful connections and reinforced the WTCDC’s ongoing commitment to global trade and economic partnership.

The WTCDC, in partnership with the Embassy of Vietnam, welcomed over 100 Vietnamese business executives for a presentation on the trade and investment opportunities in Vietnam, which drew over 180 attendees.


The event was honored by the presence of several distinguished guests, including Mr. Cao Anh Tuan, Deputy Minister of Finance of Vietnam; Ms. Dianne Farrell, Deputy Undersecretary for International Trade; H.E. Nguyen Quoc Dzung, Ambassador of Vietnam to the U.S.; and H.E. Marc Knapper, U.S. Ambassador to Vietnam. They shared valuable insights on Vietnam’s investment procedures, U.S. business facilitation, and trade financing opportunities. The program showcased the growing economic partnership between Vietnam and the United States.

A Conversation with H.E. Rizwan Saeed Sheikh

Ambassador of Pakistan to the United States

WTCDC in partnership with the Washington Intergovernmental Professional Group, had the distinct honor of welcoming H.E. Rizwan Saeed Sheikh, Ambassador of Pakistan, for a special networking reception. During his remarks, Ambassador Sheikh provided an overview of Pakistan’s political history and its evolving relationship with the United States. He emphasized Pakistan’s strategic geographic location, abundant natural resources, and highly skilled workforce as compelling advantages for foreign investment. The event underscored the growing importance of U.S.-Pakistan collaboration in both economic and diplomatic arenas.

Embassy Adoption Program 50th Anniversary Celebration

Washington Performing Arts & the District of Colombia Public Schools

The WTCDC partnered with Washington Performing Arts (WPA) and DC Public Schools (DCPS) to celebrate the 50th Anniversary of the Embassy Adoption Program (EAP)a milestone moment in global education. As part of the festivities, the EAP hosted a Mini United Nations, bringing together more than 300 fifth and sixth-grade students from forty-two DC public schools. Under one roof, these young global citizens engaged in thoughtful dialogue on pressing international issues, including climate change and disaster preparedness. The event underscored the power of global education and the vital role of youth engagement in shaping the future of international cooperation.

In honor of this milestone anniversary, the WTCDC hosted a networking reception for Embassy Adoption Program (EAP)-participating diplomats and representatives from key stakeholder organizations. This special event celebrated the collaborative spirit that defines the EAP and offered a vibrant platform for continued engagement between the diplomatic corps and the broader DC community. By fostering direct interaction with embassies, the EAP continues to expand students’ global awareness and promote cross-cultural understanding. The WTCDC is also proud to commemorate over a decade of hosting the Mini United Nations, reaffirming our long-standing commitment to global education and the empowerment of future leaders.

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.itcdc.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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