35 years of the World Trade Center in Bremen – More than just a Building

The World Trade Center (WTC) in Bremen opened 35 years ago and is one of only four WTCs in Germany. Today, it has become an established point of contact für Bremen-based companies looking to access international markets, as well as for companies from around the world seeking to establish themselves in Bremen. 

We spoke with Anna Heines, Project Manager for International Business Relations at Bremeninvest and an expert in international relations, about future plans and how companies can benefit from the WTC today. 

The global World Trade Center network:

Ms Heines, many people think of the World Trade Center as a building. But it is much more than that, isn´t it?

Anna Heines: The WTC is more than a building. First and foremost, it is dedicated to international trade and cooperation through the World Trade Centers Association, the umbrella network for al WTCs. It connects World Trade Centers in 300 cities and provides access to a network of one million companies.

Through this network, business can send trade enquiries around the world or secure new contracts from other companies. This network organises events, matchmaking formats and delegation trips that enable companies to explore new locations and establish contacts. It supports companies in growing internationally and gives them a professional entry point into new markets.

The WTC has existed in Bremen for 35 years, but what many people don´t know, is that it has not always been located in the same place. 

Anna Heines: A World Trade Center needs a place in the city, but that place can change. In Bremen, the original WTC was located in the city center. Since 2011, it has been based in the Airport-City, within sight of the airport Bremen.

The aim in Bremen was to establish an additional business development instrument to simplify the acquisition and settlement of international companies in Bremen. This is why the WTC brand in Bremen is managed and maintained by Bremeninvest. We look after the network, assist with enquiries and settlement plans and foster an active community. Over the past 35 years, the brand has proven beneficial for Bremen´s activities abroad. Today, numerous international companies are based at the World Trade Center.

There are many different WTC concepts, for example at airports, in ports, attached to congress and exhibition cenres or in special economic zones. They are often located in prestigious places, as the WTC also enjoys a strong reputation in the B2B sector and stands for international renown.

And what WTC concept does Bremen pursue?

Anna Heines: From the very beginning, we have operated the real estate and integrated trade services model. In addition to office space, WTC Bremen gives the local business community access, through us, to a wide range of international trade services that help companies expland their global business.

Our WTC team in Bremen advises and supports international companies as they establish themselves in the Hanseatic city. We assist international companies with all aspects of the process: from the first steps of setting up in Bremen and finding accomodation to establishing contacts, for example with Bremen´s public authorities. 

But the activities go even further than that …

Anna Heines: Over the past three years, we have significantly intensified our involvement in the WTCA. Weh ave attended WTCA meetings, including the Annual Global Business Forum and the European Conference, as they provide valuable opportunities for exchange with other trade and real estate experts from around the world. In April 2025, this meeting took place in Marseille. A delegation from Bremen met more than 400 participants from 50 countries, with workshops, talks, B2B matchmaking sessions and local tours tailored to the needs of the respective participants. 

We are also developing our joint activities with the Netherlands. As a neighbouring country, weh ave many points of overlap, whether in logistics and ports or in high tech. Delegations from the regions of Twente and Deventer have already visited Bremen and met with Bremen-based companies from the WTC network to discuss potential areas of cooperation. 

What are the next steps?

Anna Heines: We see many opportunities and prospects, for example for Bremen as the host of a WTCA European Conference and the Global Business Forum. International events like these give locations greater prestige and enable Bremen-based companies to position themselves internationally. 

We want to develop the WTC into a first-class international business center with visibility beyond the region. This includes enabling not only small businesses, as has been the case to date, but also medium-sized and large companies to find a new home in Bremen under the umbrella oft he WTC brand.

Who should people contact if they want to find out more about the WTC?

Anna Heines: They are very welcome to contact me directly. I look forward to exploring potential opportunities with interested parties and developing a shared vision for the future oft he WTC.