Ivan Barrios, President & CEO, World Trade Center Miami

In an interview with Invest:, Ivan Barrios, president and CEO of World Trade Center Miami, discussed Miami’s growing role in global trade, the organization’s efforts to connect businesses with international partners, and the importance of market intelligence and infrastructure in supporting trade growth. “Everything we do is focused on strengthening Miami’s role as a global trade hub,” Barrios said.

How is World Trade Center Miami strengthening Miami’s role as a global trade hub and gateway to the Americas?

Miami has evolved beyond simply being a gateway to the Americas. Our infrastructure is up to date, and the city has become one of the most strategic trade and logistics hubs in the world. Miami is uniquely positioned at the intersection of the Americas and Europe, and it is increasingly becoming more important in South-South trade.

At World Trade Center Miami, our mission is to connect businesses with international opportunities through trade shows, market intelligence, global partnerships, and direct business development. Everything we do is focused on strengthening Miami’s role as a global trade hub.

How do events such as the Americas Food & Beverage Show and Air Cargo Americas create opportunities for participating companies?

Our events are geared toward small and medium-sized companies looking for global business partners. We create opportunities for companies to meet suppliers, logistics providers, distributors, policymakers, and other key partners.

All of our events also include conference programs focused on the latest industry issues, market intelligence, trends, and regulations. We want companies to leave our events with both new business relationships and updated information about what is happening in their industries.

We also recently launched a new event called Aerospace Defense Americas, which will be held alongside the Farnborough Airshow. Like our other events, it is focused on creating B2B opportunities.

How is World Trade Center Miami helping businesses navigate trade disruptions and supply chain challenges?

World Trade Center Miami is committed to helping small and medium-sized companies overcome those challenges by providing practical support, education, and access to global networks.

Providing timely information is one of the most important things we do. Since COVID, there have been many disruptions involving supply chains, the economy, and the overall global environment. We focus on providing current market intelligence so companies can make informed decisions.

We also work to connect companies with global business partners who can help them address those challenges and expand internationally.

What role do trade intelligence and data play in your organization’s services?

Market intelligence is central to what we provide, and one of our strengths is the expertise of our members. For example, Sandler, Travis & Rosenberg, one of the top customs and trade law firms in the country, has been a member and supporter of World Trade Center Miami since 1985.

We also work closely with members such as FedEx and other logistics companies. They help provide timely information on what is happening in the market. We combine our own research with the expertise of our members so we can give smaller and medium-sized companies relevant and up-to-date information.

How do public-private partnerships shape World Trade Center Miami’s success?

You cannot do what we do without working closely with both the public and private sectors. We have strong relationships with Miami International Airport, PortMiami, the International Trade Consortium of Miami-Dade County, the Beacon Council, and the Greater Miami Chamber of Commerce.

World Trade Center Miami is a private nonprofit organization, but we work closely with Miami-Dade County and local governments to support international business activity.

For example, we recently hosted our State of the Ports luncheon, where Miami-Dade County Mayor Daniella Levine Cava, Miami International Airport Director Ralph Cutié, PortMiami Director Hydi Webb, and Miami-Dade County COO Jimmy Morales updated the business community on the latest developments at the airport and seaport.

We also support trade delegations visiting Miami by helping connect them with the local business community and providing briefings on business opportunities in the region.

How does World Trade Center Miami measure its economic impact?

We conducted an economic impact study in 2023 to measure what our events bring to Miami-Dade County.

We also survey our shows. For example, at our most recent Americas Food & Beverage Show, the average sale for an exhibitor was about $180,000, and the show generated an estimated $450 million in sales impact.

Those figures demonstrate the importance of our events for both participating companies and the broader regional economy.

What differentiates World Trade Center Miami from other trade organizations?

What differentiates us is that we are part of a global network of 300 World Trade Centers in 92 countries. We have a trusted network of organizations and professionals focused on international business.

Our mission is centered on finding global business partners for our members and for companies in South Florida. Whether through trade shows, seminars, workshops, or networking events, everything we do is focused on creating international business connections for small and medium-sized companies.

How does the organization support businesses entering new international markets?

We provide market intelligence, trade counseling, and business connections. If a member is interested in entering a market such as Argentina or Brazil, we provide trade figures, explain regulations, discuss potential obstacles, and connect them with service providers that can help them.

We are a hands-on organization focused on helping companies identify opportunities and make the right international connections.

How is World Trade Center Miami preparing for trends such as digital trade and nearshoring?

We are already working on those topics with several members. Companies are asking how to improve their digital presence, how to sell digitally, and how to take advantage of nearshoring opportunities.

We have members who provide consulting in those areas, and we are helping create partnerships and discussions around digital trade and e-commerce. That is going to be a major part of Miami’s future.

Miami has evolved significantly over the past 20 years. It is no longer only a financial hub. It is also becoming a center for fintech, e-commerce, trade, and logistics. Miami’s international trade infrastructure is among the best in the United States. We have an excellent airport, an excellent seaport, and strong infrastructure across South Florida.

What are the biggest challenges and opportunities for small and medium-sized businesses expanding internationally today?

Financing continues to be one of the biggest challenges for small and medium-sized companies. One of Miami’s strengths is its strong banking and financial community, which provides access to institutions that can help companies secure financing.

Trade data and market intelligence are also critical. We focus on providing up-to-date information and helping companies connect with the right buyers and business partners.

Miami has experienced tremendous growth in terms of startups and companies looking to do business internationally. The region now includes industries such as fintech, tourism, defense, aerospace, agriculture, and logistics. Miami’s role as an international business hub will continue to grow in the years ahead.