Charleston, SC - United States

South Carolina World Trade Center - A joint venture with TCDC and the South Carolina World Trade Center

More than 8 million tons of cargo pass through the Port of Charleston each year. As the largest containerized cargo port on the S.E. Atlantic and Gulf coasts and the 7th largest nationwide, the port annually handles over 6.8 million tons of cargo and employs an estimated 17,000 people (directly and indirectly). The Port of Charleston promises to be a cornerstone of the area's future economic growth.

This project is a joint venture with the South Carolina World Trade Center and will be located at the Charleston Area Convention Center in North Charleston. Our development team is finalizing the plan for World Trade Center complex that will be a complement to the region. This aggressive region has been taking quantum leaps towards the development of a full multi-modal system that will include post-Panamex first call shipping from Asia. This global business model fits perfectly with the TCDC global plan to develop World Trade Showcase Centers in key geographical ports around the world.

The South Carolina State Ports Authority has been an instrumental leader in the development of a signature World Trade Center building and World Trade Showcase Center. The Port of Charleston now has eclipsed many of the larger east coast ports with their 45 foot deep shipping channel wide enough for post-Panamex ships and their innovative programs increasing dockside crane productivity to over 40 moves per hour per crane. And its container terminals are less than two hours from the open sea.

Mr. Fred Frankel, Chairman of the Board of TCDC is personally handling this project. Current planning calls for the construction of as many as four World Trade Center buildings in this master plan that is being designed by our world-class architect Ken Betch in cooperation with city, county, and state leaders.

Mayor Keith Summey and the City of North Charleston have shown remarkable leadership in their quest to be the site of America’s first World Trade Showcase Center. This phased project will contain a World Trade Showcase Center, a WTC Private Club and restaurant, the offices of the South Carolina WTC, trade offices, offices for Diplomats, offices for shipping company offices, WTC Executive Center international private sector offices and possibly an "India House" section.

The South Carolina WTC has one of the most successful trade mission programs in the entire 300 member World Trade Center network. This network fits nicely with TCDC plans to implement a universal exchange program that will allow all World Trade Showcase Center exhibitors to belong to the exclusive WTCA network. In addition, all exhibitors will have the opportunity to be involved in the WT-PERC program being coordinated by the South Carolina World Trade Center. This World Trade Park and Education Research Center program increases international trade by increasing product distribution, providing educational training and conducting research and advanced technology.