Washington International Trade Association

The Washington International Trade Association (WITA) is an organization which hosts forums for discussing issues of international trade in the United States. The meetings hosted by WITA have used by members of congress to discuss their goals on trade. Operating as a non-profit, non-partisan organization, WITA itself does not engage in political discussion or debate.

WITA was founded in 1982 as a way for those involved in international trade to network and communicate with each other.

By 2006 WITA had grown to include 1400 individual members and over 90 corporate sponsors and group members. WITA’s membership is a unique blend of federal officials, representatives of businesses and NGO’s, academics, diplomats, consultants and lawyers, and others interested in international trade. Currently, WITA members exceed 1,800 and is growing in numbers everyday.

WITA does not take positions on trade issues or lobby Congress or the executive branch on legislative, regulatory, or enforcement issues. WITA maintains its neutrality through a balanced, bipartisan board that represents the various segments of the trade community; and by ensuring that multiple views of an issue are represented in our programs.

Specially, what WITA does is sponsor “events” (such as panel discussions, featured speakers, roundtables, and networking events) that give members of Washington DC’s trade community a chance to hear what policy makers are planning, to give access and the chance to give input and ask questions, and to connect the members of the trade community with each other to promote their personal and professional growth. WITA educates, informs, and connects the Washington DC trade community.

The Washingtonian named WITA "One of Washington's Top 20 Networking Groups"

WITA members include business executives, consultants, lawyers, federal government officials, diplomats, academics, and others interested in the sphere of international trade. WITA prides itself on adapting to changing times and new trends in thinking by offering programs of topical interest, special events, and co-sponsored activities of importance and concern to our membership. Trade Policy and Professional Development programs provide a neutral forum for idea exchange and policy review, while our Diplomatic series offers unsurpassed access to pivotal international players. WITA programs are held at the Ronald Reagan Building and International Trade Center and other prestigious venues.

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Wikipedia