WAIPA

🚀 Empowering IPAs and SEZs for Global Success WAIPA, in collaboration with the World Free Zones Organization ("World FZO"), proudly presents the Global Leadership and Innovation in Investment Promotion Masterclass, a premier in-person program designed to empower leaders of Investment Promotion Agencies (IPAs) and Special Economic Zones (SEZs) with cutting-edge strategies, expert insights, and hands-on experiences. 🗓 May 12-15, 2025 📍 MIE 2 Geneva, Switzerland This four-day Masterclass offers a unique blend of expert-led sessions, live case studies, and exclusive visits to Geneva’s diplomatic and innovation hubs. Why Join? ✅ Gain expert insights from global leaders in investment promotion ✅ Explore 35+ case studies on sustainability, digital transformation, and investment facilitation ✅ Participate in a 90-day live case assignment, applying real-world solutions ✅ Visit Switzerland’s top diplomatic and innovation hubs 💡 Key Themes: 🔹 Transformative leadership in investment promotion 🔹 Digitalization and AI-driven investment facilitation 🔹 Sustainable finance and green investment strategies 🔹 Strategic investor targeting and aftercare 🎯 Who Should Attend? This course is tailored for senior executives and professionals in investment promotion, economic development, free zones, and innovation hubs who are ready to lead the next era of global investment. Learn more about the program structure, sessions, and registration process here: https://lnkd.in/dNKk4sVM 📢 Seats are limited! Ismail Ersahin Dr. Samir Hamrouni James Zhan Dushyant Thakor Andreas Hora José Henrique Vieira Martins Eva Salamon Kaplan Cemalettin GUREL Serena Clarisse Uy Karim Achy Raquel Lago Courtney Fingar UG Sujatha

📢 WAIPA’s Partner Conference at MIPIM 2025   Real estate is a powerful driver of FDI - shaping economies, transforming cities, and unlocking new opportunities.   At this year's MIPIM 2025, the world’s leading real estate event, WAIPA is organizing a special session "Real Estate & Foreign Direct Investment: A Two-Way Opportunity" to explore the evolving relationship between real estate and FDI, bringing together global experts to discuss key trends, opportunities, and the role of IPAs in attracting capital.   📍 Tuesday, March 11 | 14:00 📍 Location: Make It Happen Stage, P3, Auditorium A/Jean Mineur   🎤Speakers - Ismail Ersahin, CEO & Executive Director, WAIPA - James Zhan, Chairman of the Executive Board, World Investment Conference - Aida Feriz, Executive Director, WIMMER FAMILY OFFICE LTD - Arnar Guðmundsson, Head, Invest in Iceland - Wojciech Tyborowski, Director, Invest in Pomerania   Moderated by: Courtney Fingar, Senior Advisor, WAIPA This session will examine: ✔️ How real estate and FDI intersect to drive sustainable growth ✔️ The role of IPAs in positioning investment hubs for capital inflows ✔️ Key trends shaping global investment – from sovereign wealth funds to institutional investors ✔️ Opportunities in emerging markets and strategic sectors such as logistics, infrastructure, and urban development   With urbanization, sustainability, and economic resilience at the forefront, this discussion will provide valuable insights into where the next big investment opportunities lie.   📢 If you’re attending MIPIM 2025 don’t miss this high-level conversation with industry leaders and investment experts!

As global economic landscapes shift, the role of FDI statistics has never been more critical in attracting investors and shaping policies. Our WAIPA-UN Trade and Development (UNCTAD)-Center for Exports and Investment of the Dominican Republic "Workshop on FDI Statistics" offered expert insights into the latest trends, methodologies, and challenges in FDI data collection and analysis. Here are some key takeaways: 📢 Opening Remarks & The Value of FDI Statistics WAIPA CEO & Executive Director Mr. Ismail Ersahin and Center for Exports and Investment of the Dominican Republic’s Executive Director Ms. Angelina Biviana Riveiro Disla underscored how robust FDI data is vital for attracting investors and strengthening investor relations. They emphasized that data-driven investment promotion strategies help measure impact, improve policy frameworks, and ensure long-term economic benefits. 📊 Global FDI Trends & Sustainability FDI is shifting—sectoral trends are evolving, sustainable development investments are rising, and regional dynamics are changing. Dr. Amelia U. Santos-Paulino, PhD Chief, Investment Research Section, UN Trade and Development (UNCTAD) provided a deep dive into these shifts, emphasizing the critical role of data-driven strategies in investment decision-making. 💡 FDI’s Role in Developing Economies FDI remains the largest and most stable external financing source for developing economies. Understanding cross-border M&A, Greenfield investments, and international project finance is key to fostering long-term, sustainable investment. 📈 Reliable Data: A Game-Changer for IPAs Dr. Astrit Sulstarova, Chief, Trends and Data Section, UN Trade and Development (UNCTAD) addressed the challenges of data accuracy, comparability, and transparency, reinforcing the need for global standards and best practices in FDI reporting. 📚 How IPAs Use FDI Data to Drive Results WAIPA’s Deputy Executive Director, Mr. Dushyant Thakor highlighted how FDI statistics help in targeting investors, developing industry strategies, and shaping investment incentives. Tracking real investment flows, identifying ultimate investor origins, and measuring social impacts are crucial for IPAs looking to maximize their effectiveness. 🏦 The Central Bank Perspective on FDI Data Mr. Víctor Javier Nicolás Miladeh, Deputy Director, Balance of Payments Sub-Directorate, Banco Central de la Rep. Dom. provided an inside look at how FDI data is compiled, from legal frameworks to real-time tracking. The first-ever FDI census in the Dominican Republic has already transformed data collection, improving accuracy and investment tracking. A big thank you to UNCTAD, ProDominicana, our expert speakers, and all participants for making the workshop insightful and valuable knowledge-sharing experience! At WAIPA, we are committed to equipping IPAs with the knowledge and tools they need to harness the full potential of FDI data. To learn more on our upcoming events visit www.waipa.org/events 

What does the future of #ForeignDirectInvestment hold? Our Head of Inward Investment, Mélisande ROCHE., joined Antti Aumo from Business Finland, John Edwards from Department for Business and Trade, & Chris Knight from FT Locations to address critical questions in today's complex economic environment.   Key insights from the discussion moderated by Courtney Fingar: 🤝 IPAs: in today’s uncertain global landscape, IPAs play an ever more vital role in guiding investors, fostering business retention & expansion, and offering the specialised expertise needed to better support companies. 🌿 Green Investment Acceleration: France's €30 billion #France2030 initiative is creating opportunities in industrial decarbonisation, sustainable technologies & more 🤖 AI: revolutionising the investment landscape by enabling data-driven decision-making & creating strategic competitive advantages for forward-thinking global enterprises. Thank you to WAIPA for facilitating this valuable exchange. For UK business leaders exploring European expansion, our team can provide free, confidential consultations, get in touch with Mélisande ROCHE #FDI

How can IPAs stay ahead in an era of shifting economic trends, evolving methodologies, and increasing demand for transparency?   Join us for the UN Trade and Development (UNCTAD)-WAIPA-ProDominicana Webinar: "Workshop on FDI Statistics", where we are bringing together renowned experts who work at the core of global FDI research and policy-making. They will share insights, best practices, and the latest advancements in FDI data analysis—knowledge.   📅 Mark your calendar: 5 March 2025, 13:30 – 16:30 Geneva Time   🎤 Opening Remarks & Agenda Setting 🔹 Mr. Ismail Ersahin – CEO & Executive Director, WAIPA 🔹 Mrs. Angelina Biviana Riveiro Disla – Executive Director, Pro Dominicana 🔹 Dr. Amelia U. Santos-Paulino, PhD – Chief, Investment Research Section, UNCTAD   📊 Global FDI Trends & Sustainability Perspectives 🔹 Dr. Amelia U. Santos-Paulino, PhD – Chief, Investment Research Section, UNCTAD   💡 The Role of Reliable Data in Investment Promotion 🔹 Dr. Astrit Sulstarova – Chief, Trends and Data Section, UNCTAD   📈 Latest Developments in FDI Data Collection & Reporting 🔹 Mr. Dushyant Thakor – Deputy Executive Director, WAIPA 🔹 Mr. Víctor Javier Nicolás Miladeh – Deputy Director, Balance of Payments Sub-Directorate, Central Bank of the Dominican Republic - Banco Central de la Rep. Dom.   📚 Updates on International Monetary Fund’s BPM6 & OECD - OCDE’s Benchmark Definition 🔹 Dr. Astrit Sulstarova – Chief, Trends and Data Section, UNCTAD   🔗 The participation for this Workshop is exclusive for WAIPA Members. If you are a member and would like to register, please reach out to eva.salamon@waipa.org with your full name, job title and name of the IPA.

🌍 Africa’s real estate landscape is evolving—how do we ensure sustainable and inclusive growth? Africa's real estate market is at a crossroads of rapid urbanisation and sustainable development, and investment promotion agencies have a crucial role to play in this paradigm. Our Executive Director and CEO Ismail Ersahin will join a panel of industry leaders in a panel session at MIPIM 2025 to shed more light on how IPAs can play a leading role in driving sustainable development in Africa cities. He’ll be joined by an esteemed panel of industry leaders: 🔹 @Eng Khaled Abbas – Administrative Capital For Urban Development - ACUD 🔹 David Damiba – Kasada Capital Management 🔹 Ismail Ersahin – WAIPA 🔹 Somaya Joshua – Absa Corporate and Investment Banking 🔹 Samuel Kariuki – Mi Vida Thika Road Limited 🔹 Nawale SAOUD 💡🏗️🌍 – JLL | Morocco Green Building Council 🎤 Moderator: Patricia Rodrigues, Control Risks   📅 Tuesday, 11 March ⏰ 4-5 pm 📍 Geo Focus Stage (Palais 3) 🔗 Session details: https://lnkd.in/eDsqrtq4   This is a must-attend session for anyone looking to understand the opportunities and challenges shaping Africa’s real estate sector. See you in Cannes!

📊 Exclusive Workshop for WAIPA Members on FDI Statistics In today’s dynamic investment landscape, reliable FDI data is essential for shaping effective policies and driving sustainable development. Yet, evolving challenges call for enhanced methodologies and stronger collaboration in data collection and analysis. To support our members in navigating these complexities, WAIPA, UN Trade and Development (UNCTAD), and Center for Exports and Investment of the Dominican Republic are hosting an exclusive webinar on FDI Statistics. 📅 Date: 5 March 2025 ⏰ Time: 13:30 to 16:30 (CET) 💻 Zoom Webinar This workshop will bring together global experts to discuss: 🌍 Global FDI Trends & Implications for Sustainable Development 📊 The Need for Reliable Data: A User’s Perspective 🔎 Recent Developments in FDI Data Collection  📖 Updates on IMF’s BPM6 & OECD’s Benchmark Definition 🎙 Agenda Lineup:   🔹 Mr. Ismail Ersahin, CEO & Executive Director, WAIPA 🔹 Mrs. Angelina Biviana Riveiro Disla, Executive Director, Center for Exports and Investment of the Dominican Republic 🔹 Dr. Amelia U. Santos-Paulino, PhD-Paulino, Chief, Investment Research Section, UN Trade and Development (UNCTAD) 🔹 Dr. Astrit Sulstarova, Chief, Trends and Data Section, UN Trade and Development (UNCTAD) 🔹 Mr. Andreas Hora, Deputy Executive Director, WAIPA 🔹 Mr. VICTOR JAVIER NICOLAS MILADEH, Deputy Director, Balance of Payments Sub-Directorate, Banco Central de la Rep. Dom. 📄 Download the full agenda HERE: https://lnkd.in/dZxNTXWh The participation for this Workshop is exclusive for WAIPA Members. If you are a member and would like to register, please reach out to eva.salamon@waipa.org with your full name, job title and name of the IPA. We encourage all WAIPA members to take advantage of this opportunity, to engage with renowned experts and peers, gain cutting-edge insights, and enhance your organization’s capacity in FDI statistics and investment analysis.

Looking to invest internationally in 2025? Global foreign direct investment (FDI) in 2025 is predicted to continue 2024 trends. Our team attended the WAIPA 'FDI in 2025: Insights & Trends Shaping the Future of Investment' conference last week. Highlights: 📈 Italy was identified as a growth market, alongside Spain ♻️ Leading sectors for global investments are predicted to be renewables, communication, semiconductors, automotive, transportation, warehouse, metals, real estate, electric components, software and IT services - all sectors in which Italy has a strong investment offer 🌍 Driving forces for investment will be geopolitical dynamics, trade, and technological revolution - Italy is a stable economy in Europe, and is emerging as a geopolitically attractive business environment 💪 General attractiveness of a country is critical to attracting investment; this can then be shaped with incentives and other policies that enhance attractiveness - Italy is in the Global top 10 for Soft Power, holding one of the most appealing country brands in the world Thank you to speakers including Dr James Zhan Chair, WAIPA WIC Executive Board; Abdulmohsen AlMulhem Al Mukhaizeem, President and CEO KIO – London Kuwait Investment Authority (KIA); Chris Knight, Managing Director, FT Locations; and Courtney Fingar, Senior Advisor, Europe and Communications, WAIPA; just to name a few, for sharing their insights into the FDI outlook for 2025. If you would like assistance to expand your business or invest in Italy, email us at fdi.london@ice.it Aster Thackery - Investment Director Clarissa Fraschetti - FDI Analyst #InvestinItaly #FDI2025 #BusinessExpansion

"FDI trends in 2025” conference organised by WAIPA in cooperation with Kuwait Direct Investment Promotion Authority in London was great occasion to be part of a forum of world-class experts in the field of foreign investment. We discussed recent FDI trends, challenges, and opportunities and looked at global FDI prospects for 2025 and beyond. At the square ‘round-table’ we exchanged experiences and tips for IPAs on strategies for attracting investment. We did not skip the topic of using AI tools in our work. Key takeaways 🤔: 📈 Global shift towards service-centric investments 📈 Asia remains strong 📈 Recovery is modest but gives positive prospects ❗ Increased risks: geopolitical dynamics and even more VUCA world Our colleagues from other Polish cities are also active on the international stage, it was nice to meet you Katowice City - live, work & invest! PS. Jest takie miasto Londyn! #FDI #IPA #InvestinPoznan

🤝 Exclusive IPA Roundtable: Strengthening Investment Collaboration The "FDI in 2025" conference concluded with a roundtable featuring 20+ IPA representatives and WAIPA leadership, where participants engaged in interactive discussions on strategic discussions on investment collaboration.  💬 Key Takeaways: 🔸 The roundtable reinforced the importance of collaboration among IPAs, emphasizing joint efforts, knowledge-sharing, and coordinated strategies to enhance investment attraction and retention. 🔸 IPAs shared insights on addressing region-specific investment challenges, discussing effective models for fostering investor confidence and long-term economic stability. 🔸 The discussion highlighted the need for innovative investment promotion approaches, policy alignment, and investor-centric strategies to secure sustainable, high-impact investments. This highly interactive session proved to be valuable for many IPAs, providing actionable solutions to strengthen investment facilitation and global competitiveness. As markets evolve, collaboration and adaptability will be key in shaping the future of investment promotion.