WAIPA

🌍 Ready to take your investment promotion strategy to the next level?   This May, WAIPA in collaboration with World Free Zones Organization ("World FZO") is hosting an exclusive Masterclass for IPA and SEZ professionals—an interactive, knowledge-rich experience designed to empower, inspire, and sharpen your skills.   ➡️ Swipe right for a sneak peek of what’s in store.   Strategic insights, key frameworks, and practical tools you can apply immediately to strengthen your IPA's role in fostering sustainable growth.   Click here to download the Masterclass brochure: https://lnkd.in/d-yUQnTV   💡 What makes this masterclass unique? ✅ Expert-led sessions from top multilateral leaders ✅ 35+ case studies focusing on sustainability, technology & advanced strategies ✅ On-site visits to Geneva's diplomatic hubs ✅ Live Case Assignment: a 90-day real-world executive challenge ✅ Visits to Swiss innovation zones  ✅ Practical insights on responsible leadership, digital transformation, aftercare, advocacy & more   Register here to position your agency at the forefront of investment promotion excellence: https://lnkd.in/dNKk4sVM

WAIPA Eastern Europe Regional Meeting & the International Summit: Unlocking Investment Through Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs)   📍 Nicosia, Cyprus | 📅 26-27 March 2025 Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs) play a pivotal role in unlocking investment, fostering economic growth, and driving sustainable development. That’s why WAIPA's Regional Director for Eastern Europe, Invest Cyprus - CIPA, WAIPA, and WAPPP | World Association of PPP Units & Professionals are bringing together global leaders, policymakers, and investment professionals to explore how PPPs can be leveraged to attract and facilitate Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) and drive economic growth.   📢 What to expect: - Insights from global investment and PPP leaders - Case studies on successful FDI projects and best practices - Legal frameworks & strategies for structuring PPPs - A high-level workshop on creating investment-ready projects - Discussions on digital transformation, green finance, and AI in investment     WAIPA will actively contribute to this dialogue through two key sessions:   Welcome address 🔹Nikos Christodoulides, President of the Republic of Cyprus* 🔹Ismail Ersahin, Executive Director & CEO, WAIPA 🔹Ziad-Alexandre Hayek, President, WAPPP | World Association of PPP Units & Professionals 🔹Evgenios Evgeniou, Chairman, Invest Cyprus - CIPA   Why is FDI Important for Economic Development and How Can PPPs Contribute to it? 🔹 Edward Farquharson, Senior Adviser, European Investment Bank (EIB) 🔹 Thibaut Mourgues, Managing Partner, Camden Advisory, Head of AI & Technology, WAPPP | World Association of PPP Units & Professionals 🔹 EMMANUEL NOUTARY, General Manager, ANIMA Investment Network 🎤 Moderated by: 🔹 José Henrique Vieira Martins, Chief Expert, WAIPA   Stay tuned for updates and insights from the event. 🔗 More details on the International Summit and how to join here: https://lnkd.in/dPDFGQNt

This week at MIPIM 2025 in Cannes, our Executive Director & CEO, Ismail Ersahin, joined an esteemed panel to discuss the critical role of IPAs in driving sustainable urban development across Africa.   As African cities undergo rapid urbanization, the challenge lies in aligning sustainability goals with investor expectations. This session brought together key leaders to explore how sustainable innovation, investment strategies, and policy frameworks can help shape the future of Africa’s real estate market.   "Sustainability is no longer just an aspiration — it’s a requirement for investment. IPAs play a crucial role in connecting projects with the right investors, ensuring they are bankable, climate-resilient, and meet global sustainability standards. By advocating for de-risking policies and fostering partnerships, IPAs help turn sustainability goals into investment opportunities," highlighted Mr. Ersahin.   Moderated by Patricia Rodrigues Control Risks, the panel featured:  🔹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 Homes Thika Road Limited 🔹Nawale SAOUD 💡🏗️🌍 – JLL | Morocco Green Building Council   The engaging discussion covered everything from financing mechanisms to public-private partnerships, offering actionable insights on how to ensure Africa’s real estate boom is both sustainable and ready for investment.   WAIPA continues to equip IPAs with the tools and insights they need to bridge the gap between sustainability goals and investor needs, paving the way for a future where sustainable investment in Africa thrives.

WAIPA hosted its first-ever Partner Conference at MIPIM 2025, bringing together industry leaders to explore "Real Estate & Foreign Direct Investment: A Two-Way Opportunity."   WAIPA Executive Director & CEO, Ismail Ersahin, was joined by distinguished speakers including James Zhan, Chairman of the Executive Board of the World Investment Conference; Aida Feriz, Executive Director of WIMMER FAMILY OFFICE LTD; Arnar Guðmundsson, Head of Invest in Iceland; and Wojciech Tyborowski, Director of Invest in Pomerania. The session, moderated by Courtney Fingar, Senior Advisor at WAIPA, offered valuable insights on the intersection of real estate and FDI.   Key takeaways from the session included: - Real estate is a major catalyst for foreign direct investment (FDI) and economic development. Attracting investment into real assets significantly enhances a location’s overall investment attractiveness. - Investment promotion agencies (IPAs) play a critical role in this paradigm, but many investors remain unaware of the support IPAs can offer, underscoring the need for greater awareness. - IPAs must become fluent in engaging with institutional and financial investors to maximize their impact.   Mr. Ismail Ersahin's opening remarks set the tone for an engaging discussion on the growing role of IPAs in driving sustainable real estate investment. He highlighted the strategic importance of IPAs in connecting international capital with local opportunities, ensuring transparency, and fostering sustainable economic development.   Dr. James Zhan explored the connection between real estate and FDI, emphasizing how the availability and suitability of real estate can significantly influence FDI attraction. He underscored the growing importance of integrated real estate development in building investor confidence.   Ms. Aida Feriz discussed the evolving appeal of real estate as an asset class for family offices. She highlighted how family offices are increasingly seeking diversified, sustainable investments that offer long-term returns.   Mr. Arnar Guðmundsson and Wojciech Tyborowski shared insights into the role of real estate attract FDI and meet economic development goals. They emphasized the importance of close collaboration with the real estate community to ensure investments align with broader regional development strategies.   This groundbreaking conversation at MIPIM marks the beginning of a broader effort to empower IPAs to facilitate and drive sustainable investment in real estate globally.

🚀 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!