Dubai will host the XVII Annual World Investment Conference of the World Association of Investment Promotion Agencies (WAIPA) in September, it has been announced.
Held under the directives and patronage of HH Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai and chairman of Dubai Executive Council, the meeting in Dubai will bring together thought leaders from established and emerging markets to discuss collaborative efforts, best practices and innovative strategies in the field of foreign direct investment (FDI).
More than 400 high-level representatives of 250 investment promotion agencies from more than 160 countries are expected to attend the event - being held for the first time in the Middle East, North Africa and South Asia (MENASA) region.
"Dubai is a living example of how investment and economic development can complement each other in creating and leveraging opportunities,"said Sami Al Qamzi, Director General of the Department of Economic Development.
"As one of the most vibrant and progressive investment destinations in the world, Dubai is proud to host the WAIPA annual meeting and promote consultations among leading investment strategists," he added.
Alessandro Teixeira, president of WAIPA and Deputy Minister for Development, Industry and Foreign Trade in Brazil, said: "At WAIPA we encourage governments to open up to innovative thinking and take bold steps so they remain competitive in the global marketplace for investment projects.
"By improving their business environment, removing barriers to market entry and setting up other soft as well as hard infrastructure conditions Dubai has for long created a virtuous circle where FDI leads to self-sustaining economic growth and development reinforces FDI."
The meeting will witness wide-ranging discussions on developing innovative strategies to capitalise on the emerging priorities in global FDI movement. Dubai's success as an investment destination and its long-standing commitment to facilitating business and market access will be under the spotlight at the meeting.
"Dubai is unique in that the development vision and policies in the emirate is founded on promoting free enterprise and investment," said Fahad Al Gergawi, chief executive officer of Dubai FDI, and MENA regional director of WAIPA.
"As we look to cement our status as a leading investment destination it is important to host events that foster innovation and long term relationships.
"Foreign investment inflows to Dubai reached $6.2 billion (Dhs23 billion) in 2011 and all indications are that it will remain on a high growth curve.
"A major driver of FDI to Dubai is the growing realisation that it's the most efficient hub that can connect businesses to a 2.2 billion population living in the Middle East, Africa and the Indian Subcontinent," added Al Gergawi.
The two-day meeting will be held at the Grand Hyatt, Dubai.
© 7Days 2012
