WAIPA

🏆 WAIPA Investment Excellence Awards 2024 🏆 WAIPA proudly presents the WAIPA Investment Excellence Awards, designed to recognize the exceptional achievements of Investment Promotion Agencies (IPAs) and their investor partners in advancing strategic investments and fostering sustainable development. In today’s complex global economy, investment facilitation plays a critical role in accelerating project implementation, reducing costs, and attracting further investments. These awards will honor IPAs and investors who excel in promoting sustainability, local linkages, and innovative practices, setting new standards in global investment promotion. ✨ Award Categories: 1. Contribution to Sustainability & Local Linkages 2. Excellence in Investment Facilitation 3. Use of ICT in Investment Facilitation 🏅 Special Awards will recognize Least Developed Countries (LDC) IPAs in each category. An esteemed jury, including the Chair of the Executive Board of the World Investment Conference, Mr. James Zhan, Head of the Investment and Services at World Economic Forum, Dr. Matthew Stephenson, PhD, Director of the Division of Enterprise Competitiveness and Institutions at the International Trade Centre, Mr Escipion Joaquin Oliveira Gomez, Managing Director for SDG Innovation and Economic Transformation of UNIDO, Dr Gunther Beger, amongst others, will select the winners. The awards will be presented during the gala dinner at the WAIPA World Investment Conference on 26th November 2024, with winning IPAs and investors receiving global recognition, trophies, and certificates. 🗓 Submission Deadline: 16th October 2024 🔗 Learn more and apply: https://waipa.org/awards/

IPA Sponsorship Opportunities Available to attend #28thWIC 🌍 If you are an active WAIPA Member IPA from Tier 1 or Tier 2 country and facing challenges with your travel budget, we’re excited to announce that we have limited travel and accommodation funds available for eligible members to assist in attending the #28thWIC happening from November 25-27 in Riyadh. Key Details: 🔍Eligibility: Support is exclusively available for active member IPAs, with priority given to those from LDC countries. ✉️ Application Deadline: October 15th. To learn how to apply and check your eligibility, please reach out to: [email protected] 📅 Registration Reminder: If you haven’t registered for the #28thWIC yet, please do so using the following link: https://lnkd.in/gCsgzNZa Don’t miss this opportunity to attend and enhance your visibility at this premier event. Stay tuned for more updates. We can’t wait to see you in Riyadh!

🤝 WAIPA is honored to co-host the #G20 Investment Promotion Agencies (IPAs) Meeting alongside ApexBrasil in São Paulo, Brazil on 28th October 2024 Held during Brazil’s #G20 Presidency and featured within the largest investment forum in Latin America — the 7th Brasil Investment Forum (BIF) will bring together IPAs from South America and G20 nations to tackle today’s most pressing challenges in the global investment landscape. 🌱 With a focus on sustainable growth, we’ll explore how IPAs can integrate sustainability into their evaluation criteria and attract strategic investments for large-scale infrastructure projects that drive regional integration and long-term impact. 💡The meeting will also include high-level keynotes and insights from government leaders and international organizations, who will dive into FDI trends and discuss how infrastructure investment can unlock new growth opportunities. 🌍 We invite interested IPAs to attend! Let us know you're interested in the G20 IPAs meeting by emailing [email protected] and [email protected], and register through the BIF/Registration page here: https://lnkd.in/dSRc8xXW. Ismail Ersahin, José Henrique Vieira Martins, James Zhan, Ana Paula L. A. Repezza, Helena Bonna Brandão, and Karina Bazuchi

🌟 Step into the spotlight at the must-attend investment event of the year – the 28th WAIPA World Investment Conference 2024 (#28thWIC)🌟 This is your opportunity to elevate your #IPA and showcase your unique offerings to a global audience. Select from our premium booth options: ✨ Prime Booth ✨ Executive Booth ✨ Executive Plus Booth Position your IPA at the forefront of the international investment community and connect directly with key stakeholders from around the world. This is a prime chance to highlight your initiatives and forge valuable connections with industry leaders. Secure your space today and enjoy exclusive pricing available for WAIPA members. For booth reservations and inquiries, please reach out to: [email protected]

A recurring theme within investment promotion circles is the need for IPAs to pitch bankable, investor-ready projects. It's given rise to the concept of 'investment projects ready to offer' — or IPRO, for short — meaning projects that have been properly vetted, studied and deemed investable before being presented to foreign investors. In this op-ed, Ismail Ersahin, CEO of WAIPA, argues there is an urgent need for governments to accelerate efforts to build pipelines of IPROs. 💬 Have Your Say: How big a difference can an IPA- or government-vetted project make in getting investors on board? Let us know in the comments below 👇🏽 #FDI #foreigndirectinvestment #IPA #investmentpromotionauthority #investmentpromotion #WAIPA #projectpipelines #investmentattraction #emergingmarkets #sustainability #oped #opinion #investmentprojectsreadytooffer #IPRO https://lnkd.in/gZgQ7GcP

WAIPA is excited to welcome Business France as the newest member of our growing global network! 🤝 Business France, the national agency promoting France's economy worldwide, plays a vital role in supporting the international growth of French SMEs by connecting them with commercial partners in key markets. Their expertise also extends to helping foreign investors navigate the French investment landscape, offering dedicated guidance through a team of advisors and regional partners.   They showcase France as an ideal destination for investment, fostering international cooperation to connect businesses with key global stakeholders and support expansion in the French market.   🌍 With Business France joining our network, we look forward to fostering meaningful connections and creating new opportunities for global growth.   💡 Learn more about them here: https://lnkd.in/gKBea9c

🌍 WAIPA at the 10th Anniversary of the World Free Zones Organization ("World FZO") Congress in Dubai, celebrating a decade of impactful collaboration and global investment leadership🌍   Last week, WAIPA’s Executive Director and CEO, Mr. Ismail Ersahin, spoke in two key sessions. 🔹 During the Future of Access to Finance session, he shared valuable insights on how #IPAs and Special Economic Zones (SEZs) can work together to effectively attract #FDI and promote sustainable economic growth. Mr. Ersahin emphasized the importance of these partnerships, especially in leveraging emerging trends in FinTech and tapping into the expertise of development finance institutions. Moreover, Mr. Ersahin highlighted innovative financing mechanisms that can unlock new sources of capital for businesses operating within SEZs, ultimately driving investment and fostering resilience in emerging markets.     🔹During the WAIPA & UNIDO session on Investment Promotion and Facilitation in the #ACP Region, WAIPA presented key findings from its joint survey with UNIDO, highlighting challenges in attracting FDI to ACP countries. The session emphasized aligning investment strategies with the SDGs and offered practical solutions, such as strengthening public-private partnerships and leveraging digital tools. WAIPA's active role in addressing these challenges at the WFZO Congress underscores its impact in shaping sustainable investment ecosystems and driving growth in developing regions.   Our participation in the WFZO Congress reinforces WAIPA’s dedication to “Investment for Good,” which focuses on driving growth, creating quality jobs, and supporting the SDGs worldwide.

WAIPA is pleased to expand our network with InvestPorto as our newest member!   InvestPorto, an integral part of the Municipality of Porto, collaborates closely with public entities and a network of local experts to provide unparalleled support to companies and individuals doing business in Porto. Whether you're an investor, business professional, founder, talent, or visitor, InvestPorto is here to help you navigate the vibrant business ecosystem of Porto.   Their comprehensive services are designed to meet your unique business needs, whether you're launching a new venture or looking to expand your presence in the city.   Let’s give a warm welcome to InvestPorto as they join our network! Together, we are stronger and better equipped to drive global growth and innovation. Read more about them here: https://lnkd.in/eRuF6VjE

On September 19, WAIPA hosted its sixth and final Masterclass of the year, titled “Beyond Investment: Mastering Aftercare and Advocacy.” The event featured an insightful keynote address from Mr. Trevor Gunn, Vice President of Medtronic & member of WAIPA Business Advisory Board, and representatives from three WAIPA IPAs: Mr. Marios Tannousis (CEO, Invest Cyprus - CIPA), Mr. Sebastian Risso Clerc (Executive Director, Uruguay XXI), and Mr. dawit adugna (Agro-Processing Senior Expert, Ethiopian Investment Commission (EIC)). Mr. Trevor Gunn emphasized the critical role IPAs play in building strong relationships with investors and sharing best practices in aftercare, including the need for proactive engagement and consistent communication. Mr. Marios Tannousis discussed the importance of aftercare at Invest Cyprus, highlighting initiatives such as the Cyprus International Investment Awards, which honor investors for their contributions to the country. Mr. Sebastian Risso Clerc underlined the significance of aftercare at Uruguay XXI, noting that 40% of Uruguay’s Foreign Direct Investment comes from reinvestments. He elaborated on incentives such as subsidizing workforce training and providing a smart talent portal to help investors find skilled workers. Mr. dawit adugna shared how EIC takes a proactive approach to enhance the investment climate, including regular process reviews, tax reforms, policy updates, and establishing digital platforms for investor communication.  Mr. Dushyant Thakor & Ms. Serena Clarisse Uy from WAIPA provided a briefing on the WAIPA Investment Excellence Awards. The awards honor IPAs and their investor partners that have excelled at Investment facilitation or have made substantial contributions to local development through strategic and innovative investment practices. Special awards will also be given to LDC IPAs. We extend our gratitude to the speakers for sharing their expertise and to all participants for their engagement. We look forward to the next edition of our masterclass series in the coming year!

🌍✨ That's a wrap on a spectacular week in China exploring three amazing cities - Xiamen, Shanghai, Beijing, with countless events and valuable interactions! I was thrilled to participate in the 24th China International Fair for Investment and Trade (CIFIT), where I represented WAIPA in supporting key events that drive global investment and collaboration! At the UNIDO Global Investment Dialogue on The Fourth Industrial Revolution and Smart Cities, I highlighted the transformative power of smart technologies in advancing sustainable development. 💡🌱 During the 3rd GASEZ Annual Conference, I reaffirmed WAIPA’s dedication to Investment Promotion Agencies (#IPAs) and the importance of collaboration with #SEZs 🌎💪 My participation at CIFIT also included co-hosting the prestigious Night of Gulangyu with China’s Ministry of Commerce and co-sponsoring the 22nd Annual Event of the Federation of Chinese IPAs. 🎉 I also had the opportunity to visit the Li Auto car manufacturing base, HQs of China International Investment Promotion Agency as well as our new members Invest Shanghai and Invest Beijing for reinforcing WAIPA’s role in advancing global and regional partnerships! 🤗 At China International Fair for Trade in Services-CIFTIS 2024, one of the largest global exhibitions in trade services, I had the honour of delivering a keynote speech on Beijing Day. 🗣️ I emphasized the crucial role of global collaboration in fostering innovation and promoting sustainability within IPAs. I am proud to represent WAIPA at the forefront of these vital conversations, driving innovation and shaping the future of global investments! 🚀💼 Special Thanks to ; - Mme. Ma Xiuhong, President of China Council for International Investment Promotion (CCIIP) - Mr. @Huang Wenhui, Vice Chairman of Fujian Provincial Committee of the CPPCC, Deputy Secretary of the CPC Xiamen Municipal Committee and Mayor of Xiamen Municipal People's Government. - Mr. Liu Minqiang, Director-General of the Investment Promotion Agency of the Ministry of Commerce of China (CIPA) - Mr. Sun Yao, Director-General of the Beijing Investment Promotion Service Center - Mr Xue Feng, President of Invest in Shanghai - Ms. Angela Yang, Director, International Cooperation Department of CIPA - Mr. Tang Yonghong, Deputy Director of the Beijing Investment Promotion Service Center - And of course to Mr James Zhan, WAIPA Chief Strategic Advisor, Co-Chair of 28thWIC Executive Board #CIFIT2024 #GlobalInvestment #Sustainability #Innovation #WAIPA