Real FDI

Together with host INVEST SAUDI, the World Association of Investment Promotion Agencies (WAIPA) held its annual gathering in Riyadh November 25-27, 2024. The official theme was “Harnessing Digital Transformation and Sustainable Growth”. The conference took place at a critical juncture in foreign direct investment, according to WIC Chairman James Zhan. “The global economy is entering a new era with massive transformation, driven by the sustainability imperative, the technology revolution and geopolitical dynamics,” he said. “The whole situation in the world looks very gloomy … But we are sending a message to the world that global investment is on the trajectory of recovery, albeit fragile and modest. As the investment promotion community we should be positive and look for opportunities — and opportunities are plenty.” https://lnkd.in/esrs5HdC

As the data centre industry continues to grow rapidly, with particular buzz around the proliferation of emerging technologies like artificial intelligence, US domestic and global power demands are surging past previous predictions. Markets across the US are struggling to come up with creative solutions to meet the needs of these new projects. Providers should engage utilities as partners, write Timothy Comerford and Haley Hop, MSED, MBA of Biggins Lacy Shapiro & Company (BLS & Co.) https://lnkd.in/ekfxt3fB

“As a Kingdom, we’re proud to be part of WAIPA and we are extremely excited to host the first World Investment Conference in Riyadh," Fahad Al-Hashem of Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Investment told Real FDI about the 28th WIC which is set to kick off November 25. “We’re extremely excited to have everybody come and join us at the WIC – we hope we’ll do it proud.” Check out our video interview ⬇️ ⬇️ ⬇️  #28thWIC  #WAIPA  #Riyadh  #FDI  #SaudiArabia https://lnkd.in/eEAG_i8W

Switzerland Global Enterprise, the country’s official trade and investment promotion agency, is intensifying efforts to position the country as a global innovation hub. In an interview with Real FDI, chief investment promotion officer Patrik Wermelinger explained that the agency’s latest strategy focuses on attracting international companies in five key sectors where Switzerland already leads: healthcare, digital technologies, food and elemental industries and finance. https://lnkd.in/eA2cuKDn

Krakow’s government has ambitious plans to revitalise an area around a former hospital into a creative district attracting residents, entrepreneurs, artists and investors. Speaking with Real FDI at EXPO REAL (Messe München) in early October, Katarzyna Wysocka, director of the Department for Entrepreneurship and Innovation in the Municipality of Krakow, shared that the focus for the Wesoła district is on creating a welcoming space where residents, researchers and businesses can collaborate to foster creative and innovative projects. https://lnkd.in/eSXyjMkC

As the world grapples with economic uncertainties, geopolitical tensions, and the aftershocks of the pandemic, the role of investment promotion agencies has never been more vital. These agencies are at the forefront of attracting and facilitating foreign direct investment, which is crucial for global economic recovery. However, to effectively drive FDI in this challenging environment, IPAs need to be better empowered, resourced and supported. Read this expert-view piece guest authored by Ismail Ersahin, CEO and Executive Director of WAIPA ⬇️ https://lnkd.in/ezdAEPbn

Newcastle was part of a strong showing of UK cities at the EXPO REAL (Messe München) real estate fair in Munich in early October 2024. Invest Newcastle director Jenny Hartley spoke to Real FDI afterwards about increased investor interest in UK assets and what that means for cities like Newcastle. https://lnkd.in/eb8yftSj

In the face of declining financial inflows, developing countries are enhancing their investment facilitation efforts. Data compiled by UN Trade and Development (UNCTAD) recapped in its World Investment Report 2024 finds that in 2023, 86% of the investment policy measures taken by developing countries were more favourable to investors. In contrast, 57% of measures in developed countries were less favourable, with restrictions such as FDI screening mechanisms increasingly used to address national security concerns. https://lnkd.in/est7Ypgy

Diversification is a key priority for multinational companies, with implications for investment patterns and corporate structures, according to a report from DBS Bank and FT Longitude. Business diversification – of market presence, products and supply chains – was cited as a strategic priority by 64% of respondents in a survey of senior-level executives. https://lnkd.in/emPehUB7

Despite the current challenges of raising capital, funds targeting industrial and logistics assets raised $41.5 billion globally in H1 2024. That is a 30% increase on the pre-pandemic average, according to Savills’ Q2 2024 Capital Markets Report: Industrial and Logistics. The report says $78 billion of deals were completed globally in H1, down 16% on H1 2023, but representing more than 9% growth on the 2015-19 average. Oliver Salmon Savills Operational Capital Markets https://lnkd.in/epKmt_pC