WAIPA actively participated in the 24th China International Fair for Investment and Trade (CIFIT), which was held from 7th-11th September, 2024. The video below show some highlights of the event.

Top-tier industry leaders, authorities and stakeholders will kick off CIFIT high-level events,  joined by Ismail Ersahin, WAIPA CEO and Executive Director, accompanied by WAIPA Senior Expert, José Henrique Vieira Martins. WAIPA’s interventions and active participation included:

  • Co-hosting the “Night of Gulangyu”, one of CIFIT’s most important brand events, with the Investment Promotion Agency of Ministry of Commerce of the P.R.China (CIPA)
  • Co-sponsoring and speaking at the 22nd Annual Event of the Federation of Chinese IPAs, together with UNIDO, UN Trade and Development (UNCTAD) and the International Trade Centre
  • Supporting, with a CEO intervention, the 3rd GASEZ Annual Conference
  • Welcome speech at the WAIPA-supported session with UNIDO titled “Global Investment Dialogue: The Fourth Industrial Revolution and Smart City”.

Additionally, the WAIPA booth at CIFIT was a hub for successful bilateral meetings, facilitating seamless matchmaking sessions with International dignitaries, Chinese enterprises and provincial representatives. We offer an exciting opportunity to forge valuable connections and explore new avenues for collaboration.

Ismail Ersahin, Keynote Speaker at 22nd Annual Event of the Federation of Chinese IPAs


WAIPA Excutive Director, CEO, Ismail Ersahin was a keynote speaker at the 22nd Annual Event of the Federation of Investment Promotion Agencies in China. As a co-sponsor of this event, he shared insights on how WAIPA is supporting IPAs through knowledge sharing, capacity building, and policy advocacy.

This year’s theme resonates deeply with the evolving landscape of global investment and highlights the crucial role of Investment Promotion Agencies. We are witnessing unprecedented challenges and opportunities, including the need for sustainable development and rapid technological advancements. IPAs must focus on both the quantity and quality of investments to drive economic growth while aligning with broader goals of sustainability.

WAIPA at the 3rd GASEZ Annual Conference in Xiamen

Despite being established only three years ago, GASEZ has successfully developed through the strong leadership of our consultative committee member, UN Trade and Development (UNCTAD). WAIPA remains committed to further supporting GASEZ and its members. At the conference, our CEO and Executive Director, Mr. Ismail Ersahin, highlighted how WAIPA will leverage its wealth of knowledge to guide GASEZ and foster collaboration, ensuring continued growth and success in investment promotion worldwide.

As the global investment landscape becomes increasingly interconnected and complex, the need for cooperation between Investment Promotion Agencies (IPAs) and various strategies for attracting investment, including Special Economic Zones (SEZs), is more crucial than ever. While SEZs are one of the most important strategies within the broader scope of investment promotion, it is essential to adopt a holistic approach to fostering FDI and global economic growth. Mr. Ersahin emphasized that collaboration and competition can happen together, with both strengthening the parties involved. Together, IPAs and SEZs can create sustainable, high-impact investment ecosystems that create benefits for investors and local communities alike.

Held alongside the 24th China International Fair for Investment and Trade (CIFIT), the event brought together industry leaders to tackle challenges such as climate change, technological disruption, and sustainable investment practices. WAIPA’s message was clear: by working in unison, IPAs and SEZs can foster innovation, attract strategic investments, and ensure long-term economic growth.

We look forward to furthering these partnerships and seeing the collective progress made by the IPA and SEZ communities.

WAIPA at the UNIDO Global Investment Dialogue: The Fourth Industrial Revolution and Smart City

WAIPA was a proud supporter to UNIDO on its event, Global Investment Dialogue: The Fourth Industrial Revolution and Smart City, held on 8 September 2024 at the 24th China International Fair for Investment and Trade (CIFIT).

Experts and leaders convened to discuss the impacts of the Fourth Industrial Revolution, Smart City solutions, and global sustainable development goals.

WAIPA’s CEO and Executive Director Mr. Ismail Ersahin provided welcome remarks, acknowledging the transformative power of smart technologies. He highlighted WAIPA’s commitment to supporting the Fourth Industrial Revolution, including fostering global investments in the digital and technological sector. Doing so, cities around the world, particularly in emerging markets and developing countries, can utilize the latest technologies.

WAIPA looks forward to furthering discussions on technology and digitalization, especially during our 28th WAIPA World Investment Conference: “Future-ready IPAs: Navigating Digital Disruption and Sustainable Growth”, in Riyadh on November 25-27, 2024.