On 4 March 2022, the World Association of Investment Promotion Agencies (WAIPA) and its Consultative Committee member, the International Economic Development Council (IEDC) held a high-level meeting to discuss areas of collaboration between the two organizations to create greater value for their members.
The virtual meeting was held between WAIPA President and CEO of Invest India, Mr. Deepak Bagla and Mr. Nathan Ohle, who was recently appointed as the President and CEO of IEDC. The discussion was part of an ongoing dialogue and close cooperation between the two organizations.
During the call, the two leaders agreed to bring in the strengths of their organisations and explore greater collaboration. Some of the joint areas explored were sustainability, innovation, high quality research, joint project development and capacity building activities.
The International Economic Development Council (IEDC) is a non-profit membership organization serving economic developers. With more than 4,300 members, IEDC is the largest organization of its kind. Economic developers promote economic well-being and quality of life for their communities, by creating, retaining and expanding jobs that facilitate growth, enhance wealth and provide a stable tax base.
The World Association of Investment Promotion Agencies (WAIPA) is a non-governmental organization that was established under the auspices of the UNCTAD in Geneva 1995 as an association under the Swiss law. WAIPA serves as a platform for its members and represents an ever-growing number of IPAs. Through its wide range of activities, WAIPA provides the opportunity for IPAs to network and exchange best practices in investment promotion. IEDC is a member of WAIPA’s Consultative Committee.
WAIPA and its Consultative Committee, a board of the leading international organisations, such as UNCTAD, UNIDO, ICC, IEDC, ILO, OECD, UNWTO and the World Bank, continue to emphasise the need to collaboratively support IPAs further in building their capacities and advocating their important role.