Press Release
How Investment Promotion Agencies (IPAs) and trade institutions could leverage digital tools to create sustainable supply chain partnerships
Geneva, 15 September 2023 – As a part of the 2023 WTO Public Forum, the Enhanced Integrated Framework (EIF) and the World Association of Investment Promotion Agencies (WAIPA) are hosting a session on “How Investment Promotion Agencies (IPAs) and trade institutions could leverage digital tools to create sustainable supply chain partnerships”, to shed a light on the transformative potential of digital tools in fostering sustainable supply chain partnerships.
As the world races against time to achieve ambitious climate targets, trade and investment organizations play a pivotal role in supporting their governments towards a more sustainable future. Recognizing this imperative, the EIF and WAIPA have joined forces to explore how governmental trade and investment agencies in developing countries and the least developed countries (LDCs) can harness the power of existing digital tools to make supply chains more environmentally friendly.
These government agencies, responsible for attracting and facilitating investments while nurturing export growth, maintain close ties with the private sector. The symbiotic relationship between trade and investment is underpinned by their collective contribution to economic growth and international economic integration. In the era of advanced digital tools and technologies, these agencies can significantly broaden their impact by championing sustainable investments, thus contributing to greener supply chains. This is achieved through information dissemination, investor connectivity, and the cultivation of strategic partnerships.
“Today, more than ever, the world needs collaborative efforts to address pressing global challenges. We are proud to collaborate with WAIPA in exploring how IPAs and trade institutions can harness the power of digital tools to forge sustainable supply chain partnerships. By connecting relevant public agencies with the private sector through innovative digital solutions, we can make significant strides towards a more sustainable and greener global supply chain while promoting international integration and contributing to inclusive and sustainable development.” – Ratnakar Adhikari, Executive Director of the Executive Secretariat (ES) for the Enhanced Integrated Framework at the World Trade Organization.
We are excited to organize this session on leveraging digital tools to create sustainable supply chain partnerships at this year’s WTO Public Forum 2023 with our colleagues from the EIF. IPAs and trade institutions play a critical role in contributing to more sustainable value chains and digitalization offer unprecedented possibilities for that. Together with the private sector it is possible to unleash the full potential via these partnerships. We will show this with an extraordinary set of practitioners and experts from both the public and the private sector reflecting on this year’s forum theme of “Time for Action”. We are looking forward to showcase and reflect on the exemplary work that is being done and how these partnerships are leading towards a more sustainable and resilient future of supply chains. – Ismail Ersahin, Executive Director – CEO, World Association of Investment Promotion Agencies (WAIPA).
The joint session will delve into the current toolbox of digital solutions and how digital platforms can amplify outreach, enabling data-driven analyses that support sustainable development, particularly in developing countries and the LDCs. Furthermore, it will serve as a comprehensive guide for participants, showcasing successful digital tool implementations and global best practices.
Additionally, the session will highlight noteworthy initiatives and efforts to enhance collaboration between foreign firms and local suppliers, advancing sustainability in supply chains. Insights from international organizations and the private sector will be shared, offering valuable perspectives on successful actions in this realm.
Moderated by WAIPA’s CEO Mr Ismail Ersahin, and with the participation of ES Executive Director Mr Ratnakar Adhikari, the session will also feature the following eminent speakers: Ms. Nadjati Soidiki, Director General, National Investment Promotion Agency (Anpi) Comoros; Mr Long Kemvichet, Director General for International Trade, Ministry of Commerce, Cambodia; and Ms Caroline King, Global Head of Government Affairs, Business Development, SAP.
Join us at this pivotal session during the 2023 WTO Public Forum as we explore the transformative potential of digital tools in reshaping supply chains and accelerating sustainability on a global scale.
About the EIF:
The Enhanced Integrated Framework (EIF) is the only multilateral partnership dedicated exclusively to assisting Least Developed Countries (LDCs) in their use of trade as an engine for growth, sustainable development, and poverty reduction. The EIF partnership of 51 countries, 24 donors and 8 partner agencies works closely with governments, development organizations, civil society, and academia. Together we leverage our collective know-how, reach and reputation to tackle the world’s most pressing trade-for-development issues.
For more information, visit www.enhancedif.org
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For media inquiries about the EIF, please contact:
Adeline Masson
Communications Support Officer
+41227395689
About WAIPA:
The World Association of Investment Promotion Agencies (WAIPA) is an international nongovernmental organization established in 1995 under the auspices of the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) that acts as a forum to promote and develop understanding amongst investment promotion agencies (IPAs), providing them with technical assistance and capacity building, and encouraging networking and exchange of best practices in investment promotion.
For more information: https://waipa.org/
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For media inquiries about WAIPA, please contact:
Eva Salamon Kaplan
Communicaiton Specialist
+41227966862