The World Association of Investment Promotion Agencies (WAIPA), with the support of its Vice-Presidency Kuwait Direct Investment Promotion Authority (KDIPA), successfully hosted an exclusive high-level conference, FDI in 2025: Insights & Trends Shaping the Future of Investment. The event brought together over 30 Investment Promotion Agencies (IPAs), financial sector leaders, and global investment professionals to address the evolving landscape of foreign direct investment (FDI) and explore strategies for attracting sustainable and high-impact investments.
With geopolitical shifts, technological advancements, and evolving investor priorities influencing FDI, the conference provided a strategic platform for knowledge exchange and collaboration among investment leaders.
Opening Session: Charting the Course for Future Investments
The conference commenced with keynote addresses from leading figures in investment promotion and diplomacy, emphasizing the critical role of collaboration, innovation, and sustainability in investment promotion strategies.
Mr. Ismail Ersahin, Executive Director & CEO of WAIPA, delivered the opening remarks, emphasizing WAIPA’s commitment to empowering IPAs:
“FDI has long been a cornerstone of economic growth, job creation, and the advancement of sustainable development. As economies across the globe face evolving challenges, FDI continues to play a central role in fostering resilience and economic diversification. The need to align investments with national development goals and the sustainable development agenda has never been more important.”
H.E. Ambassador Sadiq Marafi, Assistant Minister of Foreign Affairs for Europe, State of Kuwait, highlighted the strength of international economic partnerships, noting:
“In the last 20 years, Kuwait’s investments in the United Kingdom have grown more than 400 percent, underscoring the importance of fostering strong, long-term economic relationships.”
His remarks emphasized the pivotal role of international cooperation in driving sustainable economic growth and investment resilience.
Following the welcome remarks, Mr. Mohamed Mulla Yaqoub, Assistant Director General for Business Development Affairs at KDIPA & Vice President of WAIPA, reinforced the importance of IPA collaboration and adaptability:
“We operate in an increasingly complex global economy. This makes it imperative for us, as investment promotion agencies, to adopt a proactive approach—both individually and collectively under WAIPA—to enhance agility and resilience in the face of regulatory shifts and economic uncertainties.”
Session I: Recent FDI Trends, Challenges, and Opportunities
The first session of the conference focused on the latest global investment trends, the challenges reshaping FDI flows, and emerging opportunities for investors and IPAs.
In his keynote address, Dr. James Zhan, Chairman, WAIPA WIC Executive Board, presented a forward-looking analysis of FDI prospects for 2025 and beyond, highlighting:
- A Fragile Recovery: FDI may bottom out in 2025, with recovery expected to be modest and restructuring-driven rather than expansion-led.
- Shifts in Investment Patterns: The service sector will continue to attract FDI, fueled by higher-value-added investments and offshoring trends.
- Technology & Automation: AI-driven transformation, automation, and digitalization are emerging as key drivers of future FDI flows.
- Sustainability Investments: Clean energy and energy efficiency investments are accelerating, narrowing the gap between traditional and renewable energy markets.
Panel Discussion: Navigating the Changing FDI Landscape
Moderated by Ms. Courtney Fingar, Senior Advisor, Europe & Communications, WAIPA, the panel featured:
- Mr. John Edwards, Director for Investment, UK Department for Business and Trade
- Mr. Antti Aumo, Head of Invest in Finland, Business Finland & WAIPA Regional Director for EU
- Ms. Mélisande Roche, Director, Inward Investment, Business France in the UK & Ireland
- Mr. Chris Knight, Managing Director, FT Locations
Key Takeaways from Session 1:
– Guiding Investors Through Uncertainty: IPAs play a crucial role in ensuring investment stability and long-term economic resilience.
– Business Retention & Expansion: In a shifting economic climate, IPAs must prioritize existing investors and provide long-term investment security.
– AI’s Transformative Impact on FDI: AI and automation are revolutionizing industries, requiring new investment strategies and skill sets for IPAs.
Session II: Navigating Financial Investments & Targeting Strategic Investors
The second session explored the role of sovereign wealth funds, capital markets, and financial institutions in shaping global investment priorities and stability.
Moderated by Dr. James Zhan, Chairman, WAIPA WIC Executive Board, the panel included:
- Mr. Abdulmohsen Al Mukhaizeem, President & CEO, KIO – London, Kuwait Investment Authority (KIA)
- Dr. Caroline King, Global Head of Business Development, SAP SE & WAIPA WIC Board Member
- Ms. Nicola Watkinson, Managing Director, TheCity UK
- Ms. Nandini Sukumar, CEO, World Federation of Exchanges
- Mr. Rupert Gather, Group Executive Chairman, InvestUK
Key Takeaways from Session 2:
– A Holistic Investment Ecosystem: Bringing together sovereign wealth funds, capital markets, and private investors is essential for driving financial investments.
– Attracting Private Capital: IPAs must actively engage private investors, as financial markets increasingly prioritize sustainability and impact-driven investments.
– Redefining the IPA Value Proposition: IPAs must tailor their investment strategies to align with evolving financial sector priorities and investor expectations.
Exclusive IPA Roundtable: Strengthening Investment Collaboration
The conference concluded with a closed-door roundtable featuring 20+ IPA representatives and WAIPA leadership, where participants shared strategies for enhancing investment facilitation and strengthening global competitiveness.
Key Takeaways from Roundtable:
– Enhancing IPA collaboration through joint investment promotion efforts and policy-driven solutions.
– Addressing region-specific investment challenges through tailored investor engagement models.
– Exploring innovative approaches to attract high-quality, long-term investments.
Looking Ahead: The Future of FDI & IPA Collaboration
The WAIPA-KDIPA high-level conference reinforced the need for innovation, adaptability, and collaboration in shaping the future of global investment promotion.
“As the investment landscape continues to evolve, WAIPA remains committed to equipping IPAs with the tools, knowledge, and networks they need to navigate this dynamic environment successfully,” concluded Mr. Ismail Ersahin, WAIPA CEO & Executive Director.
