The International Summit: Unlocking Investment Through Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs) coorganized by Invest Cyprus – CIPA, WAIPA, and WAPPP | World Association of PPP Units & Professionals successfully concluded in Nicosia, Cyprus, after two days of insightful discussions, knowledge exchange, and strategic collaboration. The summit brought together global leaders, policymakers, and experts to explore how PPPs can drive sustainable economic growth and unlock new investment opportunities.

WAIPA’s Executive Director & CEO, Ismail Ersahin, delivered the official welcome address alongside Evgenios Evgeniou, Chairman of Invest Cyprus – CIPA and WAIPA’s Regional Director for Eastern Europe, and Ziad-Alexandre Hayek, President of WAPPP | World Association of PPP Units & Professionals. Their opening remarks emphasized the transformative potential of PPPs in mobilizing private sector expertise and capital to advance long-term economic resilience.

Empowering IPAs: A Key Driver for Sustainable Growth

During his address, Mr. Ismail Ersahin highlighted WAIPA’s vision of empowering Investment Promotion Agencies (IPAs) to facilitate meaningful Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) and sustainable development. He stated:

“Empowering IPAs is essential—not just to attract investment, but to transform opportunities into bankable projects. When IPAs closely collaborate with relevant authorities, we unlock projects that drive lasting growth, attract meaningful FDI, and create sustainable prosperity.”

Mr. Marios Tannousis, CEO of Invest Cyprus, underscored the benefits of PPPs in aligning public and private sector strengths:

“By leveraging the advantages of both sectors, public and private, their partnerships combine the efficiency, expertise, and resources of the private sector with the public sector’s access to large-scale projects, all with a focus on social responsibility.”

Mr. Evgenios Evgeniou, Chairman of Invest Cyprus, added:

“We are here to share best practices, regulatory insights, and help promote PPP projects and facilitate tangible investments going forward, so as to create long-term economic growth and job creation.”

WAIPA Led Strategic Dialogues on Harnessing PPP Potential

Throughout the summit, WAIPA facilitated key discussions on how IPAs can leverage PPPs to strengthen international collaboration and attract fresh investment opportunities.

The summit’s first panel, “Why is FDI Important for Economic Development, and How Can PPPs Contribute?”, moderated by WAIPA’s Chief Expert, José Henrique Vieira Martins, explored practical strategies for maximizing PPP potential. The panel featured distinguished experts who shared innovative approaches to aligning PPPs with FDI objectives:

  • Edward Farquharson, Senior Adviser, European Investment Bank (EIB)

  • Emmanuel Noutary, General Manager, ANIMA Investment Network

  • Thibaut Mourgues, Managing Partner, Camden Advisory & Head of AI & Technology, WAPPP

Key Takeaways: Maximizing the Impact of PPPs

The dynamic panel discussion provided valuable insights on how PPPs can significantly enhance FDI potential and foster sustainable development. Key highlights included:

Unlocking Global Capital Through PPPs
PPPs mobilized international capital, expertise, and resources, bridging local financing gaps and enhancing the bankability of investment projects. By aligning global expertise with local opportunities, PPPs successfully attracted meaningful FDI and addressed infrastructure needs.

IPAs as Bridges for Strong Investor Relationships
Investment Promotion Agencies (IPAs) served as crucial intermediaries, facilitating structured, meaningful dialogues between governments and investors. These dialogues built trust, aligned investor expectations, and fostered environments where sustainable investments could thrive.

Next-Generation PPPs Driven by AI & Technology
Artificial Intelligence played an increasingly important role in reshaping PPP project design and management, especially in infrastructure, healthcare, and smart-city sectors. AI-driven PPPs enhanced transparency, improved efficiency, reduced risks, and boosted investor confidence, making projects more appealing.

Exploring Legal, Regulatory, and Implementation Strategies

The summit also addressed essential aspects of PPPs and FDI through in-depth discussions on:

  • The role of PPPs and FDI in driving sustainable economic development

  • Legal and regulatory frameworks governing PPPs

  • Best practices and success stories from global PPP initiatives

  • Challenges and effective implementation strategies

  • Opportunities for networking with international investment professionals

  • Practical training sessions for Cyprus’ public and select private sector professionals

Strengthening Collaboration for Future Success

At WAIPA, we are committed to expanding these strategic regional dialogues, empowering Investment Promotion Agencies, and creating powerful global partnerships that unlock sustainable investment opportunities for lasting economic prosperity.