WORLD
Dubai FDI backs investment forum
Baku, May 11(AZERTAC). Dubai FDI, the investment arm of the Department of Economic Development (DED), will highlight its role in attracting foreign investment at a major summit that opens today in Dubai. Dubai FDI is the “host city sponsor” of the inaugural Annual Investment Meeting (AIM), which will run until May 12 at Dubai International Convention and Exhibition Centre. The first-of-its-kind summit will bring together policy-makers and strategists from the government and private sector worldwide, including leaders in key business sectors, to evaluate country-wide opportunities for foreign direct investment (FDI) and public-private partnerships. The summit is jointly organised by the UAE Ministry of Foreign Trade, the United National Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD), and the World Association of Investment Promotion Agencies (Waipa).
The three-day meeting is intended to give a fresh impetus to global growth by bolstering trade relations, renewing reciprocal business commitments and igniting strategic investments towards high growth economies. “Dubai and the UAE have traditionally been a magnet for trade and investment in the Middle East, North Africa and South Asia (Menasa) region,” said Fahd Al Gergawi, chief executive officer of Dubai FDI. “The region accounts for approximately 25 per cent of the world population and has seen unprecedented economic growth and reforms recently. Dubai offers the best access point to MENASA and an increasing number of global businesses hence have Dubai as their regional hub today,” added Al Gergawi.
Al Gergawi said that Dubai is complementing its geographical advantage with structural improvements, drawing an encouraging response from investors in the region and beyond. “Investors worldwide see vast potentials in being in Dubai. Last year A.T. Kearney ranked Dubai among the top 25 global investment destinations, which together attract 75 per cent of global FDI flows,” he explained. “Dubai was also ranked 11th globally and first in the Mena region in their FDI Confidence Index. Participants in AIM will be keen to know what sets Dubai apart as an investment destination and how we manage to do it. We are happy to share our experiences with them,” Al Gergawi concluded.