banner
banner image

About the World Investment Conference

The World Investment Conference (WIC) is a flagship event hosted by the World Association of Investment Promotion Agencies (WAIPA) where Investment Promotion Agencies (IPAs) convene to discuss investment policies and trends, providing a unique opportunity for networking, knowledge sharing, and partnership building.

For 27+ years and counting, World Investment Conference has welcomed Ministers, Business and Government leaders, General Directors, CEOs, Global Institutions Officials, Worldwide FDI and Economic Professionals, where they build relationships, and explore opportunities and possibilities for better economies and communities.

Contact Us

The World Investment Conference (WIC) will focus on key areas:

Leading Policy Discussions

Engaging in discussions on investment-related policies, regulations, and trends to address challenges and foster an enabling environment for investment promotion globally.

Encouraging Dialogue

Facilitating the sharing of insights, best practices, and expertise among investment promotion agencies.

Promoting FDI

Showcasing investment opportunities, strategies, and policies to attract and retain foreign direct investment

Networking and Collaborating

Offering a platform for networking and forging partnerships among IPAs, governments, businesses, and international organizations

key areas background
WIC creates value for both investors and IPAs through
handshake
Investor-IPA
Connections
bulb
Skill Enhancing
Workshops
user group
Region Focused
Sessions
globe
Cultural
Exchange
add team
Sectoral
Engagements
handshake
Investor-IPA
Connections
bulb
Skill Enhancing
Workshops
user group
Region Focused
Sessions
globe
Cultural
Exchange
add team
Sectoral
Engagements

Hosted by

This year, Saudi Arabia, in partnership with the World Association of Investment Promotion Agencies (WAIPA), will host the 28th edition of the World Investment Conference (WIC) in Riyadh from 25 – 27 November 2024.

28th World Investment Conference (WIC) Themes

The World Investment Conference (WIC) is the largest and most prestigious investment conference, that create a platform for global government leaders, policymakers, IPAs, investors, international organizations, and leading businesses to share and discuss insights that shape the future investment landscape through multiple conference tracks with a strong Thematic Focus.

Thematic Focus

The conference will be held under the theme:

“Harnessing Digital Transformation and Sustainable Growth- Scaling Investment Opportunities”

blockchain

Digital
Transformation

leaf

Sustainability

globe variant

Economic
Cooperation

Conference Tracks

The Conference track provides a platform for participants to gain expert insights, learn about best practices, and explore ideal investment policies. Discussions will be led by leaders and specialists from the investment ecosystem.

teacher

Conference

The Conference track provides a platform for participants to gain expert insights, learn about best practices, and explore ideal investment policies. Discussions will be led by leaders and specialists from the investment ecosystem.

conference tracks item
teacher

Masterclass

The Masterclass track offers in-depth, interactive sessions led by industry experts, focusing on advanced strategies and practical tools for investment professionals. Participants will engage in hands-on learning experiences.

conference tracks item
layers

Governance

The Governance track in the World Investment Conference (WIC) offers the member IPAs of the World Association for Investment Promotion Authorities the opportunity to discuss relevant topics through the General Assembly.

conference tracks item
add team

Matchmaking

The Matchmaking Track is designed to facilitate strategic networking and partnership opportunities. Selected participants will engage in pre-scheduled events, connecting investors with potential partners, SMEs, and projects. This track aims to foster meaningful collaborations and investments.

conference tracks item
award

Awards

The Awards track will provide a platform for the recognition of IPAs for their innovation and operational excellence in investment facilitation.

conference tracks item
teacher

Conference

The Conference track provides a platform for participants to gain expert insights, learn about best practices, and explore ideal investment policies. Discussions will be led by leaders and specialists from the investment ecosystem.

conference tracks item
teacher

Masterclass

The Masterclass track offers in-depth, interactive sessions led by industry experts, focusing on advanced strategies and practical tools for investment professionals. Participants will engage in hands-on learning experiences.

conference tracks item
layers

Governance

The Governance track in the World Investment Conference (WIC) offers the member IPAs of the World Association for Investment Promotion Authorities the opportunity to discuss relevant topics through the General Assembly.

conference tracks item
add team

Matchmaking

The Matchmaking Track is designed to facilitate strategic networking and partnership opportunities. Selected participants will engage in pre-scheduled events, connecting investors with potential partners, SMEs, and projects. This track aims to foster meaningful collaborations and investments.

conference tracks item
award

Awards

The Awards track will provide a platform for the recognition of IPAs for their innovation and operational excellence in investment facilitation.

conference tracks item
key areas background

About the Organizers

about waipa about waipa

World Association of Investment Promotion Agencies

World Association of Investment Promotion Agencies (WAIPA) is the primary agency for investment promotion and facilitation bodies, representing around 110 nations. WAIPA actively works to promote the role of its 130+ member IPAs in enhancing economic development and foreign direct investment globally.

star

Improve Capacity Building

layers

Create Data Synergies

user group

Prompt Knowledge Transfer

share

Advocate for IPAs

invest saudi invest saudi

Invest Saudi

Invest Saudi is Saudi Arabia's national investment attraction and promotion brand. Overseen by the Saudi Investment Promotion Authority (SIPA), Invest Saudi facilitates investments in Saudi Arabia that support the country's economic growth and position it at the forefront of the global business world.

star

Transform Saudi Arabia into a global investment powerhouse

layers

Elevate the Kingdom’s Reputation with Investors

user group

Curate Opportunities for Investors

share

Create a Vibrant and Active Investment Ecosystem

Agenda

The World Investment Conference features a comprehensive agenda designed to provide valuable insights and networking opportunities. Here’s the highlights of the agenda across our main event themes:

Digital Transformation
Sustainability
Economic Cooperation
Sector-Focused Sessions

Digital Transformation

Key Highlights

Everything tech!

Institutional Responses in Digitization, Investments in Tech, Sustainability Considerations and Collaboration

This interactive session will explore methods for sizing opportunities and assess the implications of cybersecurity and data privacy regulations on businesses. Additionally, it will examine how data centers contribute to energy consumption and its broader environmental impact.

Advanced Data Analytics

“Advanced Data Analytics for Trade & Investment Intelligence” Leveraging Insights for Competitive Advantage

The panel session will discuss government initiatives for trade intelligence, exploring benefits like transparency and challenges such as data privacy. It will also present the best practices including partnerships, data standardization, and advanced analytics. Insights will cover the role of big data and machine learning in enhancing trade analysis.

Tech Hubs and Innovative Ecosystems

Driving FDI in Emerging Markets & Innovation

The fireside chat will look into the role of public-private partnerships in emerging technology sectors and promoting R&D investment, technology transfer, and skill development. The discussion will also cover agile regulatory frameworks for intellectual property protection and creating flexible business environments.

Sustainability

Key Highlights

Money Moves for Meaningful Change

Social Impact Investing and Ethical Finance Models

The panel will discuss impact investing, ethical finance models, and approaches to deploying capital for social impact. Panelists will analyze research findings on how social impact investing promises greater long-term returns.

Sustaining Growth

Investment in Localization and Value Chains

The panel will discuss global initiatives like the New Silk Road and IMEC, focusing on new opportunities and the evolving need for localization and value creation. It will examine how shaping these new aspects of value creation can attract investments and enhance trade connectivity

Responsible Roaming

Sustainable Tourism in Emerging Economies

The interactive session will identify potential investments in sustainable tourism and analyze the government's role in enabling and facilitating it. It will also discuss the importance of stakeholder engagement and collaboration among government agencies, private sector investors, and local communities.

Economic Cooperation

Key Highlights

Strategic Alliances

Leveraging Partnerships for Investment Success

The panel will examine the importance of strategic partnerships and alliances in enhancing investment promotion efforts. Panelists will present strategies for identifying and cultivating partnerships with key stakeholders, including governments, industry associations, and international organizations.

Bridging Borders

Facilitating Global Corporate Partnerships and Investments

The panel will identify strategies for fostering successful global partnerships and investments. Panelists will discuss best practices for overcoming barriers and building trust in cross-border collaborations, as well as tools and approaches to streamline investment processes and enhance investor confidence.

This is what good looks like

A success story of relationships, partnership, opportunity identification and stakeholder engagement

The panel will highlight success factors of select projects and discuss collaboration efforts between stakeholders including governments, industry associations, and international organizations. Panelists will examine the role of incentives and the importance of partnerships and relationships in achieving project success.

Sector-Focused Sessions

Key Highlights

So Many Economies, So Many Opportunities!

A Global, Cross Sectoral Opportunity and Challenge, How to Leverage Funds for Climate, Blue, Green, Space, Low Altitude, Circular and Other Economies

The panel will discuss impact investing, ethical finance models, and approaches to deploying capital for social impact. Panelists will analyze research findings on how social impact investing promises greater long-term returns.

To Predict the Future, you Must Create it

Empowering Fintech Pioneers with Safe Spaces for Innovation

This interactive session will discuss proactive policy adoption to enable fintech sandboxes and examine investment opportunities in financial technology and capacity-building programs for fintech sandboxes. It will also explore the impact of effective tech sandboxes on improving innovation productivity.

The Road to Success is Always Under Construction

Infrastructure Innovation in Emerging Economies

This interactive session will analyze strategies for improving access to essential services like transportation, energy, and healthcare to unlock economic potential and reduce inequalities in rural communities. It will also discuss enhancing quality of life and facilitating trade and investment opportunities in these areas.

Past WIC Speakers

H.E. Piyush Goyal

H.E. Piyush Goyal

Minister of Commerce

Minister of Commerce, India

H.E. Manuella Santos

H.E. Manuella Santos

Minister of Investment Promotion

Minister of Investment Promotion, Togolese Republic

H.E. Ibrahim Almubarak

H.E. Ibrahim Almubarak

Hon'ble Assistant Minister of Investment

Ministry of Investment of Saudi Arabia

Nivruti Rai

Nivruti Rai

MD & CEO

Invest India & President, WAIPA

Ajay Mathur

Ajay Mathur

Director General

International Solar Alliance (ISA)

Susanne Pulverer

Susanne Pulverer

CEO and Chief Sustainability Office

IKEA India

Vijay Shekhar Sharma

Vijay Shekhar Sharma

Founder

CEO Paytm

Sponsors

Platinum Sponsor

Diriyah Gate Development Authority

Diriyah Gate Development Authority

Gold Sponsor

Qiddiya

Qiddiya

Conference Location

The 28th World Investment Conference will be held at the Fairmont Hotel, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia

conference location image

Planning Your Journey to WIC28?

The 28th World Investment Conference will be held at the Fairmont Hotel, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia

Visa Arrangements

Through a fast and easy-to-use online portal, international visitors canapply for an eVisa.

For visa application

Through a fast and easy-to-use online portal, international visitors can apply for an eVisa.

Visit Website arrow up right
arrow up right
Please visit ksavisa.sa for visa application and requirements
ksavisa

Accommodation

A wide choice of accommodation options to suit any budget are available across the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia

Hilton Riyadh

A wide choice of accommodation options to suit any budget are available across the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia

arrow up right
6623 Eastern Ring Rd, Ghirnatah, Riyadh 13241, Saudi Arabia
arrow up right
Distance from the Venue : 10 minutes
arrow up right
Please visit www.hilton.com
hilton riyadh

Radisson Blu Qurtuba

A wide choice of accommodation options to suit any budget are available across the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia

arrow up right
Al Thumama Road, Qurtubah, Riyadh 11263, Saudi Arabia
arrow up right
Distance from the Venue : 13 minutes
arrow up right
Please visit www.radissonhotels.com
Radisson Blu Qurtuba

DoubleTree by Hilton

A wide choice of accommodation options to suit any budget are available across the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia

arrow up right
6623 Eastern Ring Rd, Ghirnatah, Riyadh 13241, Saudi Arabia
arrow up right
Distance from the Venue : 15 minutes
arrow up right
Please visit www.hilton.com
DoubleTree by Hilton

JW Marriott

A wide choice of accommodation options to suit any budget are available across the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia

arrow up right
Al Thumama Road, Qurtubah, Riyadh 11263, Saudi Arabia
arrow up right
Distance from the Venue : 20 minutes
arrow up right
Please visit www.marriott.com
JW Marriott

Jareed Hotel Riyadh

A wide choice of accommodation options to suit any budget are available across the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia

arrow up right
6623 Eastern Ring Rd, Ghirnatah, Riyadh 13241, Saudi Arabia
arrow up right
Distance from the Venue : 25 minutes
arrow up right
Please visit www.jareedhotels.com
Jareed Hotel Riyadh

Transportation

Transportation App
Uber
Careem
Bolt
Car Rentals
Payless Car Rental
Yelo
Budget
Theeb
Hertz

Invest Saudi Events App

Download the Invest Saudi Events app to network with fellow attendees, schedule meetings, explore speaker profiles, access the event agenda, and stay updated with all the latest event information!

qr code
app phone