Latest news with #WorldInvestmentConference
Zawya
3 days ago
- Business
- Zawya
Sharjah to host 29th World Investment Conference in partnership with WAIPA and UAE Ministry of Investment
Taking place from October 22 to 24 at Expo Centre Sharjah and held under a joint agenda with Sharjah Investment Forum 2025 Bodour Al Qasimi: Hosting the 29th edition of WIC in Sharjah reflects international confidence in the emirate's status as a leading destination for responsible and sustainable investment. Mohamed Alsuwaidi: This collaboration highlights our shared ambition to deepen cross-border partnerships and drive inclusive, sustainable economic growth. Mohamed Al Musharrkh: Convening global investment institutions in Sharjah unlocks diverse pathways for local and regional business communities James Zhan: The conference is set to take place at the right time, in the right location, and with the right partners The forum is the one of the most prominent events in the international business community Organised in conjunction with the 30th anniversary of World Association of Investment Promotion Agencies (WAIPA) To feature high-level sessions, ministerial meetings, and discussions between ambassadors and investment officials Sharjah: In a significant step that underscores the UAE's prominence on the global investment map, the Sharjah FDI Office (Invest in Sharjah), in collaboration with the World Association of Investment Promotion Agencies (WAIPA) and the UAE Ministry of Investment, has announced the 29th edition of the World Investment Conference (WIC). Marking its debut in Sharjah, the event will be conducted under a shared agenda with the Sharjah Investment Forum (SIF), which will take place from October 22 to 24 at Expo Centre Sharjah. This international collaboration was officially formalised through a 'Host Agreement' in the presence of Sheikha Bodour bint Sultan Al Qasimi, Chairperson of the Sharjah Investment and Development Authority (Shurooq), H.E. Mohamed Hassan Alsuwaidi, UAE Minister of Investment, and Dr. James Zhan, Chairman of the Executive Board of the World Investment Conference (WIC). Signatories to the agreement included H.E. Mohammad AbdulRahman Alhawi, Undersecretary of the UAE Ministry of Investment; H.E. Mohamed Juma Al Musharrkh, CEO of Invest in Sharjah; and Ismail Ersahin, Executive Director and CEO of WAIPA. Commenting on the strategic significance of the event, Sheikha Bodour Al Qasimi said: 'Hosting the 29th edition of WIC in Sharjah reflects international confidence in the emirate's status as a leading destination for responsible and sustainable investment and underscores its readiness to convene global discussions focused on directing capital towards tangible development goals.' 'In Sharjah, we believe that the future of investment depends on striking a balance between economic growth and social development. For this reason, we are committed to ensuring that the international platforms we host provide opportunities to build partnerships that facilitate knowledge exchange, promote innovation, and deliver meaningful impact for both communities and markets,' she added. A milestone marking WAIPA's 30th anniversary The decision to host the 29th edition of the WIC in Sharjah holds particular importance as it coincides with the 30th anniversary of WAIPA. This milestone adds a commemorative element to the event, recognising three decades of advancing global investment and underscoring the critical role of investment promotion agencies in shaping both regional and international economic landscapes. His Excellency Mohamed Hassan Alsuwaidi, UAE Minister of Investment said: 'The World Investment Conference taking place in Sharjah reflects the UAE's enduring commitment to shaping the global investment agenda. As WAIPA marks its 30th anniversary, this collaboration highlights our shared ambition to deepen cross-border partnerships and drive inclusive, sustainable economic growth.' Commenting on the collaboration, H.E. Mohamed Juma Al Musharrkh highlighted that hosting global investment institutions in Sharjah will unlock a wide range of opportunities for local and regional business communities, facilitating greater access to expansive networks of cross-border partnerships. He stressed that the collaboration underscores Invest in Sharjah's ongoing commitment to equipping investors with the tools necessary for sustainable growth, while fostering a flexible and scalable development environment that adapts to evolving market dynamics and responds to both current opportunities and future challenges. In this context, Ismail Ersahin, Executive Director and CEO of WAIPA said 'Investment promotion agencies are the architects of global economic connectivity — they bridge nations, ideas and capital to generate lasting impact. As WAIPA marks its 30th anniversary, we are proud to bring the World Investment Conference to Sharjah,'. 'This conference is not just a celebration of WAIPA's legacy, but a platform for meaningful collaboration between the public and private sectors, where investors are matched with opportunities. Sharjah's hosting of WIC 2025 reflects its growing leadership in global investment discourse and its commitment to shaping the next era of responsible, resilient investment.' he added. Dr. James Zhan, Chairman of the Executive Board of the World Investment Conference emphasized that the Conference is set to take place at the right time, in the right location, and with the right partners. He highlighted Sharjah as a unique and strategic destination for foreign direct investment. As a regional leader in attracting FDI, the UAE continues to strengthen its position among the world's top 15 investment destinations. The World Investment Conference arrives at a pivotal moment. In the face of global economic uncertainty and market volatility, the Conference aims to address pressing challenges while exploring new opportunities. It will serve as a vital global forum—bringing together the international investment community to shape a forward-looking strategy. It will chart a new path for promoting sustainable investment and shared prosperity in the new era of global economy. Sharjah's status on the global investment stage By hosting this prestigious global forum in tandem with SIF 2025, Sharjah reaffirms its status as a strategic regional hub for high-quality, sustainable investment. It also reflects the advancement of a dynamic environment that fosters innovation, expansion, and cross-border partnerships within the UAE's markets. The emirate provides a forward-looking business environment that fosters innovation, cross-border collaboration, and growth; and has emerged as a model for competitive business ecosystems, underpinned by advanced infrastructure, progressive regulatory frameworks, and an economic vision grounded in diversity and sustainability. About Sharjah Investment Forum: Since 2015, Invest in Sharjah has organised the Sharjah Investment Forum, establishing it as a leading regional platform for tracking global investment trends, identifying opportunities within the sustainable economy, and aligning with the direction of international capital and markets. Over the years, the forum has attracted prominent decision-makers, experts, and global investors, facilitating strategic discussions that support the development priorities of Sharjah, the UAE, and the wider region. Its integration of WIC reflects a strategic approach to enhancing its impact, widening the scope of discussions, and fostering meaningful partnerships across sectors and borders. About World Investment Conference: Since its inception in 1995, WIC has been the flagship event of WAIPA, serving as a premier platform for dialogue on global investment trends. It brings together decision-makers, senior government officials, and international investors from over 100 countries to examine key economic developments that affect FDI flows and explore new avenues for global cooperation and economic integration. The agenda includes high-level plenary sessions, ministerial roundtables, ambassador-investor discussions, and networking activities that foster collaboration between the public and private sectors. Video link:
Gulf Today
3 days ago
- Business
- Gulf Today
Sharjah to host 29th edition of World Investment Conference
In a significant step that underscores the UAE's prominence on the global investment map, the Sharjah FDI Office (Invest in Sharjah), in collaboration with the World Association of Investment Promotion Agencies (WAIPA) and the UAE Ministry of Investment, has announced the 29th edition of the World Investment Conference (WIC). Marking its debut in Sharjah, the event will be conducted under a shared agenda with the Sharjah Investment Forum (SIF), which will take place from October 22 to 24 at Expo Centre Sharjah. This international collaboration was officially formalised through a 'Host Agreement' in the presence of Sheikha Bodour Bint Sultan Al Qasimi, Chairperson of the Sharjah Investment and Development Authority (Shurooq), Mohamed Hassan Alsuwaidi, UAE Minister of Investment, and Dr James Zhan, Chairman of the Executive Board of the World Investment Conference (WIC). Signatories to the agreement included Mohammad AbdulRahman Alhawi, Undersecretary of the UAE Ministry of Investment; Mohamed Juma Al Musharrkh, CEO of Invest in Sharjah; and Ismail Ersahin, Executive Director and CEO of WAIPA. Commenting on the strategic significance of the event, Sheikha Bodour Al Qasimi said: 'Hosting the 29th edition of WIC in Sharjah reflects international confidence in the emirate's status as a leading destination for responsible and sustainable investment and underscores its readiness to convene global discussions focused on directing capital towards tangible development goals.' 'In Sharjah, we believe that the future of investment depends on striking a balance between economic growth and social development. For this reason, we are committed to ensuring that the international platforms we host provide opportunities to build partnerships that facilitate knowledge exchange, promote innovation, and deliver meaningful impact for both communities and markets,' she added. The decision to host the 29th edition of the WIC in Sharjah holds particular importance as it coincides with the 30th anniversary of WAIPA. This milestone adds a commemorative element to the event, recognising three decades of advancing global investment and underscoring the critical role of investment promotion agencies in shaping both regional and international economic landscapes. Mohamed Hassan Alsuwaidi, UAE Minister of Investment, said: 'The World Investment Conference taking place in Sharjah reflects the UAE's enduring commitment to shaping the global investment agenda. As WAIPA marks its 30th anniversary, this collaboration highlights our shared ambition to deepen cross-border partnerships and drive inclusive, sustainable economic growth.' Commenting on the collaboration, Mohamed Juma Al Musharrkh highlighted that hosting global investment institutions in Sharjah will unlock a wide range of opportunities for local and regional business communities, facilitating greater access to expansive networks of cross-border partnerships. He stressed that the collaboration underscores Invest in Sharjah's ongoing commitment to equipping investors with the tools necessary for sustainable growth, while fostering a flexible and scalable development environment that adapts to evolving market dynamics and responds to both current opportunities and future challenges. In this context, Ismail Ersahin, Executive Director and CEO of WAIPA said 'Investment promotion agencies are the architects of global economic connectivity - they bridge nations, ideas and capital to generate lasting impact. As WAIPA marks its 30th anniversary, we are proud to bring the World Investment Conference to Sharjah.'' 'This conference is not just a celebration of WAIPA's legacy, but a platform for meaningful collaboration between the public and private sectors, where investors are matched with opportunities. Sharjah's hosting of WIC 2025 reflects its growing leadership in global investment discourse and its commitment to shaping the next era of responsible, resilient investment.' he added. Dr James Zhan, Chairman of the Executive Board of the World Investment Conference, emphasised that the Conference is set to take place at the right time, in the right location, and with the right partners. He highlighted Sharjah as a unique and strategic destination for foreign direct investment. As a regional leader in attracting FDI, the UAE continues to strengthen its position among the world's top 15 investment destinations. The World Investment Conference arrives at a pivotal moment. In the face of global economic uncertainty and market volatility, the Conference aims to address pressing challenges while exploring new opportunities. It will serve as a vital global forum-bringing together the international investment community to shape a forward-looking strategy. It will chart a new path for promoting sustainable investment and shared prosperity in the new era of global economy. Since 2015, Invest in Sharjah has organised the Sharjah Investment Forum, establishing it as a leading regional platform for tracking global investment trends, identifying opportunities within the sustainable economy, and aligning with the direction of international capital and markets. Over the years, the forum has attracted prominent decision-makers, experts, and global investors, facilitating strategic discussions that support the development priorities of Sharjah, the UAE, and the wider region. Its integration of WIC reflects a strategic approach to enhancing its impact, widening the scope of discussions, and fostering meaningful partnerships across sectors and borders. WAM
Sharjah 24
3 days ago
- Business
- Sharjah 24
Sharjah to host 29th World Investment Conference
This international collaboration was officially formalised through a 'Host Agreement' in the presence of Sheikha Bodour bint Sultan Al Qasimi, Chairperson of the Sharjah Investment and Development Authority (Shurooq), His Excellency Mohamed Hassan Alsuwaidi, UAE Minister of Investment, and Dr. James Zhan, Chairman of the Executive Board of the World Investment Conference (WIC). Signatories to the agreement included His Excellency Mohammad AbdulRahman Alhawi, Undersecretary of the UAE Ministry of Investment; His Excellency Mohamed Juma Al Musharrkh, CEO of Invest in Sharjah; and Ismail Ersahin, Executive Director and CEO of WAIPA. Commenting on the strategic significance of the event, Sheikha Bodour Al Qasimi said: 'Hosting the 29th edition of WIC in Sharjah reflects international confidence in the emirate's status as a leading destination for responsible and sustainable investment and underscores its readiness to convene global discussions focused on directing capital towards tangible development goals.' 'In Sharjah, we believe that the future of investment depends on striking a balance between economic growth and social development. For this reason, we are committed to ensuring that the international platforms we host provide opportunities to build partnerships that facilitate knowledge exchange, promote innovation, and deliver meaningful impact for both communities and markets,' she added. A milestone marking WAIPA's 30th anniversary The decision to host the 29th edition of the WIC in Sharjah holds particular importance as it coincides with the 30th anniversary of WAIPA. This milestone adds a commemorative element to the event, recognising three decades of advancing global investment and underscoring the critical role of investment promotion agencies in shaping both regional and international economic landscapes. His Excellency Mohamed Hassan Alsuwaidi, UAE Minister of Investment said: 'The World Investment Conference taking place in Sharjah reflects the UAE's enduring commitment to shaping the global investment agenda. As WAIPA marks its 30th anniversary, this collaboration highlights our shared ambition to deepen cross-border partnerships and drive inclusive, sustainable economic growth.' Commenting on the collaboration, His Excellency Mohamed Juma Al Musharrkh highlighted that hosting global investment institutions in Sharjah will unlock a wide range of opportunities for local and regional business communities, facilitating greater access to expansive networks of cross-border partnerships. He stressed that the collaboration underscores Invest in Sharjah's ongoing commitment to equipping investors with the tools necessary for sustainable growth, while fostering a flexible and scalable development environment that adapts to evolving market dynamics and responds to both current opportunities and future challenges. In this context, Ismail Ersahin, Executive Director and CEO of WAIPA said 'Investment promotion agencies are the architects of global economic connectivity — they bridge nations, ideas and capital to generate lasting impact. As WAIPA marks its 30th anniversary, we are proud to bring the World Investment Conference to Sharjah,'. 'This conference is not just a celebration of WAIPA's legacy, but a platform for meaningful collaboration between the public and private sectors, where investors are matched with opportunities. Sharjah's hosting of WIC 2025 reflects its growing leadership in global investment discourse and its commitment to shaping the next era of responsible, resilient investment.' he added. Dr. James Zhan, Chairman of the Executive Board of the World Investment Conference emphasized that the Conference is set to take place at the right time, in the right location, and with the right partners. He highlighted Sharjah as a unique and strategic destination for foreign direct investment. As a regional leader in attracting FDI, the UAE continues to strengthen its position among the world's top 15 investment destinations. The World Investment Conference arrives at a pivotal moment. In the face of global economic uncertainty and market volatility, the Conference aims to address pressing challenges while exploring new opportunities. It will serve as a vital global forum—bringing together the international investment community to shape a forward-looking strategy. It will chart a new path for promoting sustainable investment and shared prosperity in the new era of global economy. Sharjah's status on the global investment stage By hosting this prestigious global forum in tandem with SIF 2025, Sharjah reaffirms its status as a strategic regional hub for high-quality, sustainable investment. It also reflects the advancement of a dynamic environment that fosters innovation, expansion, and cross-border partnerships within the UAE's markets. The emirate provides a forward-looking business environment that fosters innovation, cross-border collaboration, and growth; and has emerged as a model for competitive business ecosystems, underpinned by advanced infrastructure, progressive regulatory frameworks, and an economic vision grounded in diversity and sustainability.
Arab News
25-02-2025
- Business
- Arab News
Saudi Arabia's non-oil exports rise 17.3% in Q4, trade surplus at $11.97bn: GASTAT
RIYADH: Saudi Arabia recorded a trade surplus of SR44.89 billion ($11.97 billion) in the fourth quarter of 2024, driven by a 17.3 percent year-on-year surge in non-oil exports, official data showed. According to the General Authority for Statistics, the Kingdom's non-oil exports in the fourth quarter rose to SR82.05 billion, up from SR69.97 billion in the same period of 2023. Non-oil exports, excluding re-exports, increased 8.2 percent, while re-exported goods surged 47.3 percent. While Saudi Arabia's trade surplus grew in the fourth quarter, it remained 52.4 percent lower year-on-year as oil exports fell 13.3 percent, aligned with the output cut agreement made by OPEC. The rise in non-oil exports underscores the progress of the Kingdom's economic diversification efforts, which aim to transform the nation's fiscal landscape and reduce reliance on crude revenues. Speaking at the World Investment Conference in November, Saudi Minister of Economy and Planning Faisal Al-Ibrahim said non-oil activities have reached 52 percent of the Kingdom's gross domestic product. 'The ratio of non-oil exports (including re-exports) to imports increased to 35.2 percent in the fourth quarter of 2024 from 34.7 percent in the fourth quarter of 2023. This was due to a 17.3 percent increase in non-oil exports and a 15.5 percent increase in imports over that period,' said GASTAT. The Kingdom's non-oil exports were dominated mainly by chemical products, which accounted for 25.8 percent of the overall outbound shipments. GASTAT added that plastic and rubber products accounted for 22.4 percent of total non-oil shipments. Despite a rise in outbound shipments for non-oil goods, Saudi Arabia's overall merchandise exports decreased by 6.1 percent year on year in the fourth quarter, reaching SR277.93 billion, driven by a 13.3 percent decline in oil exports. The percentage of oil exports out of total exports decreased from 76.4 percent in the fourth quarter of 2023 to 70.5 percent in the fourth quarter of 2024. China was Saudi Arabia's largest trading partner in the fourth quarter, with the Kingdom sending goods worth SR40.88 billion to the Asian nation. Saudi Arabia also sent goods worth SR27.35 billion to Japan and SR26.68 billion to India in the fourth quarter of last year. According to the GASTAT report, the Kingdom's overall imports rose 15.5 percent year on year in the fourth quarter, reaching SR233.04 billion. Saudi Arabia received goods worth SR59.66 billion from China, followed by the US at SR21.07 billion and the UAE at SR12.63 billion. King Abdulaziz Sea Port in Dammam was the major entry point for goods in the fourth quarter, with the facility processing products valued at SR66.19 billion or 28.4 percent of the overall inbound shipments. Non-oil exports increased by 18.1 percent in December In a separate report, GASTAT said that Saudi Arabia's non-oil exports in December amounted to SR29.45 billion, representing an 18.1 percent rise compared to the same month in 2023. Chemical products accounted for 25.9 percent of the overall outbound shipments, while plastic and rubber products took a 22 percent share in December. 'The ratio of non-oil exports (including re-exports) to imports decreased to 37.3 percent in December 2024 from 40.1 percent in December 2023. This was due to the increase in non-oil exports at a lower rate than the rise in imports, with exports increasing by 18.1 percent compared to a 27.1 percent increase in imports during the same period,' said GASTAT. The Kingdom's overall merchandise exports decreased by 2.8 percent reaching SR94.29 billion in December compared to the same month of the previous year. The share of oil exports from total outbound goods also decreased from 74.3 percent in December 2023 to 68.8 percent during the same month in 2024. In December, Saudi Arabia exported goods worth SR12.52 billion to China, while South Korea received shipments from the Kingdom valued at SR9.80 billion. Japan received inbound shipments from the Kingdom worth SR9.71 billion, followed by India at SR9.11 billion. The report added that Saudi Arabia's overall imports witnessed a 27.1 percent year-on-year rise in December, reaching SR79.03 billion, while the surplus of trade balance decreased by 56.1 percent, reaching SR15.26 billion. China also dominated Saudi imports, with the Asian nation sending goods worth SR18.60 billion to the Kingdom in December, followed by the US with SR7.17 billion and the UAE with SR4.30 billion. King Abdulaziz Sea Port in Dammam was the leading entry point for imports in December, with the facility handling goods valued at SR22.01 billion, or 27.8 percent of total inbound shipments.
