Participants from 30 countries come calling to Annual Investment Meeting seeking FDI

Dubai: The seventh Annual Investment meeting (AIM) this year will witness participation from 30 countries looking to attract foreign investments.

Delegates from France, UK, Belgium, Switzerland, Afghanistan, Japan, China, Hong Kong, Cyprus, USA, Panama, Egypt, Jordan, Qatar, UAE, Oman, India and many more will meet at the Dubai International Convention and Exhibition Centre from April 2-4.

“This edition of AIM witnesses strategic participation from varied countries. Their participation is a reflection of their confidence in the international meeting,” said Dawood Al Shezawi, CEO of AIM’s organising committee, in a statement.

“In addition, it implies that countries are yet keen to win foreign direct investments because it helps power economic growth, boost job creation and tax revenues, and acts as a spur to competitiveness and productivity through knowledge transfer or investment in improved processes, technologies or infrastructure,” Al Shezawi said.

It is noted that the amount of foreign direct investment (FDI) attracted by the US is outperforming the global average by over thirteen times, according to an international accounting and consultancy network. According to the agency, inflows of foreign direct investment into the US was $379.4 billion (Dh1.3 trillion) last year, accounting for 2.1 per cent of total GDP. This compares to the average world figure of $29.3 billion, or 2.2 per cent of total GDP.

The USA, China and Brazil attracted the most foreign direct investment in absolute terms — at $379 billion, $250 billion and $75 billion respectively in 2015. Asean economies (Association of South East Asian Nations) attracted foreign direct investment worth 5.3 per cent of GDP.

Investments

“The foreign direct investment is a measure of investment by foreign companies or individuals and is a key source of economic growth for that country. In an attempt to attract foreign direct investments many countries treat international investors the same as domestic firms when it comes to licences applications, standard setting and government procurement. The international investors enjoy same preferential policies which ensures that FDI inflows remain robust, supported by strong investor confidence,” added Dawood Al Shezawi.

“Foreign Direct Investments not only generate foreign exchange reserves but also allows skill transfer, transfer of technology, diffusion of ideas and ultimately drives growth and enhances productivity. AIM is one such platform that will facilitate the better understanding of foreign direct investments. It will help participating countries identify its economic benefits and business opportunities, while remaining focused on increasing the quality and quantum of foreign direct and domestic investment,” Al Shezawi said.

Held under the theme “International Investment, Path to Competitiveness & Development”, this year’s edition of AIM will discuss economic development opportunities and counter challenges. The international forum will be host to 140 countries and 150,000 attendees. In addition, AIM will host 100 high-level officials, 500 exhibitors and more than 100 media partners.