The WAIPA World Investment Conference (WIC) is the premier annual meeting for the global investment promotion community, organised by the World Association of Investment Promotion Agencies (WAIPA). Since 1996, WAIPA has served as the global voice of IPAs, representing over 100 countries, advocating their interests, and connecting them with investors, policymakers, and international organisations.
This year, WAIPA holds the 29th edition of the World Investment Conference in Sharjah, UAE, co-hosted by the Sharjah FDI Office and the UAE Ministry of Investment, alongside the Sharjah Investment Forum.
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Since its inception in 1996, the WIC has been a global hub for investment dialogue, fostering strategic partnerships, promoting best practices, and launching initiatives that drive sustainable development.
WAIPA plays a unique role as the only global organisation representing IPAs worldwide, providing advocacy, capacity building, and platforms to shape the future of investment promotion.
The 29th WIC takes place amid profound global changes: shifting geopolitical dynamics, sustainability imperatives, rapid technological advances, and evolving global value chains. These forces are reshaping investment flows and require adaptive, innovative, and cooperative approaches.
Opp Sharjah Airport, Al Dhaid Rd, Al Juraina 1, Sharjah United Arab Emirates
University City - Sharjah - United Arab Emirates
Located just 15 minutes from Sharjah International Airport and 25 minutes from Dubai International Airport.
For more information please go to: https://wic-sif.com/plan/
The Executive Board of the World Investment Conference guides every aspect of the conference—from agenda-setting to launching global initiatives—ensuring that WIC reflects WAIPA’s mission of fostering sustainable investments and strengthening collaboration among IPAs.
For more information please view The Executive Board page.
The Executive BoardOne of the main highlights of the conference is the Ministerial Roundtable that will take place on 22 October 2025, from 14:00 until 17:00, and where H.E. Viktors Valainis, Minister of Economics of the Republic of Latvia has been invited to take part
The Roundtable will focus on the theme “Re-strategizing Investment Promotion at the Global Economic Shift” and it will be co-chaired by the Minister of Investment of the United Arab Emirates, H.E. Mohamed Hassan Alsuwaidi, and Dr. James Zhan, Chairman of the WAIPA WIC Executive Board.
View the program
The WAIPA Investment Excellence Awards 2025 will recognize the strategic and evolving contributions of Investment Promotion Agencies (IPAs) across the full investment lifecycle; from promotion and facilitation to aftercare and advocacy in the following three categories:
An esteemed jury composed of representatives from international organizations and global experts will evaluate the entries.
Awardees will receive a trophy, certificate, and global visibility through WAIPA’s communications channels. For more information on the application process and award categories, please visit the WAIPA Investment Excellence Awards 2025
According to the WAIPA Statutes Chapter III Article X to XII, the General Assembly, the deliberative organ of WAIPA, meets at least once a year to approve decision. The General Assembly is open to all members due with their membership fee.
Learn MoreThe WIC B2B Meeting platform will allow all participants to pre-schedule, one-on-one meetings and engage directly with international investors, project developers, and private sector representatives to facilitate real-time matchmaking between opportunity and capital.
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The Steering Committee is WAIPA’s executive body. Representing all global regions, it plays a vital role in guiding WAIPA’s priorities and global outreach.
The Committee consists of representatives elected by region and serves for a two-year mandate. The positions are institutional, and each elected agency is represented by its top-ranking officer (typically the CEO or Director General).
This year’s General Assembly will include the WAIPA Steering Committee elections for the term 2025–2027. All members that are due with their membership fee are eligible to vote and will receive further instructions from the WAIPA Permanent Secretariat in due time.
If you are interested to learn more about the functions, requirements and mandate of the Steering Committee please refer to Chapter V (p.7-10) and Chapter VII (p.12-14) of the WAIPA Statutes.
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