Global Leaders Urge Rethinking Investment Strategies At WIC–SIF 2025 Conference

At the World Investment Conference–Sharjah Investment Forum (WIC–SIF 2025), leaders from Europe, Africa, and Asia gathered to discuss investment strategies. They emphasised the need for countries to adapt their approaches to align with changing global capital flows. The session titled "Global Leaders’ Insights: Re-strategising Investment Promotion and Facilitation at the Global Economic Shift" focused on collaboration, trust-based policies, and sustainable finance as keys to unlocking new growth opportunities.

According to the UNCTAD’s World Investment Report 2025, Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) in least-developed countries increased by 9% in 2024, reaching USD 37 billion. This growth was largely driven by advancements in green finance, digital infrastructure, and reforms in emerging economies. The report highlights the importance of these factors in attracting investment and fostering economic development.

Wamkele Mene, Secretary General of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), stressed the importance of a new investment diplomacy model connecting capital with opportunities across the Global South. He stated that Africa must transition from potential to active participation in global markets. "This era, defined by geopolitical realignments, rapid technological change, and the urgent pursuit of sustainable growth, presents both challenges and opportunities," Mene said.

Mene further explained that AfCFTA provides a transformative framework for adapting to global shifts. It aims to attract sustainable investments and create a unified continental market for goods and services. Through collective action and commitment, Africa is defining its engagement with the world on its own terms for its people's benefit.

Mohamed Mulla Yaqoub, WAIPA's newly elected president, highlighted FDI as more than just capital movement. He described it as a driver of development, innovation, and opportunity that benefits societies now while laying strong foundations for future generations. Yaqoub noted trends like sustainability focus, digital economy shift, and resilient supply chain efforts necessitating collective action and adaptability.

Qaiser Ahmed Sheikh, Pakistan’s Minister of Investment, spoke about his country's growing appeal to investors. With over three percent of the world's population and proximity to high-growth economies like India, China, and UAE, Pakistan is on a reform trajectory. Leading rating agencies have upgraded Pakistan’s outlook due to increasing investor confidence.

Regional Partnerships and Economic Growth

Sara Pavkov from Serbia discussed her country's transformation driven by climate priorities and sustainable opportunities. She mentioned the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement with UAE effective since May. This agreement enhances bilateral trade and investment ties between Serbia and UAE companies.

Zaher Al Qatarneh from Jordan described his country as a "gateway economy" linking Asia, Africa, and Europe. Jordan offers investors scale and stability through free trade agreements with partners like the US, EU, UK among others providing access to over 1.4 billion consumers worldwide.

Tajikistan's Green Economy Initiatives

Tajikistan’s First Deputy Chairman Farrukh Yusufzoda highlighted their vast hydropower potential estimated at 527 billion kWh annually. Tajikistan is committed to building a green economy inviting investments in hydroelectric projects driving decarbonisation efforts while reforming business environments offering incentives ensuring attractive destinations for responsible investments.

Dr Holger Bingmann from ICC–WBO Global Executive Board concluded by describing trust as "the new currency of investment." He emphasised resilience as crucial for success stating that adaptability will define future sustainable investments amid intensifying global competition among countries regions or economic zones.

The forum marks Sharjah's milestone shaping discussions around sustainable investments under theme "Transforming Our World: Investing for Resilient Sustainable Future." Over two days more than 10 thousand participants from 142 countries including 130 speakers across sessions meetings are attending this international event held alongside World Investment Conference (WIC).

With inputs from WAM