Experts stressed leveraging capital flows in emerging sectors and directing global investments towards human capital, infrastructure, fintech, clean energy, circular economy, health, and AI….reports Asian Lite News
The third edition of Investopia (Investopia 2024) ended on a high note after laying out a new investment roadmap, particularly for those in the new economic sectors, for the business communities, decision-makers, investors and global financial institutions. The latest edition of the event discussed key themes surrounding sustainable economic development and contributed to strengthening dialogue between the government and private sectors to find solutions to the current global economic challenges. The fourth edition of Investopia will take place in 26 and 27 February 2025.
The speakers and panelists at Investopia 2024 highlighted the importance of exploiting capital flows in emerging industries in promising markets, and directing global investment flows to human capital, infrastructure sector, fintech, clean energy, circular and creative economies and health sector and AI. The acceleration of economic diversification and the development of legislation and policies that support the flexibility and competitiveness of economies around the world also formed part of discussions.
Held over the course of two days, 28 and 29 February in Abu Dhabi, the third edition of Investopia hosted more than 40 panel discussions and roundtables bringing together leaders, ministers, decision-makers, major investors, entrepreneurs and economists to contribute to shaping the future of the global investment landscape. More than 80 speakers addressed over 2,700 participants from different corners of the world, engaging them on investment trends, opportunities and challenges in future economy sectors.
Furthermore, Investopia signed more than 15 agreements and MoUs with national and global institutions and companies with the aim of exchanging experiences and best practices in innovative and creative fields and enhancing cooperation for Investopia 2025.
Another highlight was the launch of the second edition of the Future 100 initiative, a joint initiative by the Ministry of Economy and the Government Development and the Future Office, to foster businesses operating in the future economy sectors. Investopia 2024 offered the Future 100 participants an ideal platform to connect with global investors and learn about latest investment trends.
The third edition of Investopia was held in cooperation with Mubadala Investment Company, ADQ, Crypto.com, Standard Chartered, Citibank, First Abu Dhabi Bank, Emirates Development Bank, the Global Forum for Entrepreneurship and Investment SALT and the iConnections platform.
‘UAE champions free trade, investment’
Economic officials have stressed the UAE’s significant role in supporting the free flow of trade and investment to drive global economic growth. They also highlighted the country’s commitment to strengthening international cooperation and building partnerships that promote development and prosperity.
In statements, the officials said that the UAE has succeeded in its endeavours over the past few years to expand its base of trading partners around the world through comprehensive economic partnerships, contributing to increasing trade and investment flows and enhancing global economic growth.
The UAE has signed 10 comprehensive economic partnership agreements (CEPA) with countries of strategic commercial and investment importance on four continents, representing a major expansion in the country’s foreign trade network.
The officials pointed out that the Abu Dhabi Ministerial Declaration, issued at the conclusion of the 13th Ministerial Conference of the World Trade Organisation (WTO), reaffirms the UAE’s leading efforts in strengthening communication bridges between WTO members and maintaining the momentum towards achieving a more prosperous and sustainable future for global trade. It also mobilises international consensus to achieve economic development.
The 13th WTO Ministerial Conference concluded after a week of intensive negotiations with the adoption of the Abu Dhabi Ministerial Declaration – a historic document that includes important new trade agreements and decisions that will expand the benefits of the global trading system to more countries around the world.
The Abu Dhabi Ministerial Declaration reflects the consensus of the global trade community on a series of key trade and development policies. WTO members agreed to implement special and preferential treatment for sanitary and phytosanitary measures and technical barriers to trade, which support producers in least developed countries (LDCs) to better access global supply chains.
Sanad Al Meqbali, Chairman of the Emirates Entrepreneurship Association, emphasised the UAE’s leading role as a key supporter of the free flow of trade and investment, as well as its position as a major contributor to stimulating international trade. He pointed out the UAE’s firm belief in the multilateral trading system, which is a driver of growth, development, and job creation.
Khaled Hanafi, Secretary-General of the Union of Arab Chambers, said that the UAE has succeeded in achieving major achievements in terms of the free flow of trade and investment between countries around the world. The UAE has also succeeded in becoming a pivotal centre for trade around the world, given its global competitiveness and investment attractiveness, he added.
Ahmed Al Wakeel, Chairman of the Federation of Egyptian Chambers of Commerce, said that the UAE has achieved a qualitative leap in the field of trade and investment, which has made it an important financial centre for investors in the region. He highlighted the UAE’s position as a preferred headquarters and centre for businesses due to the facilities and dynamics that the country provides in line with the changing global circumstances.
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