1. Introduction
Why should the Civil Society Organisation register for this Forum?
From a CSO perspective, attending the World Investment Forum (WIF) is valuable for networking, learning, advocacy, and altruistic purposes. WIF offers opportunities to connect with diverse stakeholders, share insights, and raise awareness about critical issues. CSOs can influence policy discussions, showcase their initiatives, and get first-hand access to resources and potential partners. The forum's global perspective and capacity-building sessions enhance skills and knowledge. Moreover, participation in WIF elevates the visibility and credibility of CSOs, demonstrating their commitment to sustainable development and engagement with the international community.
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2. WIF Sessions Spotlight
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2.1: Promoting Investment in the Blue Economy
Date: October 16, 2023
Time: 11:30 – 13:00
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The blue economy sustains billions, with millions employed directly in fisheries and aquaculture. Small Island Developing States (SIDS) heavily depend on oceans. However, few nations have dedicated blue economy policies, and investment promotion agencies often miss its potential. This session aims to raise awareness and share strategies for responsible blue economy investment and marine environment preservation, crucial for livelihoods and sustainable development. For more…
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2.2: SME Internalization: Promoting FDI by SMEs
Date: October 17, 2023
Time: 16:15 – 17:45
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SMEs, vital to global economies, struggle with international trade and investments, making up less than 10% of global FDI. Despite their growth potential, they face barriers. Investment policies often favour larger businesses. This session unites policymakers, business leaders, and international organisations in the evolving investment landscape shaped by digitalisation and regional value chains. It aims to reduce bias towards large corporations, examine SMEs' role in regional FDI, and enhance the developmental impact of SME-FDI. For more…
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2.3: Entrepreneurship and Innovation in the New Health Economy
Date: October 18, 2023
Time: 12:00 – 13:00
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In the last decade, global healthcare transformed due to demographics, technology, and COVID-19. The New Health Economy, driven by innovative startups using AI and big data, requires more investment to improve healthcare quality and access, especially in developing nations. This session focuses on recent healthcare tech, private financiers, public-private partnerships, and effective policies for vulnerable populations. For more…
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2.4: Catalyzing Investment in Africa’s Value Chain through Industrial Park Development
Date: October 19, 2023
Time: 10:00 – 11:30
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Robust industrial infrastructure and investment are essential for sustainable development. While important, Industrial Parks (IDPs) in Africa face challenges such as inadequate size, remote locations, and governance issues. Funding is needed from planning to operation, and capacity-building efforts are vital. DFIs and initiatives like the African Continental Free Trade Area offer financing and coordination opportunities for regional development goals. For more…
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2.5: Sustainability Reporting Standards and Regulations
Date: October 20, 2023
Time: 9:15 – 10:45
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This session will discuss the latest global sustainability reporting trends and their consequences for listed companies, focusing on small and mid-sized firms globally. It will also explore how GRI and SSE can assist stock exchanges, investors, rating agencies, and listed companies adapt to increased transparency requirements, offering relevance for the broader investment community and stakeholders. For more…
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3. Investment News Roundup
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3.1 India, Saudi Arabia Invest Forum meets in Delhi decides to set up offices in both countries
During the State Visit of Saudi Arabia's Crown Prince to India, an India-Saudi Arabia Investment Forum 2023 was held in New Delhi, with over 500 companies in attendance. This forum followed the Saudi Crown Prince's commitment to a $100 billion investment in India. The Ministerial Session, co-chaired by India's Minister of Commerce & Industry, Shri Piyush Goyal, and Saudi Arabia's Minister of Investment, H.E. Mr. Khalid A. Al Falih, discussed bilateral collaboration in areas such as startups, digital infrastructure, and investment promotion. Over 45 MoUs were signed to deepen economic engagement and enhance investment flows between the two nations. Read more…
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3.2 India to further ease FDI norms in space sector to attract foreign players
India is exploring relaxed FDI rules in the space sector to attract foreign investors. Rajesh Singh, DPIIT Secretary, discussed investment opportunities for Saudi companies in aviation, pharma, renewable energy, and Agri-tech sectors. He also mentioned potential collaborations in areas such as agricultural intelligence, robotics, cybersecurity, and space, emphasising liberalising FDI norms. Currently, FDI in the space sector allows up to 100 percent investment but requires government approval. Singh expressed a commitment to close cooperation with Saudi Arabia on these initiatives. Read more….
The FDI statistics symposium at the WIF 2023 aims to address data challenges in investment for sustainable development, including standards, data compilation, and bridging gaps, focusing on supporting developing countries and fostering global data partnerships.
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G20 Summit, 2023 
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Leaders of the G20 met in New Delhi, India, over the past weekend. The important items on their agenda included strategies for achieving sustainable, balanced, and inclusive economic growth, accelerating SDG progress, green development for a sustainable future, making multilateral institutions fit for the 21st century, promoting digital public infrastructure, and achieving gender equality.
- Climate Finance and Investment: G20 leaders pledged to undertake work to facilitate access to multilateral climate funds and enhance their leverage and ability to mobilise private capital. The need for a policy mix consisting of fiscal, market, and regulatory mechanisms was reiterated.
- Investment and Health: G20 leaders are committed to improving access to medical countermeasures and facilitating more supplies and production capacities in developing countries to prepare better for future health emergencies.
- Agri-food Systems: Leaders endorsed the G20 Deccan High-Level Principles on Food Security and Nutrition 2023 and resolved to encourage investments in inclusive, sustainable, and resilient agriculture and food systems.
Earlier in August, G20 Trade and Investment Ministers presented a G20 Generic Framework for Mapping Global Value Chains (GVCs) and issued a Jaipur Call for Action to enhance MSMEs’ access to information to enhance their participation in international trade. They also endorsed a non-binding set of High-Level Principles on Digitalization of Trade Documents.
Many of these outcomes represent only incremental progress and build on existing international frameworks for digital trade facilitation and integrating MSMEs into the global trading system. Multiple sessions at WIF 2023 will examine how many of these initiatives have already been operationalised and are being successfully implemented by various countries. These sessions will also highlight the importance of partnerships between governmental authorities, international organisations, the private sector, and civil society stakeholders in achieving these outcomes.
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