Invitation

28th World Investment Conference

Ministerial Roundtable “Industrial Policy and Investment Promotion Strategy in the New Era”

Executive Summary

Date: November 25, 2024

Location: Fairmont Hotel, Riyadh, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia

Attendees: 28 Ministers and Heads of International Organizations

Chair: H.E. Khalid Al-Falih, Minister of Investment, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia

Moderator: James Zhan, Chair, Executive Board of the World Investment Conference, WAIPA

Context In the new era of the global economy, industrial policy and investment promotion play pivotal roles in shaping national economic development trajectories. Industrial policy focuses on fostering the growth and competitiveness of key sectors, driving structural transformation, and ensuring economic resilience. Meanwhile, investment promotion aims to attract capital, technology, and expertise, create jobs and generate exports to fuel economic activities and innovation. As global economic governance evolves, challenges such as climate change, technological disruption, and shifting geopolitical dynamics demand more strategic and adaptive approaches. Countries now strive to integrate industrial policy and investment promotion strategies. In this context, creating synergies between the two is essential for achieving sustainable development and boosting competitiveness. The Ministerial roundtable convened at the World Investment Conference tackled the above key policy challenges for investment in development. Ministers and the heads of international organizations focused their discussion on three key questions and concluded as follows.

I. What are the challenges for the effective interface between industrial policy and investment promotion strategy?

Creating synergies between industrial policy and investment promotion strategies involves several challenges:

1. Alignment of Objectives: Industrial policies often focus on long-term structural goals, while investment promotion tends to prioritize immediate investment inflows. Harmonizing these timelines can be difficult. 2. Policy Coherence: Conflicting policies may arise between industrial development goals and investment incentives, leading to inefficiencies. 3. Sector Prioritization: Industrial policy may target specific sectors, while investment promotion agencies might adopt a broader approach, creating mismatches in focus. 4. Coordination Across Agencies: Collaboration between different governmental bodies responsible for industrial policy and investment promotion requires effective communication and shared frameworks. 5. Balancing Domestic and Foreign Interests: Industrial policies often emphasize strengthening local industries, which might conflict with the preferential treatment sought by foreign investors. 6. Resource Constraints: Limited financial and human resources can hinder efforts to integrate industrial policy and investment promotion. 7. Global Competition: The need to attract foreign direct investment (FDI) often requires flexible policies, which may conflict with rigid industrial development frameworks. 8. Measurement and Evaluation: Defining metrics to assess the joint impact of industrial policy and investment promotion strategies is challenging. Addressing these challenges requires clear goals, streamlined processes, and collaborative governance.

II. How to address these challenges? Addressing the challenges of aligning industrial policy and investment promotion strategies requires deliberate planning, coordination and cooperation: 1. Define Clear Goals: Establish shared objectives that align industrial development with investment priorities. This ensures both policies work toward common outcomes. 2. Enhance Policy Coherence: Regularly review and harmonize policies to eliminate conflicts, streamline processes, and align incentives. 3. Sectoral Collaboration: Identify and prioritize sectors that align with both industrial goals, investment opportunities and sustainable development. Focus resources on high-potential industries.

4. Strengthen Interagency Coordination: Create mechanisms for collaboration between industrial policymakers and investment promotion agencies. Joint task forces or coordination councils can improve communication. 5. Balance Domestic and Foreign Interests: Design incentives that attract foreign investment while supporting local industries, including SMEs and startups. 6. Leverage Resources Efficiently: Pool financial, human, and institutional resources to avoid duplication and maximize impact. 7. Adapt to Global Competition: Develop flexible, market-responsive strategies that align with global trends while maintaining consistency with industrial and sustainable goals. 8. Engage Stakeholders: Involve the private sector’s participation through policy tools and mechanisms such as Public Private Partnerships, and to ensure policies are practical, inclusive, and aligned with market realities. 9. Promote Policy Stability and Sustainability: Ensure consistency in policy frameworks to build investor confidence and support long-term industrial goals, while supporting sustainable development. Through these actions, countries can create a more integrated approach that drives sustainable industrial development while attracting high-quality investments.

III. What can be done through international cooperation?

Collaboration at the international level can strengthen synergies between industrial policy and investment promotion by fostering shared goals, knowledge exchange, and coordinated action. Key initiatives include: 1. Bilateral and Multilateral Agreements: Develop agreements that align trade, industrial, and investment policies to promote mutually beneficial growth and reduce barriers. Also, it is important to abide by the multilateral rules and collaborate through multilateral institutions. 2. Regional Integration: Participate in regional economic blocs to harmonize industrial standards, streamline cross-border investments, and create shared value chains. 3. Global Investment Platforms: Engage in international investment institutions such as WAIPA, and platforms such as World Investment Conference, to share best practices and advocate sustainable development related investment policy approaches. 4. Knowledge Sharing: Collaborate with international organizations (e.g., UNIDO, UNCTAD, or World Bank) to exchange insights on effective industrial strategies and investment frameworks, and on the facilitation of access to funds.

5. Joint Initiatives: Establish cross-border initiatives focusing on innovation, green technologies, or infrastructure development that align with global industrial and investment priorities. 6. Harmonizing Standards: Work with international bodies to standardize regulations, making it easier for investors to navigate different markets while fostering industrial upgrades. 7. Capacity Building: Partner with international institutions to build capacities in developing countries, supporting their industrial and investment goals. 8. Collaborate in SDG Sectors: Promote investment in sustainable agriculture for food security, and provide assistance to developing countries to drive innovation for agriculture related industries. By fostering international collaboration, countries can amplify the impact of their industrial policies and attract high-quality investments aligned with the sustainable development goals.

***

Notes

The Executive Summary of the Ministerial Roundtable was prepared by the Secretariat of the 28th World Investment Conference, WAIPA, under the guidance of the moderator of the Roundtable. The summary aims to capture the views and proposals of the speakers, but does not necessarily represent the consensus of the Roundtable.

For the List of Ministers and heads of international organizations participated in the Roundtable, please see the Program of the World Investment Conference.

Attention: H.E. Erkki Keldo, Minister of Economic Affairs and Information Technology, Republic of Estonia Date: 15-04-2026 Ref: 2848/2026/AM Subject: Invitation to the 30th World Investment Conference – Ministerial Roundtable | Geneva, 10– 12 November 2026 Excellency, On behalf of the World Association of Investment Promotion Agencies (WAIPA), we have the distinct honour to invite Your Excellency to participate in the 30th edition of the World Investment Conference (WIC), to be convened from 10–12 November 2026 in Geneva, Switzerland. This year marks a historic milestone as WAIPA celebrates the 30th edition of its flagship global gathering. Over three decades, the World Investment Conference has evolved into the premier international platform bringing together Ministers, Heads of Investment Promotion Agencies, international organizations, multinational corporations and global thought leaders to shape the future of investment policy and facilitation. Building upon the landmark High-Level Ministerial Roundtable held in Riyadh in November 2024 — where 22 Ministers convened to deliberate on the strategic interface between industrial policy and investment promotion — the Geneva edition will further elevate ministerial dialogue to address the evolving global investment landscape. The executive summary of the High-Level Ministerial Roundtable is enclosed. Further reinforcing this momentum, the most recent edition of the World Investment Conference, held in UAE alongside the Sharjah Investment Forum in 2025, brought together over 12,000 participants from 142 countries and featured more than 160 sessions. The Conference generated over USD 1 billion in investment opportunities, underscoring its role as a leading global platform for structured, outcome-driven investment engagement. In this special anniversary edition, we are pleased to offer Your Excellency:

• Sharing perspectives at the exclusive Ministerial Roundtable focused on strategic investment governance in a transforming global economy

• A Keynote Intervention in a high-level session of the Conference • Curated one-on-one meetings with high-level global investors, international

organizations, and corporate leaders • Speaking opportunities for members of your official delegation in thematic sessions

aligned with your country’s priority sectors The 30th edition in Geneva carries particular significance. In an era defined by economic restructuring, digital transformation, and sustainability imperatives, Ministers shaping national economic and industrial strategies are central to directing high-quality investment that drives long-term competitiveness and resilience. The Conference will feature closed-door leadership dialogues, sector-

focused investment forums, sustainable finance discussions, and structured investor matchmaking platforms designed to generate tangible outcomes and strategic partnerships. WIC Geneva offers a unique setting for high-level engagement between governments and globally active enterprises. With economic leaders and investment authorities from across regions convening in one place, the Conference creates a strategic opportunity to strengthen outward investment linkages and international partnerships. Should Your Excellency deem it appropriate, a focused business delegation — coordinated through the relevant national chamber or business association — may accompany your participation to benefit from structured B2G and B2B engagements during the Conference. For coordination purposes, we would be grateful if a nodal officer from Your Excellency’s office or Ministry or Investment Promotion Agency could be designated to liaise with the WAIPA Secretariat regarding program alignment, bilateral meetings, and delegation facilitation. Mr. Andreas Hora, Deputy Executive Director, WAIPA ([email protected]; mobile +43 664 3018972) will be coordinating on behalf of WAIPA. We would be deeply honoured by Your Excellency’s presence and leadership at this landmark edition of the World Investment Conference and look forward to welcoming you to Geneva. Please accept, Your Excellency, the assurances of our highest consideration. Sincerely yours, ______________________ Ismail Ersahin Executive Director - CEO

______________________ James Zhan Chairman of the Executive Board WAIPA World Investment Conference

28th World Investment Conference

Ministerial Roundtable “Industrial Policy and Investment Promotion Strategy in the New Era”

Executive Summary

Date: November 25, 2024

Location: Fairmont Hotel, Riyadh, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia

Attendees: 28 Ministers and Heads of International Organizations

Chair: H.E. Khalid Al-Falih, Minister of Investment, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia

Moderator: James Zhan, Chair, Executive Board of the World Investment Conference, WAIPA

Context In the new era of the global economy, industrial policy and investment promotion play pivotal roles in shaping national economic development trajectories. Industrial policy focuses on fostering the growth and competitiveness of key sectors, driving structural transformation, and ensuring economic resilience. Meanwhile, investment promotion aims to attract capital, technology, and expertise, create jobs and generate exports to fuel economic activities and innovation. As global economic governance evolves, challenges such as climate change, technological disruption, and shifting geopolitical dynamics demand more strategic and adaptive approaches. Countries now strive to integrate industrial policy and investment promotion strategies. In this context, creating synergies between the two is essential for achieving sustainable development and boosting competitiveness. The Ministerial roundtable convened at the World Investment Conference tackled the above key policy challenges for investment in development. Ministers and the heads of international organizations focused their discussion on three key questions and concluded as follows.

I. What are the challenges for the effective interface between industrial policy and investment promotion strategy?

Creating synergies between industrial policy and investment promotion strategies involves several challenges:

1. Alignment of Objectives: Industrial policies often focus on long-term structural goals, while investment promotion tends to prioritize immediate investment inflows. Harmonizing these timelines can be difficult. 2. Policy Coherence: Conflicting policies may arise between industrial development goals and investment incentives, leading to inefficiencies. 3. Sector Prioritization: Industrial policy may target specific sectors, while investment promotion agencies might adopt a broader approach, creating mismatches in focus. 4. Coordination Across Agencies: Collaboration between different governmental bodies responsible for industrial policy and investment promotion requires effective communication and shared frameworks. 5. Balancing Domestic and Foreign Interests: Industrial policies often emphasize strengthening local industries, which might conflict with the preferential treatment sought by foreign investors. 6. Resource Constraints: Limited financial and human resources can hinder efforts to integrate industrial policy and investment promotion. 7. Global Competition: The need to attract foreign direct investment (FDI) often requires flexible policies, which may conflict with rigid industrial development frameworks. 8. Measurement and Evaluation: Defining metrics to assess the joint impact of industrial policy and investment promotion strategies is challenging. Addressing these challenges requires clear goals, streamlined processes, and collaborative governance.

II. How to address these challenges? Addressing the challenges of aligning industrial policy and investment promotion strategies requires deliberate planning, coordination and cooperation: 1. Define Clear Goals: Establish shared objectives that align industrial development with investment priorities. This ensures both policies work toward common outcomes. 2. Enhance Policy Coherence: Regularly review and harmonize policies to eliminate conflicts, streamline processes, and align incentives. 3. Sectoral Collaboration: Identify and prioritize sectors that align with both industrial goals, investment opportunities and sustainable development. Focus resources on high-potential industries.

4. Strengthen Interagency Coordination: Create mechanisms for collaboration between industrial policymakers and investment promotion agencies. Joint task forces or coordination councils can improve communication. 5. Balance Domestic and Foreign Interests: Design incentives that attract foreign investment while supporting local industries, including SMEs and startups. 6. Leverage Resources Efficiently: Pool financial, human, and institutional resources to avoid duplication and maximize impact. 7. Adapt to Global Competition: Develop flexible, market-responsive strategies that align with global trends while maintaining consistency with industrial and sustainable goals. 8. Engage Stakeholders: Involve the private sector’s participation through policy tools and mechanisms such as Public Private Partnerships, and to ensure policies are practical, inclusive, and aligned with market realities. 9. Promote Policy Stability and Sustainability: Ensure consistency in policy frameworks to build investor confidence and support long-term industrial goals, while supporting sustainable development. Through these actions, countries can create a more integrated approach that drives sustainable industrial development while attracting high-quality investments.

III. What can be done through international cooperation?

Collaboration at the international level can strengthen synergies between industrial policy and investment promotion by fostering shared goals, knowledge exchange, and coordinated action. Key initiatives include: 1. Bilateral and Multilateral Agreements: Develop agreements that align trade, industrial, and investment policies to promote mutually beneficial growth and reduce barriers. Also, it is important to abide by the multilateral rules and collaborate through multilateral institutions. 2. Regional Integration: Participate in regional economic blocs to harmonize industrial standards, streamline cross-border investments, and create shared value chains. 3. Global Investment Platforms: Engage in international investment institutions such as WAIPA, and platforms such as World Investment Conference, to share best practices and advocate sustainable development related investment policy approaches. 4. Knowledge Sharing: Collaborate with international organizations (e.g., UNIDO, UNCTAD, or World Bank) to exchange insights on effective industrial strategies and investment frameworks, and on the facilitation of access to funds.

5. Joint Initiatives: Establish cross-border initiatives focusing on innovation, green technologies, or infrastructure development that align with global industrial and investment priorities. 6. Harmonizing Standards: Work with international bodies to standardize regulations, making it easier for investors to navigate different markets while fostering industrial upgrades. 7. Capacity Building: Partner with international institutions to build capacities in developing countries, supporting their industrial and investment goals. 8. Collaborate in SDG Sectors: Promote investment in sustainable agriculture for food security, and provide assistance to developing countries to drive innovation for agriculture related industries. By fostering international collaboration, countries can amplify the impact of their industrial policies and attract high-quality investments aligned with the sustainable development goals.

***

Notes

The Executive Summary of the Ministerial Roundtable was prepared by the Secretariat of the 28th World Investment Conference, WAIPA, under the guidance of the moderator of the Roundtable. The summary aims to capture the views and proposals of the speakers, but does not necessarily represent the consensus of the Roundtable.

For the List of Ministers and heads of international organizations participated in the Roundtable, please see the Program of the World Investment Conference.

Attention: H.E. Erkki Keldo, Minister of Economic Affairs and Information Technology, Republic of Estonia Date: 15-04-2026 Ref: 2848/2026/AM Subject: Invitation to the 30th World Investment Conference – Ministerial Roundtable | Geneva, 10– 12 November 2026 Excellency, On behalf of the World Association of Investment Promotion Agencies (WAIPA), we have the distinct honour to invite Your Excellency to participate in the 30th edition of the World Investment Conference (WIC), to be convened from 10–12 November 2026 in Geneva, Switzerland. This year marks a historic milestone as WAIPA celebrates the 30th edition of its flagship global gathering. Over three decades, the World Investment Conference has evolved into the premier international platform bringing together Ministers, Heads of Investment Promotion Agencies, international organizations, multinational corporations and global thought leaders to shape the future of investment policy and facilitation. Building upon the landmark High-Level Ministerial Roundtable held in Riyadh in November 2024 — where 22 Ministers convened to deliberate on the strategic interface between industrial policy and investment promotion — the Geneva edition will further elevate ministerial dialogue to address the evolving global investment landscape. The executive summary of the High-Level Ministerial Roundtable is enclosed. Further reinforcing this momentum, the most recent edition of the World Investment Conference, held in UAE alongside the Sharjah Investment Forum in 2025, brought together over 12,000 participants from 142 countries and featured more than 160 sessions. The Conference generated over USD 1 billion in investment opportunities, underscoring its role as a leading global platform for structured, outcome-driven investment engagement. In this special anniversary edition, we are pleased to offer Your Excellency:

• Sharing perspectives at the exclusive Ministerial Roundtable focused on strategic investment governance in a transforming global economy

• A Keynote Intervention in a high-level session of the Conference • Curated one-on-one meetings with high-level global investors, international

organizations, and corporate leaders • Speaking opportunities for members of your official delegation in thematic sessions

aligned with your country’s priority sectors The 30th edition in Geneva carries particular significance. In an era defined by economic restructuring, digital transformation, and sustainability imperatives, Ministers shaping national economic and industrial strategies are central to directing high-quality investment that drives long-term competitiveness and resilience. The Conference will feature closed-door leadership dialogues, sector-

focused investment forums, sustainable finance discussions, and structured investor matchmaking platforms designed to generate tangible outcomes and strategic partnerships. WIC Geneva offers a unique setting for high-level engagement between governments and globally active enterprises. With economic leaders and investment authorities from across regions convening in one place, the Conference creates a strategic opportunity to strengthen outward investment linkages and international partnerships. Should Your Excellency deem it appropriate, a focused business delegation — coordinated through the relevant national chamber or business association — may accompany your participation to benefit from structured B2G and B2B engagements during the Conference. For coordination purposes, we would be grateful if a nodal officer from Your Excellency’s office or Ministry or Investment Promotion Agency could be designated to liaise with the WAIPA Secretariat regarding program alignment, bilateral meetings, and delegation facilitation. Mr. Andreas Hora, Deputy Executive Director, WAIPA ([email protected]; mobile +43 664 3018972) will be coordinating on behalf of WAIPA. We would be deeply honoured by Your Excellency’s presence and leadership at this landmark edition of the World Investment Conference and look forward to welcoming you to Geneva. Please accept, Your Excellency, the assurances of our highest consideration. Sincerely yours, ______________________ Ismail Ersahin Executive Director - CEO

______________________ James Zhan Chairman of the Executive Board WAIPA World Investment Conference