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The 28th World Investment Conference (WIC28), hosted by Invest Saudi and the World Association of Investment Promotion Agencies (WAIPA), concluded in Riyadh, highlighting international collaboration, innovation, and sustainability as key drivers of future global investment.

Held under the patronage of His Royal Highness Crown Prince and Prime Minister Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, the three-day conference brought together leaders, policymakers, and investors to address critical challenges and opportunities in global investment.

Visionary Leadership and Global Cooperation

H.E. Khalid A. Al-Falih, Saudi Minister of Investment, hailed the event's success, stating:
"Guided by Vision 2030, Saudi Arabia has emerged as a global leader in economic growth, fostering strategic alliances, advancing localized value chains, and adopting cutting-edge technologies. The discussions and agreements forged during WIC28 will drive transformative investments and sustainable growth worldwide."

Key Themes and Discussions

Under the theme "Harnessing Digital Transformation and Sustainable Growth," the conference explored topics including:

• Digital Transformation: Strategies to harness technology for efficient investment practices.
• Sustainability: Approaches to align global investments with sustainable development goals.
• Localized Value Chains: Strengthening regional manufacturing and supply chains for economic resilience.

H.E. Bandar Ibrahim Alkhorayef, Saudi Minister of Industry and Mineral Resources, emphasized Saudi Arabia’s commitment to global partnerships during a panel discussion on strategic alliances. He noted the Kingdom’s incentives for investors, including advanced digital and physical infrastructure, competitive economic zones, and a focus on reducing operational costs for businesses targeting local and global markets.

Highlights of WIC28

The conference featured sessions on a variety of topics, including:

• "Bridging Borders": Transparent collaboration and regulatory cohesion for enhanced global partnerships.
• "To Finish First, First You Have to Finish": Operational excellence in Investment Promotion Agencies, focusing on governance and technology-driven investor experiences.
• "Ready, Set, Go": Saudi Arabia's efforts to attract investments in advanced manufacturing and renewable energy.

The event also showcased Saudi Arabia’s Global Supply Chain Resilience Initiative and its transformative Vision 2030 framework, which aligns international collaboration with sustainable development and technological innovation.

The conference, held from November 25–27, 2024, positioned Saudi Arabia as a hub for strategic investments and set the stage for future global economic collaboration. The location of the 29th edition of the World Investment Conference is yet to be announced.

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