AIM Congress 2024: IPA Perception Study promises to empower agencies with key data and strategic insights

ABU DHABI: The much-anticipated AIM Perception Study 2024 for Investment Promotion Agencies (IPAs) was officially launched during the 2024 AIM Congress at ADNEC in Abu Dhabi.

This landmark initiative, a collaborative effort between AIM Congress, the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO), the World Association of Investment Promotion Agencies (WAIPA), and KPMG, marks a significant milestone in the global landscape of investment promotion.

The launch event brought together renowned speakers and panelists, including Mohit Bhasin, Partner at KPMG; Walid Farghal, Director General of AIM Congress; Ismail Ersahin, CEO & Executive Director of WAIPA; and Stefan Kratzsch, Team Lead at UNIDO.

The opening remarks by Walid Farghal set the tone for the event, emphasising the critical importance of the IPA Survey in enhancing the capabilities of Investment Promotion Agencies worldwide. He highlighted the role of IPAs in attracting investments, driving economic growth, and fostering development, underlining the necessity for continuous assessment and enhancement of IPA capabilities to meet evolving investor needs and global dynamics.

“As we gather here, our main objective is clear: to launch the IPA Survey — a crucial step in scaling up the capabilities of Investment Promotion Agencies around the world,” said Walid Farghal.

Ismail Ersahin reiterated the significance of collaboration in the survey, emphasising its focus on understanding the expectations of both investors and IPAs. He stressed the survey’s potential to tailor IPA services to meet investor needs effectively, thereby enhancing IPA effectiveness and support to investors globally.

“Together, we believe we can make a difference in the services we provide to investors all over the world,” said Ismail Ersahin.

Stefan Kratzsch shed light on the survey’s objectives and methodology, emphasising its focus on digitalisation and adaptation to emerging trends. He highlighted last year’s report, which revealed a notable gap in digitalisation among IPAs, underscoring the survey’s importance in tracking changes over time and ensuring relevant and effective support.

“Our aim is to create an amazing platform that generates leads and fosters investment,” said Stefan Kratzsch.

The AIM Perception Study 2024 represents a groundbreaking initiative aimed at gathering insights, best practices, and key data from IPAs worldwide. By fostering collaboration, knowledge-sharing, and capacity-building, it seeks to empower IPAs to excel in promoting investment and driving sustainable economic development.

The 2024 AIM Congress hosted more than 150 high-level dignitaries, with 900+ speakers and over 12,000 participants from 175 countries. AIM Congress also organised 27 joint events in cooperation with over 330+ local, international, and global partners.