The 28th edition of the World Investment Conference (WIC28), co-hosted by Invest Saudi and the World Association of Investment Promotion Agencies (WAIPA), concluded successfully this week in Riyadh. The event highlighted themes of global collaboration, innovation, and sustainable growth.
Commenting on the conference’s achievements, His Excellency Khalid A. Al-Falih, Saudi Arabia’s Minister of Investment, expressed gratitude to His Royal Highness the Crown Prince and Prime Minister, Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, for his visionary leadership and unwavering support.
“Over three days, we tackled the critical challenges and opportunities of global investment,” Al-Falih stated. “From insightful discussions on digital transformation and sustainable growth to significant agreements under Saudi Arabia’s Global Supply Chain Resilience Initiative, WIC28 reaffirmed our shared commitment to building a future driven by collaboration, innovation, and resilience.”
He emphasized that Vision 2030 has positioned Saudi Arabia as a global leader in economic transformation, fostering cross-border partnerships and leveraging cutting-edge technologies to generate significant economic impact. Al-Falih also thanked WAIPA for co-organizing the event, expressing confidence that the connections and agreements made during the conference would inspire sustainable policies and transformative investments worldwide.
Spotlight on Vision 2030 and Strategic Partnerships
Held under the theme “Harnessing Digital Transformation and Sustainable Growth,” WIC28 featured discussions on opportunities and challenges in digital innovation, sustainability, and localized value chains. Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 was presented as a pioneering framework for fostering global partnerships, technological progress, and sustainable development.
His Excellency Bandar Ibrahim Alkhorayef, Minister of Industry and Mineral Resources, highlighted Saudi Arabia’s commitment to global partnerships during the session on “Strategic Alliances: Leveraging Partnership for Investment Success.”
“International cooperation is not about possibility but about execution—finding effective concepts to bring it to life,” Alkhorayef said. He underscored the Kingdom’s incentives for investors, including advanced digital and physical infrastructure tailored to manufacturing, supply chain, and logistics needs. He also highlighted the approval of three economic zones offering competitive benefits for businesses targeting both local and global markets.
Key Discussions and Insights
The event featured several pivotal sessions, including:
- “Bridging Borders”: Focused on transparent collaboration and regulatory cohesion to enhance global investment.
- “To Finish First, First You Have to Finish”: Examined operational excellence in Investment Promotion Agencies (IPAs), emphasizing governance, efficiency, and technology.
- “Ready, Set, Go”: Explored Saudi Arabia’s efforts to attract investments in specialized sectors like advanced manufacturing and renewable energy, showcasing the Kingdom’s competitive edge.
The conference concluded with a renewed commitment to fostering global partnerships and driving sustainable economic growth, positioning Saudi Arabia as a hub for transformative investments aligned with Vision 2030.