Invest India, the National Investment Promotion and Facilitation Agency of the Government of India, in collaboration with the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT), is gearing up to host the 27th World Investment Conference (WIC) from December 11-14, 2023.
The prestigious event will take place at the India International Convention & Expo Centre – Yashobhoomi, New Delhi, under the theme “Empowering Investors: IPAs Pioneering Future Growth.”
On December 13, 2023, the Union Minister of Commerce & Industry, Consumer Affairs, Food & Public Distribution, and Textiles, Mr Piyush Goyal, is slated to deliver the keynote address on the Role of Trade and Investment in the Decade of Action. Additionally, Mr Goyal will chair a closed-room roundtable discussion on Private Equity.
A significant highlight of the conference will be the launch of the Experience India Centre (EIC). This immersive showcase will utilize cutting-edge technologies such as virtual reality, augmented reality, interactive touch screens, and projection mapping to spotlight India’s offerings across services, technology, and products.
Delegates and participants from around the globe will have the opportunity to engage with India’s leading startups and explore the country’s rich culture through a multi-sensory experience encompassing touch, feel, taste, smell, vision, and sound.
WIC, an annual flagship event of the World Association of Investment Promotion Agencies (WAIPA), serves as a global platform for stakeholders in investment promotion and innovation. The four-day conference is poised to be the largest ever, with over 1000 attendees, 50 IPAs, and participation from various multilateral agencies.
Key sessions will include meetings of ‘IPAs of G20 Nations,’ discussions on Sustainable FDI, the World Investment for Development Alliance (WIDA), and a roundtable on “The India Opportunity: Investing in an Emerging Economy Poised for Fast-Track Growth.” Invest India may also release white papers on crucial topics such as E-Commerce, Electronics, Sustainable textiles, and Responsible AI.
The impressive lineup of speakers includes Secretary, DPIIT, Mr Rajesh Kumar Singh; Secretary, Department of Commerce, Mr Sunil Barthwal; and notable figures from organizations such as the International Solar Alliance, Paytm, and Info Edge. Representatives from global companies including DP World, IKEA, Wipro, Equinor, and Arduino will be in attendance. Trade and investment ministers from Saudi Arabia, Armenia, and Togo are expected to address the conference.
The conference will also feature “The Startup-Investor Connect program,” facilitating connections between venture capital funds and international startups to promote funding and showcase innovative projects. Parallel sessions will focus on sectors like Agri-Food Processing, Energy/Infrastructure, Tourism, Automotive & Machinery, ICT/Technology, and Life Sciences, providing a comprehensive exploration of investment opportunities and trends.
Aligned with the conference theme, India will showcase key initiatives such as Make in India, PM Gati Shakti, and measures taken to enhance the ease of doing business. The WIC underscores the commitment of the World Association of Investment Promotion Agencies, founded in 1995, to empower and support investment promotion agencies globally, serving as a vital bridge between the public and private sectors.
With over 120 member agencies representing more than 100 countries, WAIPA continues to be a significant force in fostering economic development through investment promotion.
