What does it take to attract FDI, discuss experts at Annual Investment Meeting 2016

Dubai - Open policies, economic diversification and skilled workforce are vital to lure foreign capital

Global leaders on Monday agreed that a stable regulatory environment coupled with openness, skilled workforce and market access are needed to attract foreign direct investment.
At the plenary session of the Annual Investment Meeting (AIM), business leaders, senior officials, heads of international institutions and academia discussed the new world of FDI.
Cornelia Meyer, also the chairman and CEO of MRL Corporation, said: "We should not forget small and medium enterprises. We need to have regulation for a stable business environment. Openness is also very important to attract FDI."
Georgia's Prime Minister Giorgi Kvirikashvili highlighted his country's positive investment climate, healthy environment for business and trade and economic potential. He also emphasised Georgia's role within the New Silk Road project and spoke about the reforms the government is implementing.
Jamal Majid bin Thaniah, vice-chairman, DP World, said: "There will be growth at the global level. One should take long-term views on whatever investment they plan in the future."
Responding to a question about DP World's strategy during the economic slowdown, bin Thaniah said: "We are a globally focused company with great spread around the world from East to West. We overcame the downturn that existed from 2008 to 2015. We mainly focus on emerging markets and sustainable growth. We look at long-term views and that's how we overcome a downturn."
Arvind Mayaram, former finance secretary of India, said India has emerged as one of the most attractive destinations for FDI. It's a big consumer market with around 400 million people belonging to the middle class, Mayaram said, adding that there is huge demand and the demand is driving investment. He said the government has taken several initiatives to attract FDI and one of them is the 'Make in India' campaign.
Geoffrey White, CEO of Agility, United Kingdom, said: "We are investing in emerging markets for better returns and higher margins. We see FDI flow focused toward emerging markets."
- abdulbasit@khaleejtimes.com