The WAIPA Regional Meeting organized by ProDominicana in collaboration with the Central American Bank for Economic Integration (Banco Centroamericano de Integración Económica - BCIE) commenced last week, featuring a rich program and insightful keynote addresses.
WAIPA Executive Director and CEO Ismail Ersahin spoke at the inaugural session, alongside esteemed high-level dignitaries, including:
• H.E. Mrs. Raquel Pena, Vice-president of the Dominican Republic
• Mrs. Angelina Biviana Riveiro Disla, ProDominicana’s Executive Director;
• Mr. Hostos Rizik Lugo, Executive Director for the Dominican Republic Central American Bank for Economic Integration (Banco Centroamericano de Integración Económica - BCIE);
Mr. Ismail Ersahin highlighted the significance of regional collaboration for shaping a collaborative and impactful agenda for global investment promotion, with a particular focus on sustainable FDI.
“IPAs are crucial for fostering global investment and economic growth. It is imperative that we, as international organizations, support them through strong collaboration to ensure a total win-win for investors, countries, and our people. By working together, we can create a more prosperous future for all” he stated.
The panels covered topics such as facilitation and governance for attracting foreign investment in Central America and the Caribbean, international business perspectives in disruptive times, and business opportunities with institutional support from the Central American Bank for Economic Integration (Banco Centroamericano de Integración Económica - BCIE)
The conference featured presentations by prominent IPAs from the region, including Invest Guyana and Promotora del Comercio Exterior de Costa Rica (PROCOMER), and a panel on the tourism sector as a catalyst for economic development opportunities.
The first day concluded with the highly practical UN Tourism Academy Workshop: Development of an Investment Promotion Strategy in the Tourism Sector for Investment Promotion Agencies. This session provided valuable insights and strategies for advancing tourism investment, while highlighting WAIPA's significant efforts.