Countries around the world highlighted their programmes to secure foreign direct investments, including efforts to build new ports and other infrastructure facilities at the Annual Investment Meeting (AIM) in Dubai, UAE. This was the ninth edition of AIM, which concluded at Dubai World Trade Center.

The Democratic Republic of Congo, which represents 37 per cent of Africa’s hydropower potential, 23 per cent of the world’s potential, 47 per cent of Africa’s tropical forests and 6 per cent of the world’s tropical reserve was one among the presenting countries at the global forum.

In addition, Cameroon presented the benefits on investing in its country, given the strategic geographic location and access to regional markets of CEMAC, CEDEAO, SADEC and a well-managed private sector. With a growth rate of 4.1 per cent and a literacy rate of 75 per cent, Cameroon boasts of 7.3 million hectares of land with huge natural reserves. With a great coastline and seven national parks, the potential for tourism is also huge. The country also outlined several incentives in tax and customs to draw investments.

The AIM also witnessed a presentation from Indonesia, the fourth most populous county with a young workforce. Being one of the world’s flourishing economies, Indonesia is all set to enter into the G-7 by 2020 and the 5th largest by 2030. The GDP of Indonesia is predicted to rise by 5.5 per cent in 2019 from 5.1 per cent in 2017, making it another interesting
investor hub.

Several cities from China also presented at the global forum. The City of Tianjin, formerly known as Tientsin presented to investors several opportunities for investments. With more than 500 ports in over 180 countries and regions, Tianjin represents an important hub for material exchange between South and North China and leads in both aviation and aerospace industries.

In addition to Tianjin, Guangzhou – one of the National central cities in China and the core city of Pearl River Delta, and a world class cultural city and an international business center also presented key investments opportunities to potential investors.

The AIM also witnessed a presentation from Georgia – a country in the Caucasus region of Eurasia. According to an study, Georgia ranks on the 13thposition for conducting business, considering its strategic location.