FDI and the Arab World. OECD Meeting in Istanbul February 11 th, 2004 Dr. Martin Berlin Chief Strategy Officer

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1 FDI and the Arab World OECD Meeting in Istanbul February 11 th, 2004 Dr. Martin Berlin Chief Strategy Officer

2 Why Investment Promotion Current status of FDI While Global FDI flows have increased at a dramatic rate over the past 15 years FDI into the Arab world has been minimal and stagnant, representing less than 1% of Global FDI flows $1,600 $160 $ Billions $1,400 $1,200 $1,000 $800 $600 $400 $200 $- World Developed Countries Developing Countries $140 $120 $100 $80 $60 $40 $20 $- Asia Latin America Top Asian * Africa Arab Countries Source: UNCTAD

3 The Arab region s share of the FDI is significantly lower than other developing countries/ regions of the world. Foreign Direct Investment (Inflows) FDI Flows to the Developing World Cumulative % of GDP % to Developing Countries (USD million) GCC/Levant 9, GCC / Levant 1<1 India 14, Arab World 1.9 Malaysia 17, China 18, , Latin America / Carribean USA 20, , Asia Pacific Source: UNCTAD World Investment Report, WDI (World Bank)

4 Hurdles to FDI in the Arab Region A blend of tangible and intangible factors, both at the national and regional level, have impeded the flow of FDI to the Arab region. NATIONAL REGIONAL Regularity Framework Investment Opportunities Hard Infrastructure Information Sharing & Cooperation Except in some cases of free zones, most countries do not provide 100% ownership to foreign investors; Most countries do not subscribe to international mechanisms for dispute settlement; Strict labor laws, especially the in GCC countries, restrict the mobility of highly talented human capital; Weak enforcement of IPR laws provide inadequate protection to foreign investors. Governments have monopolies in most strategic sectors, energy, telecom etc, leaving very few opportunities for foreign investors Private sectors are generally small, largely dominated by family business groups, lack scale to attract any serious foreign investment. Most countries in the region have poor infrastructure indicators in terms of electricity per capita, telecom, & internet penetration rates, Arab markets are perceived as competitive fragmented markets as opposed to a complementary single market for FDI by international investors; Lack of regulatory harmony, information sharing mechanisms and joint promotional exercises impede flow of FDI.

5 Dubai Development & Investment Authority (DDIA) To overcome the hurdles that impede FDI flows to Dubai, Dubai Development & Investment Authority (DDIA) has been established. Vision Mission We will make Dubai a regional economic hub; through developing and implementing world class policies, regulations and initiatives. An organization responsible for promoting the economic growth and development of Dubai by encouraging the establishment of higher value added activities and private sector investments in Dubai

6 The Dual Strategy Dubai Development and Investment Authority (DDIA) 1 2 Develop Investment Environment Develop Investment Projects One Stop Shop Services

7 DDIA FDI Attraction Offering DDIA has adopted a unique approach of providing attractive investment opportunities, in addition to regulatory and infrastructure support, to attract FDI. 1 Enable Access to Quality Projects Access to a range of projects in strategically important sectors in Dubai, like healthcare, tourism etc. 2 Assist with Project Development Business plan development support; Provide market data and deal structuring services. 3 4 Provide Access to Capital Offer One Stop Shop Services Assist in raising capital for strategic projects; Provide TNCs access to local and regional investors. Provide Single window services to investors/tncs/smes; Executing and setting-up projects at a fast rate. 5 Incentives Provide project-specific incentives to investors and TNCs. 6 Information for Investors & MNCs 7 Give Business Assistance Macro and micro economic data on all aspects of business; Legal, financial, demographic info to assist decisions. Supporting local companies in building & developing expertise, innovating, growing and creating new partnerships

8 Arab Association for Investment & Promotion To overcome FDI hurdles at the regional level, the Investment Promotion Agencies of Saudi Arabia, Bahrain and Dubai have jointly established the private initiative of the Arab Association of Investment Promotion (AAIP). Arab Association for Investment Promotion (AAIP) Purpose Structure Create the infrastructure support system; Develop the business environment; Promote business opportunities. Independent initiative of the investment agencies of the region that doers not require explicit endorsement from the national government; Membership open to all investment and related entities/ organizations; Headquarters in Dubai and SAGIA will assign the first chairperson of AAIP

9 The Proposed Organizational Structure of AAIP The General Assembly will play a lead role in setting the agenda and direction, aided by the Secretariat. The Steering Committee will perform these functions in the transitional phase. High Level Organization Structure Membership Key Responsibilities General Assembly Open to all interested entities (e.g. investment promotion agencies, economic development board, ) Sets policies and objectives of AAIP Approves annual budget Steering Committee Ad-Hoc Committee* Representation from both private and public sector elected by General Assembly Ensures the implementation of the General Assembly s decisions Sets budgets. Advisory Committee Not more than 5-7 members International and regional org s. (OECD, UNIDO, UNCTAD etc) Leading businessmen /Experts Makes non executive recommendations to the Steering Committee Provide, when requested, advice, opinions, and know-how on specific issues Secretariat 1 Secretary general 2 Support staff 1 Personal assistant Coordinate all activities of the association Implementation of resolutions adapted by General Assembly; Sets budgets Permanent Transitional *Performs the functions of the Secretariat and the Steering Committee till the time they are fully operational

10 Thank You