Nigeria is one of over 140 countries attending the global FDI event
Dubai, United Arab Emirates: Nigerian President Muhammadu Buhari will attend the 9th edition of the Annual Investment Meeting (AIM) in Dubai to woo international investors and boost its foreign direct investment (FDI) inflow level.
President Buhari’s participation will come at a time when Nigeria is intensifying its efforts to diversify its economy to reduce its reliance on oil. Attracting quality FDIs is seen to play a critical part in its diversification initiatives. In the first three months of 2019, the Central Bank of Nigeria revealed that the country’s FDI reached USD 6 billion despite numerous economic headwinds.
“President Buhari is expected to meet with his fellow heads of states and investors to showcase key investment prospects in his country. These meetings can take place during the event’s bilateral meetings. Investors from all over the world will gather in Dubai for the event, thus opening up opportunities to build major business partnerships and seal agreements in line with the sustainable socio-economic development agenda of the Nigerian Government.” Dawood Al Shezawi, CEO of Annual Investment Organizing Committee, said.
The President, who will deliver a keynote address, is one of the guests of honor invited to the investment meeting by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, UAE Vice President and Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai. Nigeria is one of the more than 140 nations attending the congress.
The 9th edition, the latest of the world’s biggest platform for FDI, will kick off tomorrow, 8th of April, and will run until 10th of April. More than 20,300 global participants, including heads of states, ministers, and business leaders, will gather to tackle the most pressing challenges influencing worldwide investments.
This year’s theme of ‘Mapping the Future of FDI: Enriching World Economies through Digital Globalization’ will focus on the impact of Industry 4.0, smart cities, sustainable economic practices, renewables, and startups on international investments and trade. The theme is anchored on the fact that game-changing digital innovations play a visible role in attracting foreign investors.
To be held under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, UAE Vice President and Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, AIM 2019 is an initiative of the UAE Ministry of Economy.