Doha Hosts World Investment Forum Amidst Global Economic Flux and Shifting Supply Chains

Doha, Qatar – Political leaders, United Nations officials, and investors convened in Doha for the opening of the UN World Investment Forum, addressing critical concerns over fluctuating global investment flows, evolving supply chains, and prevailing economic uncertainty. The ninth iteration of the UN World Investment Forum commenced at the Sheraton Grand Doha on Sunday, marking its return to Qatar 14 years after hosting the third edition in 2012. This three-day event, running until Tuesday, October 27, is hosted by Qatar in collaboration with UN Trade and Development (UNCTAD) under the theme “Investing in the Future.” It has attracted over 5,000 participants to deliberate on global investment trends, developmental priorities, and emerging economic opportunities.

The opening ceremony was held under the patronage of Qatar’s Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani. Hamad Muhammad Al Nasr, Director of Trade Development and Investment Promotion at Qatar’s Ministry of Commerce and Industry, characterized the forum as a vital platform for knowledge exchange, opportunity exploration, and strategic discussions on the future of investment within the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC).

Marcelo Risi, UNCTAD’s head of communications and external relations, noted that governments are increasingly prioritizing strategic industries and national economic interests. This shift is compelling companies to re-evaluate their supply chains, production locations, and overall risk exposure. Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani, alongside visiting leaders and senior officials, emphasized the significance of international forums in fostering cooperation to navigate regional and global economic challenges. He expressed hopes that the World Investment Forum in Doha would contribute to shaping visions and solutions for the future of investment and the global economy.

During the forum's opening, Qatar’s Minister of State for Foreign Trade Affairs, Ahmed bin Mohammed Al Sayed, outlined the country's efforts to bolster supply chains, expand export markets, and attract investment in nascent sectors. He highlighted investment programs focused on logistics, digital, and financial services, referencing Qatar's announced $22.5 billion pipeline of hospitality and real-estate opportunities, positioning Doha as a key hub for global investment.

Acting UNCTAD Secretary-General Pedro Manuel Moreno stated, “Markets are no longer discovered, they are decided.” UNCTAD Secretary-General Rebeca Grynspan, currently on special leave, underscored the centrality of trust in investment decisions, defining investment as an act of faith in the honoring of contracts and the viability of co-investing in another country's ventures.

On the sidelines of the forum, World Trade Organization (WTO) Director-General Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala commended Qatar and the Gulf region for their resilience in managing global value chains. Speaking to Doha News, Okonjo-Iweala encouraged the region to continue advocating for open, rules-based multilateral trade, particularly benefiting smaller nations. The forum's agenda includes discussions on artificial intelligence, entrepreneurship, sustainable finance, tourism, climate change, investment promotion, and special economic zones.