ABU DHABI - The 13th AIM Congress commenced in Abu Dhabi, capital of the United Arab Emirates, on Tuesday, with an opening ceremony emphasizing the importance of adapting to a shifting investment landscape to foster global economic development.

In his welcome remarks, the UAE's Minister of State for Foreign Trade Thani Al Zeyoudi highlighted the significance of this year's congress theme, "Adapting to a Shifting Investment Landscape: Harnessing New Potential for Global Economic Development", amid ongoing global recovery and renewed economic optimism.

Al Zeyoudi underscored the rapid transformations and unprecedented opportunities for global economic development, while acknowledging the interlocking challenges that have tested nations worldwide. He emphasized the critical need for sustainable growth and inclusive prosperity in today's interconnected world.

The UAE's Minister of State for Foreign Trade Thani Al Zeyoudi stressed the nation's ambitious goals outlined in the UAE Centennial 2071 and the Abu Dhabi Economic Vision 2030, positioning the UAE as a beacon of stability, investment hub, and catalyst for progress regionally and globally

The minister reaffirmed the UAE's commitment to sustainable development, economic diversification, and innovation under the leadership of President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan. He also stressed the nation's ambitious goals outlined in the UAE Centennial 2071 and the Abu Dhabi Economic Vision 2030, positioning the UAE as a beacon of stability, investment hub, and catalyst for progress regionally and globally.

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Highlighting the UAE's magnetism for investment and opportunity, Al Zeyoudi cited the 2023 World Investment Report by UNCTAD, which showcased a significant surge in the inflows of foreign direct investment to the UAE in 2022, reaching $22.7 billion. This propelled the UAE to the 16th position in FDI inflows globally, with the nation claiming top spots in West Asia and the regions of the Middle East and North Africa (MENA).

Al Zeyoudi stressed that these investment flows are powering new economic sectors, supporting innovation, and fostering capabilities, driving the UAE towards a more resilient, inclusive, and sustainable future. 

He urged attendees to seize the opportunity to harness the power of investments for the greater good, creating shared value and enduring new partnerships that transcend borders and transform lives.

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The opening ceremony set the stage for a productive forum at the AIM Congress, fostering dialogue and collaboration towards a shared vision for a better world.