Topics related to foreign direct investments (FDI) including factors and challenges facing it globally would be among the top agenda for the upcoming Annual Investment Meeting (AIM) in Dubai, UAE, said event organisers.

The UAE Ministry of Economy will host the fifth edition of AIM at the Dubai international Convention and Exhibition Center from March 30 to April 1.

Dawood Al Shezawi, CEO, AIM's Organizing Committee said that as the forum is themed on "Sustainable Development through FDI Induced Innovation and Technology Transfer" innovation would top the agenda.

“AIM 2015 will kick off on March 29 with a pre-conference workshop for professional investors,” he added.

The first day will also include the release of the second edition of AIM Annual FDI Report by Dr Karl P Sauvant, resident senior fellow, Columbia Center on Sustainable Investment, Columbia Law School – Earth Institute.

The annual publication of AIM will be launched highlighting the general theme of the conference and revealing the latest trends in FDI globally and regionally in particular in growing markets. A special focus will be on the competitiveness of fast growth markets and key opportunities and challenges they have to face in a fast moving and unpredictable world.

The second day of the conference will see three parallel sessions, the first one on FDI in Healthcare Services.

Walid Farghal, director general, AIM Organising Committee said: “We have decided to bring the topic of investment in healthcare services to the discussion table, especially since it has been growing tremendously in the past decade.”

He added: "The second session will be about FDI in education and skills development, salient trends and best practices. It will discuss ways and means to enhance the technological contribution of foreign firms and how important education and skills’ development are in this process.”

Al Shezawi said: "The second day at the Ministerial Roundtable will be the occasion for ministers from around 8 different countries and regions to share their views on the overall theme of the conference and the policies they would like to see enforced at the international level."

AIM will also throw light on Expo 2020, to be hosted by Dubai and its impact on attracting bulk investments. A fourth session will be organized during the second day about Expo 2020 and will feature talks for representatives from UAE government departments and representatives from companies investing in Expo 2020 projects.

The third day will continue with a fourth parallel session on FDI in agriculture and technological advances. This session will be led by Sun Business Strategies & Research (SBSR) to discuss the latest innovative business and investment strategies as well technologies that are being developed in Africa for the success of agricultural practices.

Al Shezawi added: “The concluding discussion will showcase the innovative trade and investment opportunities in emerging markets, especially in countries in Africa, Asia and elsewhere, which are  experiencing a new wave of innovative start-ups, often focused on making real technological breakthrough adapted to their own economic and social needs.” – TradeArabia News Service