World Investment Forum opens in Xiamen
XIAMEN. September 7. KAZINFORM The 2nd World Investment Forum (WIF), seeking to offer insights on the balance between investment and sustainable development, kicked off Tuesday in the coastal city of Xiamen in esat China's Fujian Province. Kazinform refers to China Daily.
With the theme "Investment for Sustainable Development," the forum is organized by the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) and has attracted more than 1,500 overseas investors, policymakers and international organization representatives.
"International investment is high on the agenda of global policymaking," United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-Moon said in a video message to the forum.
Despite the recovery of worldwide capital flows since the downturn in 2009, Ban noted the recovery remains fragile and that the consequences of climate change are "increasingly clear."
The three-day forum will include a series of conferences on topics such as: the impact of investment on sustainable development; how stock exchanges can promote sustainable business practices; and the need for a recognized set of principles for borrowers and lenders that promotes sustainable debt and credit conditions.
Also included is a ministerial round table that will address investment policy coherence in the post-crisis environment.
There will also be presentations from several countries showcasing climate change-related investment projects.
"We must work together to advance responsible investment and corporate sustainability," said Ban Ki-moon.
Ban urged governments and businesses to make investment flows better stimulate economic activity while promoting energy efficiency and green technology at the same time.
Established in 2000, the MDGs are eight development goals to be achieved by 2015. Agreed to by UN member states, the goals include time-bound targets for reducing extreme poverty and child mortality rates, fighting disease epidemics, promoting gender equality, education and environmental sustainability.
The high-profile attendances "demonstrates the importance that international investment has gained as an engine of growth and development," UNCTAD Secretary-General Supachai Panitchpakdi said at the opening ceremony of the forum.
According to Supachai Panitchpakdi, the four-day forum will examine the challenges and opportunities for global investment in the post-crisis economy. Kazinform cites China Daily. See www.chinadaily.com.cn for full version.