SESRIC attended the FDI Statistics Symposium organised by the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) with the theme of “Bridging Investment Data Gaps” on 20 October 2023 on the margins of the 8^th World Investment Forum (WIF8) held in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates.

Dr. Atilla KARAMAN, Director of Statistics and Information Department of SESRIC addressed the symposium as one of the lead speakers about the importance of quality investment data within the perspectives of the OIC and its member countries. Dr. KARAMAN also talked about strengthening the collaboration between different institutions related to FDI statistics, and especially the key role of Investment Promotion Agencies and the required coordination in the national statistical systems to improve the collection of greenfield investment.

The FDI statistics symposium discussed the latest developments in the area of investment statistics, focusing on ongoing work in international organizations on data standards and definitions, FDI data compilation and reporting issues in developing countries, complementary datasets to strengthen data interpretation, and bridging data gaps in thematic areas such as the SDGs and the energy transition.

The session was attended by eminent speakers from the field as well as the official statisticians working in national statistical offices, central banks and investment promotion agencies of the OIC countries.

Organized under the recurring theme of Investing in Sustainable Development, the WIF8 addressed key investment challenges caused by today’s multiple global crises, including the need to invest in food security, energy, health, and productive capacity growth in the poorest countries, through more than 100 thematic sessions.

For more information about the Symposium, please visit: https://worldinvestmentforum.unctad.org/session/fdi-statistics-symposium