London, UK – On the evening of 2 May 2025, the historic Reform Club on Pall Mall became the epicenter of global trade and investment policy when more than 120 leading figures gathered to celebrate the launch of two seminal reports: Bridging Borders: Trade Promotion and Foreign Direct Investment and Global Economic Opportunities 2025. The dinner, chaired by Dr. Khalifa Saif Juma Saif Al Mehairbi, Chairman & Patron of the Global Economic Business Council, emphasized the critical role of open communication, institutional collaboration, and multilateral engagement as the foremost defenses against rising protectionism.
A Night of Distinguished Addresses and Diplomacy
The evening opened with welcome remarks from The Rt Hon. The Baroness Prashar CBE—former Chair of the House of Lords Appointments Commission—spoke to the power of intergovernmental platforms and cross-sector partnerships. Her remarks highlighted that inclusive policymaking, underpinned by regular consultation and data-driven analysis, is the best antidote to unilateral protectionist impulses
H.E. Sven Jurgenson, former President of the United Nations Security Council and ex-UNICEF Board Chair, delivered the first keynote. He reflected on how the United Nations’ post-war trade architecture provided a blueprint for integration, urging attendees to renew commitment to institutions that lower barriers and promote stability.
Following him, Dr. Al Mehairbi, underscored that “in an era of fragmentation, transparent dialogue and seamless policy coordination are indispensable for preserving the flow of capital, goods, and services that underpin global prosperity.”
Master of Ceremonies and Special Honors
Mark Glover, Chairman of SEC Newgate UK and Board Member of the International Trade Council, expertly guided the proceedings. His facilitation of roundtable conversations and Q&A sessions allowed attendees—from Members of Parliament and ambassadors to FDI-agency heads and leading private-equity investors—to share experiences and best practices in export-promotion and investment facilitation.
A highlight of the evening was the presentation of two awards to Dr. Al Mehairbi by H.E. Jurgenson:
- Champion of International Trade, in recognition of his leadership in fostering cross-border public–private partnerships.
- Global Best Real Estate Person of the Year, for his pivotal role in attracting and managing multi-billion-dollar investment projects that drive urban regeneration and infrastructure development.
Unveiling Game-Changing Research
Dr. Al Mehairbi then unveiled the evening’s two reports:
- Bridging Borders: Trade Promotion and Foreign Direct Investment
A practical toolkit for policymakers and agency leaders, covering everything from institutional design and stakeholder engagement to digitalization strategies and performance metrics. It distills decades of institutional experience into actionable frameworks for setting up and scaling high-impact EPAs and IPAs.
- Global Economic Opportunities 2025
A master catalog of over USD 6 billion in vetted FDI projects across 63 countries, spanning renewable energy, advanced manufacturing, and logistics. Each entry is designed to catalyze cross-border partnerships and steer investors toward sustainable opportunities.
Closing Call to Action
The Hon. David Wells, Canadian Senator and Chairman of the International Centre for Trade Transparency, delivered the evening’s closing remarks. He reaffirmed that open markets and ongoing policy dialogue—supported by data sharing and mutual accountability—are the cornerstones of inclusive growth. He urged attendees to leverage both reports as living documents: to be updated, critiqued, and operationalized in national strategies.
“Only through continuous, multilateral engagement and transparent communication can we ensure that trade and investment remain engines of shared prosperity rather than sources of discord,” concluded Senator Wells.
