London, UK – On the evening of 2 May 2025, the Reform Club on Pall Mall welcomed over 120 senior trade and investment figures from around the globe for an exclusive gala dinner marking the publication of two landmark studies: Bridging Borders: Trade Promotion and Foreign Direct Investment and Global Economic Opportunities 2025. Moderated by Mark Glover, Chairman of SEC Newgate and Board Member of the International Trade Council and Chaired by Dr. Khalifa Saif Juma Saif Al Mehairbi, Chairman & Patron of the Global Economic Business Council, the event underscored the critical importance of open markets, seamless policy coordination, and continuous dialogue as the best defenses against rising protectionism.
The evening commenced with a stirring address from The Rt Hon. The Baroness Prashar CBE, who set the tone by highlighting the interdependence of modern economies. Drawing on her extensive experience in government appointments and international governance, Baroness Prashar spoke passionately about the need for inclusive policymaking and the value of establishing robust channels of communication between public and private stakeholders. “In today’s interconnected world,” she declared, “no nation can thrive in isolation. Collaborative frameworks and transparent dialogue are the bedrock upon which resilient, equitable growth is built.”
Following Baroness Prashar’s remarks, H.E. Sven Jurgenson, former President of the United Nations Security Council and ex-UNICEF Board Chairman, delivered a compelling keynote. He traced the evolution of multilateral trade institutions from the post–World War II era to current-day challenges, including protectionism and geopolitical fragmentation. Emphasizing the lessons of history, Jurgenson argued for renewed commitment to shared rules and data-driven policy alignment: “The moment we erect barriers,” he warned, “we undermine the very networks that lift communities out of poverty and enable technology transfer at scale.”
Next, Dr. Khalifa Saif Juma Saif Al Mehairbi took the stage, outlining the mission and work of the Global Economic Business Council. He unveiled the two reports and framed them as practical roadmaps for officials and practitioners alike:
- Bridging Borders consolidates decades of agency best practices into an actionable toolkit—covering institutional design, stakeholder engagement, digital platforms, and impact measurement—so that both export-promotion agencies (EPAs) and investment-promotion agencies (IPAs) can maximize their reach and effectiveness.
- Global Economic Opportunities 2025 presents a meticulously vetted pipeline of over USD 6 billion in foreign direct investment projects across 63 countries, ranging from renewable-energy developments in Africa to smart-manufacturing initiatives in Asia. Each listing includes project scope, financing mechanisms, and social-impact considerations, designed to catalyze sustainable, cross-border partnerships.
Dr. Al Mehairbi emphasized that these publications are living documents, intended to evolve through feedback and ongoing collaboration: “Our goal is to spark continuous dialogue among governments, businesses, and civil society. By sharing data, harmonizing regulations, and convening stakeholders regularly, we can ensure the benefits of trade and investment reach every community.”
Immediately after his address, Dr. Al Mehairbi was honored with two prestigious awards, presented by H.E. Sven Jurgenson:
- Champion of International Trade, recognizing his leadership in forging public–private platforms that streamline market access and capacity building for emerging economies.
- Global Best Real Estate Person of the Year, celebrating his instrumental role in designing and delivering high-impact infrastructure projects financed by FDI, which have revitalized urban centers and boosted local employment.
These accolades underscored Dr. Al Mehairbi’s dual commitment to both policy innovation and on-the-ground investment delivery.
The evening concluded with closing remarks from The Hon. David Wells, Canadian Senator and Chairman of the International Centre for Trade Transparency. Senator Wells echoed the gala’s central theme, calling for sustained intergovernmental and cross-sector dialogue: “Open markets are not a default state—they are the product of constant engagement, transparent data sharing, and mutual accountability. These reports give us the blueprints; our task now is to implement, iterate, and collaborate without pause.”
