Global financing requirements for infrastructure are estimated at US$1 trillion per year through 2020. Adding a green/greening dimension raises this by another US$200-300 million annually. Part of this financing will need to come from the private sector, including foreign investors. The involvement of private entities in infrastructure projects is not straight-forward. It requires sectoral reforms in infrastructure markets and building up institutional and human capacity, including in investment promotion agencies (IPAs), to handle the complex nature of project finance transactions. Countries and locations with a green growth vision also need to put in place strategies, policies and institutional capacity to attract investments in green projects, including the greening of existing industries and infrastructure. The role of foreign direct investment (FDI) can be critical in financing these projects and in introducing new technologies, innovative solutions and management practices. For IPAs to attract such investments a new approach will be required with a focus on the promotion of bankable green projects.
The meeting allowed for sharing of best practices in this regard. Organized in two sessions:
Session I: Attracting FDI into Infrastructure (in partnership with the World Economic Forum)
- What is the role for post-crisis policy and promotion in attracting FDI in infrastructure?
- What national and international innovative options are available for financing infrastructure in developing countries?
Session II: FDI to Realize a Green Growth Vision (in partnership with UNEP-FI)
- What can be the role of FDI in realizing a green growth vision?
- How can governments and IPAs prioritize strategic green investment projects (new vs. upgrading)? What conditions and incentives need to be in place to create a competitive environment for attracting green investment projects?