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Rainmaker Global Business Development and The School of Public Policy hosted the first, and only, foreign direct investment (FDI) specific conference for those involved in Canadian FDI attraction, trends, statistics and policy.

In this era of an increasingly globalized world economy, foreign direct investment is a significant driving force behind economic growth and the international integration of markets for goods and services.

Global FDI flows increased by only 4.5% in 2013 and remain 30% below pre-economic crisis levels. Canada’s inward FDI stock reached $693 billion in 2013, but Canada is often seen as underperforming in terms of attracting its global share of FDI – a significant concern for a country in need of international capital to fully realize its potential (particularly with regards to its abundant natural resources).

While recognizing the importance of FDI’s role in economic growth, there are often complex policy and social concerns; the “buying up” of Canadian natural resources, the role of state owned enterprises in FDI, the net benefit and national security test, investment legislation, the investment review processes and the role of federal and provincial governments in protecting strategic resources.

 Speakers:

• Perrin Beatty, President and Chief Executive Officer, Canadian Chamber of Commerce
• Eugene Beaulieu, Program Director, International Economics, The School of Public Policy, University of Calgary
• Wendy K. Dobson, Adjunct Professor and Co-Director, Rotman Institute for International Business, University of Toronto, Executive Fellow, The School of Public Policy
• Clark Grue, President and CEO, Rainmaker Global Business Development
• Steven Globerman,Kaiser Professor of International Business and Director of the Center for International Business, Western Washington University
• Martha Hall Findlay, Executive Fellow, The School of Public Policy, University of Calgary and Chair, Advisory Council, Partnership for Resource Trade
• Walid Hejazi, Associate Professor of International Business, Rotman School of Management, University of Toronto
• Gordon Houlden, Director, China Institute, University of Alberta
• Dylan Jones, President and CEO, Canada West Foundation
• Tony Kay, British Consul General to Alberta, Saskatchewan and Manitoba
• Justin Riemer, Assistant Deputy Minister, Economic Development and Innovation Division, Alberta Innovation and Advanced Education, Government of Alberta

 

KEYNOTE – David Waugh, CEO, North Atlantic Potash

KEYNOTE – William J. Fehrman, President and CEO, MidAmerican Energy Company and President and CEO, MidAmerican Renewables, a division of Berkshire Hathaway Energy Co.

Click HERE to view the program.