AGENDA IME 2025
Hilton Frankfurt City Centre
Hochstrasse 4, 60313
Frankfurt, Germany
08:00
Morning yoga meditation
09:00
Registration
09:30
Opening of IME 2025
- Interactive opening of IME 2025
- Review of IME 2024
- Outlook for the next two days
Courtney Fingar, Presenter and Chair of IME
09:45
Hannover – The Gateway to Sustainable Business Growth in Europe
Hannover is a prime business location with its strategic position in Europe, world-class trade fairs, skilled workforce, excellent logistics, and vibrant innovation ecosystem, offering unmatched opportunities for networking, investment, and sustainable growth across diverse industries.
Speaker
Dr. Georg Leuteritz
10:00
Panel: Europe – The Most Promising Continent for SDG Investments
Europe has emerged as a global leader in sustainable development investments, with countries across the continent pioneering innovative policies and projects aligned with the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). This session will explore the dynamic opportunities for investing in Europe’s SDG-driven economy, highlighting sectors such as renewable energy, smart cities, circular economy, and green technologies and focusing on both public and private sector initiatives that are driving economic growth while promoting social and environmental responsibility.
Speakers
Rita Aloi, Director, EMEA, Research FDI
Theo Follings, President, European Association of Development Agencies (EURADA)
Vanessa Völkel, Deputy Head, UNIDO Investment and Technology Promotion Office (ITPO)
Moderator
Courtney Fingar, Founder & Principal, Fingar Direct Investment
10:30
Session about exploring the International Finance Corporation’s (IFC) role in mobilizing private investment to drive sustainable growth in developing economies. The presentation will highlight how Western European investors can partner with IFC to access high-impact projects worldwide, bridging opportunities between Europe and global markets while fostering economic and social development.
Speaker
Jan van Bilsen – IFC Country Manager for Germany, the Nordics and Switzerland
10:45
The global FDI trends and the evolving EU–US trade and investment relationship.
Speaker
Jens Manke, Director for Germany & Central Europe at OCO Global
11:00
Beyond Compliance: AI-Driven Intelligence for Non-Financial Risk Management & Sustainability Reporting”
Abstract
Non-Financial Risks—ranging from regulatory change and climate impacts to community opposition and governance challenges—have a direct and growing effect on business performance, placing them at the core of corporate management. Yet, there remains a significant gap in current sustainability reporting tools, which are often static, reactive, and burdensome for businesses in terms of cost, time, and workforce stress.
Verimpact addresses this challenge with its new AI-enabled Non-Financial Risk Management & Sustainability Reporting Platform, designed to move organizations beyond compliance and toward actionable intelligence.
Speaker
Spyros Kouvelis, Chairman, Verimpact/ Team Leader EU-GCC Cooperation on Climate Change and Energy/Senior Associate of the University of Cambridge Institute for Sustainability Leadership/former Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs/former MP
11:15
Coffee break
11:45
Turning Challenges into Opportunities: Jordan’s Roadmap for Investment Growth”
Jordan Continues to Be a Resilient Gateway for Global Investment in the Middle East.
Keynote Speaker
Eng, Mothanna Gharaibeh, Minister of Investment in the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan.
12:00
Saxony Trade & Invest Corp.
Speaker
Andreas Lippert, COO Investor Services at Saxony Trade & Invest Corp.
12:15
Myler Mountain Resort – Armenia’s First Mountain Tourism Free Economic Zone!
Myler Mountain Resort, located in Yeghipatrush, Aragatsotn Province, is Armenia’s first and only Mountain Tourism Free Economic Zone. Already featuring cable lifts, 21 km of ski slopes, premium chalets, restaurants, and year-round attractions, Myler is set to become a $300M+ fully master-planned resort and a leading tourism hub in the Caucasus. By 2027/28, the resort will expand to 17 lifts, 102 km of pistes, over 13,400 accommodation units, and extensive leisure, wellness, cultural, and entertainment zones, including a licensed casino. With tax exemptions, strategic proximity to Yerevan and Gyumri airports, and multiple investment formats, Myler offers unique opportunities for hotel brands and investors, with projected ROI averaging 15%.
Speaker
Tigran Harutyunyan, Founder of Myler Mountain Resort
12:30
Lunch break and networking
14:00
Invest in Silesian Voivodeship
Speaker
Bogusława Kruczek-Gębczyńska, Head of the Silesian Investor and Exporter Assistance Cente
14:15
Invest in Moldova: Opportunities at Europe’s Crossroads
Discover Moldova’s strategic advantages as a bridge between the EU and Eastern markets. The presentation will highlight key investment opportunities in manufacturing, agribusiness, renewable energy, and ICT, supported by a skilled workforce, competitive costs, and an evolving business environment fostering sustainable economic growth.
Speaker
Natalia Bejan, Director Invest Moldova Agency
14:30
Panel discussions
Shaping the Cities of the Future: Strategies for Investment and Talent Attraction
This panel brings together city leaders and regional representatives to discuss how urban areas can shape their future as global centers of investment and talent. By examining policy approaches, sustainable development strategies, and international cooperation, the discussion will highlight best practices from leading cities such as Dublin, Paris, and Austin (Texas, USA), offering insights into how cities can strengthen their global competitiveness.
Speaker
Ray McAdam, Lord Mayor of Dublin Councillor
Dr. Chloë Voisin-Bormuth (PhD), General Director of Paris Île-de-France Capitale Économique – the economic promotion agency for Greater Paris
Dr. Eric Anthony Johnson, Assistant City Manager, City of Austin, Texas, USA
Moderator
Ms.Courtney Fingar, Foreign Direct Investment Specialist
15:15
Invest in Rhineland-palatinate
Rhineland-Palatinate is one of Germany’s most dynamic and export-oriented regions, offering a powerful combination of industrial strength, innovation capacity, and strategic access to European markets. Home to leading clusters in chemical industries, pharmaceuticals, machinery, automotive, renewable energy, and viticulture, the region provides exceptional conditions for international investors seeking sustainable growth.
Dr. Joe Weingarten
Head of Department for SMEs, Trade, City Centers, and Location Marketing; Ministry of Economic Affairs, Transport, Agriculture and Viticulture in Rhineland palatinate, Germany
15:30
Coffee break
16:00
How European SMEs expanding to the United States and the landscape of economic development, incentives and opportunities in the US.
Speaker
Matthias Beier, President & CEO of the Transatlantic Business & Investment Council (TBIC) in Atlanta, GA and Berlin, Germany
16:15
Welcome to Mainz. Where Science Meets Performance.
The city of Mainz, capital of Rhineland-Palatinate, is an excellent investment location. A thriving center for biotechnology & life sciences as well as cutting-edge research. Ranked among Germany’s top future-ready cities in the Prognos Zukunftsatlas, Mainz offers a strong economy, a skilled workforce, an excellent infrastructure and a vibrant startup community.
Speaker
Mr.Jürgen Schmitz
Office for Investment support, Business settlement projects and Cluster management, City of Mainz, Germany
16:30
Invest in Madeira: Gateway to Sustainable and Digital Growth
Discover Madeira’s strategic potential as an investment destination in the Atlantic. The presentation will highlight opportunities in innovation, renewable energy, tourism, and technology, showcasing how the region combines sustainability, talent, and international connectivity to attract forward-looking investors and foster global partnerships.
Speaker
Joana Aguiar,Project Manager, Invest Madeira
Organization: Regional Government of Madeira (Portugal)
16:45
Invest in Montenegro: Emerging Gateway of the Western Balkans
Explore Montenegro’s growing investment landscape, from renewable energy and tourism to sustainable agriculture and infrastructure. The presentation will highlight the country’s strategic location, favorable business climate, and government incentives that position Montenegro as a dynamic and competitive gateway for investors entering the Western Balkans region.
Speaker
Aleksandra Bozovic, Head of the Department for International Cooperation and Investment Environment Development
17:00
Summary of the first day
Courtney Fingar, Presenter and Chair of IME
17:15
End of the first day of conference
08:00
Morning yoga workout
09:30
Welcome second conference day
- Summary of first day
- Outlook for second day of conference
Courtney Fingar, Presenter and Chair of IME
09:45
NRW welcomes partners and investors from all over the world to transform its industry and meet the demands of the future
Speaker
Dr. Tobias Traupel, Director General, European, Legal and Foreign Trade Department at Ministry of Economic Affairs, Industry, Climate Protection and Energy of the State of North-Rhine Westphalia
10:00
Berlin Partner for Business and Technology
Berlin’s Offer in a Changing World: Empowering Clients with Freedom, Talent, and Innovation
In an era marked by geopolitical uncertainty and rapid transformation, Berlin stands out as a resilient and forward-looking investment destination. This talk explores the strategic pillars that define Berlin’s approach to economic development: a deep commitment to freedom and democratic values, a thriving ecosystem of global talent, world-class research institutions, and a vibrant startup scene driving innovation across industries.
Speaker
Dr. Kai Bindseil is head of Division Healthcare | Industry | Infrastructure at Berlin Partner for Business and Technology.
10:15
From Research to Production: Dresden’s Strength in Semiconductors and Future Technologies
These days Dresden is primarily associated with one thing: globally operating semiconductor companies are investing massively in Europe’s microelectronics cluster, “Silicon Saxony.” However, these investments do not happen by chance and build on Dresden’s long tradition as a semiconductor location, whose attractiveness has grown strongly over the decades. In addition, strong companies from other important future-oriented sectors are investing in Dresden, such as in life sciences, artificial intelligence, and software. The strength of the site is often due to the presence on site of the entire value chain of the respective sector—from research and development to a wide network of suppliers to production. Dresden is also a leader in top-level research, with Technische Universität Dresden as a University of Excellence, with 45 research and development institutes and more than 15,000 scientists on site in total. That makes Dresden an ideal location for companies and employees.
Speaker
Steffen Rietzschel, Head of Economic Development Office, City of Dresden, Germany
10:30
Bridging Regions and Investors: How Chambers and Advisors Drive Cross-Border Growth
This panel will explore the complementary roles of chambers of commerce and investment advisors in shaping successful cross-border investment projects. The German-Kosovo Chamber of Commerce, together with a representative of the Chamber of Commerce of Montenegro and an expert from Steinbeis in Stuttgart, will discuss not only the institutional support and advisory services available, but also what investors are really looking for when entering new markets. The session will highlight how regional cooperation can create the conditions for a joint market approach — making smaller economies more attractive to large international companies and positioning the region as a competitive investment destination.
Speakers
Besnik Vasolli, Managing Director of German – Kosovo Economic Chamber
Jürgen Raizner, Director Steinbeis Enterprises in Stuttgart (DE), Baku (AZ), Bucharest (RO), Uzhhorod (UA) and Vienna (AT)
Dušan Radonjić. Director of the International Cooperation Department of the Chamber of Economy of Montenegro
11:15
Coffee break
11:45
Invest in Türkiye: Nexus of the World
Discover why Türkiye continues to be one of the most dynamic investment destinations bridging Europe, Asia, and the Middle East. The presentation will showcase key opportunities across manufacturing, renewable energy, logistics, and technology — highlighting Türkiye’s strategic location, competitive workforce, and strong industrial base. Join us to explore how Türkiye’s investment climate and incentive programs are driving growth and attracting global investors.
Speaker
Gokhan Yucel, Head of Communications Department at the Investment Office of the Presidency of the Republic of Türkiye.
12:00
Future trends and current champions in Western Ballkan
Regional Development Agency JUG
RDA SOUTH is to support institutional efforts to achieve comprehensive and sustainable economic development of the Nišava, Pirot and Toplički districts through building quality human resources, creating a healthy business environment and fertile ground for attracting foreign investments, connecting and cooperating with other regional, national and international institutions, all in accordance with the process of European integration.
Speaker
Mr.Dragoslav Pavlovic, City of Nis, Mayor
12:15
Invest in Ukraine – Resilience, Innovation, and Opportunity
Ukraine stands at the forefront of transformation, offering unique opportunities for investors seeking growth, resilience, and purpose. Despite the challenges of recent years, Ukraine’s Investment Promotion Agency (UkraineInvest) continues to foster a dynamic environment for innovation, reconstruction, and sustainable development.
This presentation highlights Ukraine’s priority investment sectors — including renewable energy, agribusiness, IT, logistics, and industrial manufacturing — and outlines the government’s incentives and reforms designed to attract and protect foreign investors. As global partners look to contribute to Ukraine’s recovery and future prosperity, now is the time to invest in a resilient nation ready to rebuild stronger than ever.
Speaker
Maryna Khlystun. Executive Director of UkraineInvest
12:30
Lunch break
14:00
Transforming Cities Through Strategic Real Estate Development
Real estate development has become a key driver of foreign direct investment, transforming cities, unlocking infrastructure growth and catalysing broader economic transformation. As global investors seek stable returns and diversified opportunities, real estate is increasingly viewed not just as an asset class, but as a strategic entry point into emerging and established markets alike.
This session explores how real estate investment and urban development can act as powerful magnets for cross-border capital flows, driving growth across hospitality, logistics, industrial parks, residential, retail and mixed-use projects.
Panel Framing Presentation by Drees & Sommer
Speaker
Anne Eberhardtm, Project Manager Commercial Sites, Rheinisches Revier, NRW.Global Business, Germany
Patrick Breuer, Managing Director DACH & Netherlands | MBA
Arnar Guðmundsson, Head of Foreign Direct Investment, Business Iceland
14:45
Foreign Direct Investment and Cities: Insights from Global Case Studies
How do FDI flows shape the development of cities — and how do cities, in turn, influence investment decisions? In this session, Professor Christopher Williams, editor of the 2025 book Foreign Direct Investment and Cities, shares insights from a diverse set of global case studies exploring how foreign corporations engage with cities of different sizes, sectors, and geographies.
Speaker
Christopher Williams, Professor, ESSCA School of Management, France
15:15
‘Fish Bowl’ Session
Volunteers from the audience are invited to come onstage and share their reflections on the past two days’ conversations and their outlooks for 2026.
15:45
Summary of the conference and award ceremony (live voting on the best performer of IME 2025)
16:00
End of the conference