London Dinner Highlights Global Trade, FDI and Ongoing Dialogue

London, UK – On 2 May 2025, the Reform Club on Pall Mall hosted an exclusive gala attended by over 120 senior policymakers, diplomats, and investment leaders to mark the release of two strategic reports: Bridging Borders: Trade Promotion and Foreign Direct Investment and Global Economic Opportunities 2025. Under the chairmanship of Dr. Khalifa Saif Juma Saif Al Mehairbi, Chairman & Patron of the Global Economic Business Council, the event underscored the vital role that continuous dialogue and open markets play in countering protectionist pressures and sustaining interconnected economies.

Inclusive Opening and Keynote Insights
The evening began with an address by The Rt Hon. The Baroness Prashar CBE, who emphasized that no economy can prosper in isolation. Drawing on decades of public service, she called for inclusive policymaking and regular stakeholder consultations to ensure that trade and investment policies reflect diverse interests. “True resilience,” she remarked, “emerges from transparent communication and shared commitment to mutual growth.”

Following her, H.E. Sven Jurgenson, former President of the United Nations Security Council and past UNICEF Board Chair, delivered a keynote on the historic importance of multilateral institutions in maintaining open trade corridors. He traced the evolution of global governance—from the GATT era to today’s complex digital landscape—and cautioned that “fragmentation threatens the very networks that drive innovation and uplift communities worldwide.”
Launch of Pioneering Research

Next, Dr. Khalifa Saif Juma Saif Al Mehairbi unveiled the two publications, positioning them as practical guides for governments and agencies aiming to deepen market access:
• Bridging Borders consolidates institutional best practices into an actionable toolkit for export-promotion and investment agencies. It covers structural design, stakeholder engagement, digital platforms, and performance metrics, offering a clear roadmap for maximizing agency impact.
• Global Economic Opportunities 2025 profiles over USD 6 billion in vetted FDI projects across 63 countries, spanning renewable energy, advanced manufacturing, and logistics. Each project entry includes financing structures, impact assessments, and partnership avenues—designed to catalyze sustainable cross-border collaboration.

Dr. Al Mehairbi stressed that by sharing these frameworks and project pipelines, “we equip policymakers and private-sector partners with the intelligence needed to forge enduring alliances and guard against protectionist backsliding.”

Recognition of Leadership
Immediately after his presentation, Dr. Al Mehairbi received two distinguished awards from H.E. Jurgenson:
1. Champion of International Trade – in recognition of his pioneering efforts to align public and private interests and lower barriers for emerging-market exporters.
2. Global Best Real Estate Person of the Year – honoring his leadership in structuring and attracting large-scale FDI projects that deliver both economic returns and social benefits.

Closing Call to Action
The gala concluded with remarks from The Hon. David Wells, Canadian Senator and Chairman of the International Centre for Trade Transparency. Senator Wells highlighted that “open markets and robust dialogue are not static achievements but ongoing commitments.” He urged attendees to integrate the reports’ recommendations into national strategies, maintain regular interagency forums, and leverage collaborative digital platforms to ensure that trade and investment remain engines of inclusive growth.

For media inquiries or to request copies of Bridging Borders and Global Economic Opportunities 2025, please contact:
Company name: International Trade Council
Contact name: Nina Escarda
Email: [email protected]
Phone number: +1 (914) 301-7040
Website: www.tradecouncil.org
Address and Zip Code: 231 Bain St, 180231
Country and City: Singapore


About the International Trade Council
The International Trade Council (ITC) is a global, peak‐body chamber of commerce dedicated to helping its members navigate and succeed in international markets. Through expert trade advisory services, market intelligence reports, and curated business-to-government introductions, the ITC empowers companies of all sizes to identify and pursue cross-border opportunities. Its offerings include foreign direct investment facilitation, continuous education programs, mentoring, and a rigorous awards framework that recognizes excellence in trade and investment promotion. As a platform where government agencies, industry associations, and private enterprises come together, the ITC drives policy advocacy and builds the networks that turn global ambitions into tangible results.

About the Global Economic Business Council
The Global Economic Business Council is a research-focused advisory body convened by the International Trade Council to produce forward-looking analyses of international trade and investment trends. Chaired by Dr. Khalifa Saif Juma Saif Al Mehairbi, the Council brings together academics, industry experts, and senior policymakers to develop flagship publications—such as Global Economic Opportunities 2025—which catalog billions of dollars in investment projects across multiple regions. Under Dr. Al Mehairbi’s leadership, the Council emphasizes data-driven insights and strategic roadmaps aimed at fostering inclusive growth, enhancing public–private collaboration, and countering protectionist pressures worldwide.