MIGA's Internet Portal for Foreign Direct Investment Gets a New Look
MIGA's Internet Portal for Foreign Direct Investment Gets a New Look
Washington, D.C., October 20, 1999 — The Multilateral Investment Guarantee Agency (MIGA) of the World Bank Group today announced the launch of a new release of the Investment Promotion Network (IPAnet), its Internet portal for firms engaged in foreign direct investment (FDI) - which can be found at http://www.ipanet.net.
Commenting on the launch of the redesigned IPAnet, Mr. Motomichi Ikawa, Executive Vice President of MIGA, noted "This new version of IPAnet is an important milestone for MIGA in bringing prospective investors desktop access to information on the business environment and investment opportunities in developing countries and economies in transition. This new release leverages the latest Internet technology and database tools, making it easier and faster for investors to obtain relevant information and analysis. IPAnet is the Web address to remember for anyone interested in foreign direct investment."
Established in 1995, IPAnet is one of the first online services to feature information on business operating conditions, investment-related laws and regulations, as well as specific project and privatization opportunities in emerging markets. Selected as a finalist by the Financial Times for its Business Web Site of the Year award in 1998, this information service has been recognized as a key resource by multinational corporations and investment promotion professionals worldwide. Its catalog of over 10,000 Web documents relating to FDI - classified by country, investment topic and sector - makes it a unique resource for companies seeking to expand into developing economies.
The new release of IPAnet features substantial upgrades in the Web site's technology base and information resources. New content offerings include: (1) a specialized news feed focusing on FDI issues; (2) the first comprehensive Web directories of investment promotion and privatization agencies in emerging markets; and (3) an online guide to government and multilateral agencies which provide financial, risk management and analytical services to companies investing in the developing world.
IPAnet houses a worldwide Business Directory providing searchable contact information for over 15,000 organizations and professionals involved in FDI, a searchable calendar featuring investment-related events and seminars arranged by the leading conference organizations, and links to other relevant news and information sources. MIGA also has content partnerships with several leading private sector providers of international business information, such as Northern Light, Trade Compass and NewsReal, which augment IPAnet's resources with their own free and fee-based offerings and are closely integrated into the overall service.
IPAnet's companion Web site, PrivatizationLink offers detailed profiles on state-owned enterprises currently being divested in emerging economies - as well as key background and procedural information for potential bidders. The Financial Times recently chose PrivatizationLink as a finalist in this year's Business Web Site of the Year competition, marking the second consecutive year MIGA Web sites have been in the finals.
Ms. Karin Millett, Director of Investment Marketing Services, commented that "MIGA has been a pioneer in the use of the Internet for investment promotion. This new version of IPAnet maintains our position on the leading edge."
Contact:
John R. Wille,
Tel: (202) 473-2707;
or by E-Mail