The World Association of Investment Promotion Agencies (WAIPA) is an international non-governmental trade association in for Investment Promotion Agencies (IPAs). WAIPA acts as a forum for investment promotion agencies (IPA), provides networking and promotes best practice in investment promotion. It holds the annual World Investment Conference (WIC) each year.
It was established in 1995 by the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development. The Secretariat has been based in Geneva, Switzerland since 1995. The World Investment Conference is held in a different location around the world each year.
The objectives of WAIPA, as reflected in the Association's Statutes, are to:
WAIPA further associates with two NGOs : The International Chamber of Commerce (ICC) and International Economic Development Council (IEDC). Its membership covers approximately 170 entities and represents roughly 130 countries.