The World Association of Investment Promotion Agencies (WAIPA) was created in 1995. It was established as an Association under Swiss law. It has been registered in Geneva, as a non-governmental organization and is in the process of being filed with other relevant authorities. From its very inception, WAIPA has represented an ever growing number of Member agencies: in 2013 WAIPA had 170 Members from 130 countries.

Through its wide range of activities, WAIPA provides the opportunity for investment promotion agencies (IPAs) to network and exchange best practices in investment promotion. WAIPA has always dedicated, and continues to dedicate, time and effort towards building the human resources capacity of its Member agencies. Training events have been organized by WAIPA, alone or in coordination with partner organizations.

Membership is open to all entities the primary function of which is “to promote any country, political sub-division of a country or other uncontested territory, as a destination for, or source of, investments”.