Every day the leaders of developing countries are faced with a myriad of problems, from young, growing populations who need jobs to underdeveloped infrastructure, healthcare demands, and the growing impact of climate change. A primary source of growth is attracting foreign direct investment. But after the global economic crash of 2008, who would invest in an off-plan hotel project in the Caribbean or the Balkans? One answer is utilizing citizenship-by-investment programs, which allow individuals who, through no fault of their own, are born in a country whose passport restricts their mobility and freedom. For an investment ranging from $100,000 to more than $2 million, they can invest in citizenship programs that, assuming they are eligible, confer new citizenship and a passport that is altogether more useful. Today, the citizenship industry is worth more than $20 billion annually, with more than 15 countries offering programs, from the USA to Canada, from Saint Lucia to Montenegro. In this exciting panel, moderated by Armand Arton, Founder & President of Arton Capital, we discuss with the leaders of various countries the benefits of such a program—and what pitfalls to avoid—so that the correct legislation is in place and regulation is not imposed from elsewhere.
Concordia is a member-based organization dedicated to actively fostering, elevating, and sustaining cross-sector partnerships for social impact.