The ability to effectively handle investor inquiries is among the most important of the various activities investment promotion agencies (IPAs) perform that can make a difference to investors. The 2005 IPA Performance Benchmarking Program, a joint effort by GDP Global, a London-based consulting firm, and the Multilateral Guarantee Agency (MIGA) of the World Bank Group, has been implemented to assess and compare the performance of IPAs around the world in this particular dimension, in light of current and widely accepted best practice. In addition, the program has the potential to become a source of innovation that can raise the level of best practice, and a roadmap for IPAs to continually improve their investor inquiry handling skills.

In the second half of 2004, 188 IPAs were surveyed against predefined benchmarking criteria. Among the surveyed group, 102 of the agencies are in developing countries and 86 are in developed countries.

The downloadable report presents the methodology of the program and a brief analysis of the main findings of this year's benchmarking. It also includes valuable lessons and best practice that can help IPAs improve the way they handle investor inquiries and consequently improve their effectiveness in promoting foreign investment.