Investment Policy Capacity Building for Sustainable Development

Project completed

The purpose of this programme is to support developing and transition countries in the negotiation of International Investment Agreements that contribute to sustainable development and to better manage Investor-State Dispute Settlement cases. The programme is implemented by UNCTAD.

Country/region Topic Period Budget
Global
Private sector and entrepreneurship
01.01.2013 -
CHF 950'000
Background

International Investment Agreements (IIA) are, if properly designed, powerful instruments to attract investments, enable technology transfer and contribute to job creation and economic growth. However, in the past such investment treaties often have been unbalanced and often focused on protecting investors with the result that they have not optimally contributed to sustainable development objectives of developing and transition countries.

Objectives

The overall objective of this programme is to effectively harness foreign investment for sustainable development by fostering a more intricate investment-for-development policy agenda within a framework that seeks to maintain a generally favourable investment climate. With respect to international investment policies, this includes the negotiation of more sustainable development friendly International Investment Agreements (IIAs) and the better management of Investor-State Dispute Settlement (ISDS) cases.

Medium-term outcomes

Improved capacity of decision-makers in capitals, Geneva-based delegates and other IIA stakeholders to deal with key issues/concepts likely to figure in international investment discussions and their sustainable development dimension- as well as to implement IIAs and manage ISDS cases.

Results

Expected results:  

Trends in IIAs monitored and key and emerging issues and their implications for development analysed.

Countries assisted in monitoring and implementing their international investment commitments with a view towards ensuring policy coherence and consistency with national development objectives.

Findings disseminated to IIA stakeholders.


Directorate/federal office responsible SECO
Credit area Development cooperation
Project partners Contract partner
  • United Nation Center for Trade and Development


Budget Current phase Swiss budget CHF   950'000 Swiss disbursement to date CHF   0 Budget inclusive project partner CHF   5'000'000
Project phases Phase 1 01.01.2013 - 31.12.2016   (Completed)