International and Swiss evidence-based policy dialogue on trade and investment frameworks for sustainable development

International investment is central to development, yet is not intrinsically conducive to sustainable development. Thus, while it is important to promote investment, it is imperative to ensure that appropriate frameworks, such as national policies and international economic treaties, are put in place or adjusted. In particular, policy dialogues both at national and international levels need to be fuelled with evidence and arguments that contribute to the shaping of economic treaties which shall favour, not undermine, genuine sustainable development world-wide, and above all in developing countries.

New understanding on trade and investment flows and development issues, and real options for international economic governance reform are spearheading international and Swiss policy dialogues on treaties and policies towards sustainable development.

Policy makers at international and national levels (particularly in emerging economies).

Swiss administration and other relevant stakeholders in Switzerland.

Objective 1: Consolidated evidence is contributing to the course of the international policy dialogue on investment treaty reform in relevant fora (OECD, UNCTAD).

Objective 2: Evidence on the impact of emerging-market multinational enterprises on the shaping of the global economy and the international economic governance is generated by a broad research network which drives national and international policy dialogues.

Objective 3: A methodological reflection and dialogue on impact assessment models of economic treaties is conducted within Swiss administration with the view to elaborate a Swiss model.

Objective 4:  An integrated approach to issues related to international investments in natural resources is applied within SDC thanks to an established engagement with the GPFS and others.

Resultados previstos:  

A methodology for the analysis of investment protection is elaborated.

Evidence on investments of emerging-market multinational enterprises is generated

A participative dialogue on Impact Assessment of Swiss economic treaties is established

An integrated approach on investment frameworks and issues in relation to natural resources (in particular land and agriculture) is developed within SDC.

Resultados de las fases anteriores:  

Key findings on potential risks of Swiss bilateral investments treaties regarding their contribution to sustainable development outcomes.

OECD, UNCTAD.

SECO (AFIN/WE) and other Federal Offices (FOEN, ARE, ASA).

SDC: Global Programme Food Security, Global Institutions Division.

Emerging Markets Global Players Project (CCSI).

Fase 1 15.09.2016 - 31.12.2022   (Completed)