Economic Law and Policy

IGF Guidance for Governments: Managing artisanal and small-scale mining

The Most-Favoured-Nation Clause in Investment Treaties

Trade and Green Economy Handbook

About Economic Law and Policy

Sustainable development demands substantial investments to create long-term economic and social benefits without compromising the natural environment. Our experts work with governments, civil society and businesses on the legal and policy reforms that are needed to channel economic activity for inclusive and sustainable growth.

IISD also serves as the secretariat to the Intergovermental Forum on Mining, Minerals Metals and Sustainable Development, a member-driven organization that provides national governments the opportunity to work collectively to achieve their sustainable mining goals.

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Commentary

Commentary

Renegotiating NAFTA: Pros and cons for Canada and Mexico

As NAFTA renegotiations continue, it is useful to examine what might happen if NAFTA tariff preferences disappear. This paper uses an economic trade model to simulate the impacts of a 20 per cent tariff increase in North American industries such as energy, steel, cement and automobiles.
Commentary

Commentary

NAFTA Renegotiations Must Protect 20 Years of Progress on Labour and Environmental Protections in Trade Agreements and Address New Risks

Sandra Polaski, an expert on labour and social policy issues at national and global levels gives us her take on the NAFTA negotiations in relation to labour, environment and trade agreements.
Blog

Blog

Farmland Investments Are Finding their Way to International Arbitration

A claim registered by a Swedish investor against the Tanzanian government for revoking a land title amid concerns over the impact on local communities and a wildlife sanctuary is the first known investor-state dispute against a government linked to the so-called “land grab” phenomenon, which arose out of the 2008 food crisis.
Briefing Note

Briefing Note

How Green Public Procurement Became a Crucial Pillar for Bhutan’s Sustainable Development Strategy

This document provides an overview of the 3.5 year Green Public Procurement in Bhutan project, led by IISD and supported by the EU SWITCH-Asia program.
Blog

Blog

Pan African Parliament President: "I believe in One Africa, One Voice. I believe in the integration of the continent."

"I believe in One Africa, One Voice. I believe in the integration of the continent.": His Excellency the Honorable Nkodo Roger Dang, President of the Pan African Parliament, shared his thoughts on regional integration ahead of the parliament’s upcoming Continental Conference.
Blog

Blog

Président du Parlement panafricain: « Je crois en une Afrique, une voix. Je crois en l'intégration du continent. »

« Je crois que l’Afrique possède les forces vives et la volonté de relever les défis qui jalonnent son parcours. Je crois en une Afrique, une voix; je crois en l’intégration du continent. »: Son Excellence l’honorable Nkodo Roger Dang, Président du Parlement panafricain, partage ses pensées sur l’intégration régionale.
Report

Report

IGF Mining Policy Framework Assessment: Rwanda

This report presents the assessment results for Rwanda, with a view to helping the government target its efforts in implementing the IGF Mining Policy Framework, while informing capacity-building efforts and allowing for monitoring of progress over time.
Commentary

Commentary

Response to the United States Trade Representative’s Stated Objectives on NAFTA Negotiations: An environmental perspective

On July 17, 2017, the United States Trade Representative (USTR) published its Summary of Objectives for the NAFTA renegotiation. Taking a sustainable development perspective, this response examines the USTR objectives and how they directly or indirectly relate to sustainable growth through international trade and investment.