The State of Play for Sustainable Development in the Joint Statement Initiative on Investment Facilitation for Development

Participants of the Joint Statement Initiative on Investment Facilitation for Development at the World Trade Organization are aiming to finalize an agreement by the end of 2022. One of the central objectives of such an agreement is to facilitate sustainable development by increasing investment flows into developing and least-developed country members.

This paper examines the development-oriented elements that are currently included in the framework to understand how and to what extent they may contribute to sustainable development. The issues covered include special and differential treatment and needs assessments, specific proposals for promoting more sustainable investments, and the potential role of home state measures. The paper also explores the main challenges encountered in the negotiations and whether and how the policy positions of members have been reflected in the negotiating text.

This material has been produced with funding by UK Aid from the UK Government. The Umbrella Grant is a project of the Trade and Investment Advocacy Fund (TAF2+) and is implemented by the International Institute for Sustainable Development, in consortium with CUTS International, Geneva and BKP Economic Advisors.

Views expressed in the publication are the authors’ own and do not necessarily reflect HM Government’s official positions or those of TAF2+.