It is my pleasure to share with you UNCTAD’s twelfth Investment Policy Monitor.

The Monitor finds that twenty five countries took thirty six investment policy measures in the review period (November 2013–February 2014). These measures show a continued move towards improving entry conditions, reducing restrictions and facilitating foreign investment. Among the most important policy measures are a liberalization of the oil industry in Mexico and the adoption of a new investment law in Mongolia; other countries pursue their privatization programs. At the same time, new investment restrictions were adopted mainly in some South American and Asian countries.

Overall, the extractive industry has been among the most active sectors in terms of investment policy developments in recent years.

Regarding international investment policies, the Monitor finds that ten economies concluded six new international investment agreements (IIAs), that is five bilateral investment treaties (BITs) and one “other IIA”. The move towards regional IIAs continues as several such agreements are currently being negotiated. There is a slowdown in the conclusion of BITs and an increase of treaty making at regional and inter-regional levels. A “scaling-up” of IIAs through “mega-regionals” occurs in parallel to efforts for change of (or exit from) the regime by some developing countries.

UNCTAD’s Investment Policy Monitor is a regular publication that provides the international investment community with country-specific, up-to-date information about the latest development in foreign investment policies, both at the national and international level.

Let me also use this opportunity to draw your attention to the forthcoming fourth World Investment Forum (WIF), scheduled for 13-16 October 2014 in Geneva. The WIF is the pre-eminent platform for high-level and inclusive discourse on investment policies for sustainable development, gathering on average 2,000 participants from 196 countries and convening the full range of investment for development stakeholders.

James X, Zhan
Director
Investment & Enterprise Division
United Nations Conference on Trade & Development
Palais des Nations, Geneva