From: Yona Maro

Prospects for foreign direct investment (FDI) continue to be fraught with risks and uncertainties. At $1.5 trillion, flows of global FDI exceeded pre-financial crisis levels in 2011, but the recovery is expected to level off in 2012 at an estimated $1.6 trillion. Despite record cash holdings, transnational corporations have yet to convert available cash into new and sustained FDI, and are unlikely to do so while instability remains in international financial markets. Even so, half of the global total will flow to developing and transition economies, underlining the important development role that FDI can play, including in least developed countries.

International investment policymaking is in flux. The annual number of new bilateral investment treaties (BITs) continues to decline, while regional investment policymaking is intensifying. Sustainable development is gaining prominence in international investment policymaking. Numerous ideas for reform of investor–State dispute settlement have emerged, but few have been put into action.

Against this background, this year’s World Investment Report unveils the UNCTAD Investment Policy Framework for Sustainable Development. Mobilizing investment for sustainable development is essential in this era of persistent crises and pressing social and environmental challenges.
http://www.unctad-docs.org/UNCTAD-WIR2012-Full-en.pdf

—
Karibu Jukwaa la www.mwanabidii.com
Pata nafasi mpya za Kazi www.kazibongo.blogspot.com
Blogu ya Habari na Picha www.patahabari.blogspot.com