Analysis on Major Issues in International Investment Agreements and Future Options

Since World War II, international investment agreements experienced a rapid development. However, some differences exist greatly in different agreements in the following aspects: Definition of Investment, FDI Entry and Treatment, Nationalization and Expropriations, Investment Dispute Settlement, Performance Requirements, Incentive Measures, Technology Transfer, and Competition Policies. All eight areas reviewed here are key sensitive issues that arise in the interface between national and international rule-making. When entering to international investment agreements, governments should take into consideration its development level and needs to opt provisions beneficial to it.