Over the past two decades or so, countries have liberalized their FDI regulatory frameworks and have put in place an international investment law regime that provides various protections for international investors. In the past few years, however, there are signs that countries are reevaluating...

The authors argue that a WTO Investment Facilitation for Development Agreement needs a strong responsible business conduct provision, as such a provision helps to increase the contribution that FDI can make to sustainable development. They suggest some elements of such a provision.

Efforts to build specialized skills in government for negotiating international investment contracts often have little value for reasons discussed in this Perspective; even private firms hire advisors for skills needed infrequently. However, the Perspective proposes special circumstances and...

Countries offer hundreds of billions of dollars for semiconductor, electric vehicles and renewable energy projects, super-charging a global FDI incentives race. This Perspective suggests that countries providing incentives should do that in a manner that results in wider benefits for the host...