The influence of international commercial and investment law and procedure on foreign investment and economic development/growth (GSDRC Helpdesk Research Report)

Abstract

Query Summarise the evidence on the influence of international commercial and investment law and procedure (with a particular focus on dispute resolution) on foreign investment and economic development/ growth. Overview This helpdesk research report looks at the evidence on the influence of international commercial and investment law and procedure on foreign investment and economic growth and development. It does not explore the relationship between foreign investment and economic growth and/or development. Neither does it provide comprehensive details of the relevant international commercial and investment law and procedure; rather it aims to summarise the evidence available on the influence of the various components of the law and procedure on a country’s foreign investment and economic growth/development. It tends to concentrate on international investment law and procedure over commercial aspects, because a larger body of evidence and analytical work was found for investment law. The report looks first at international investment treaties (their influence on FDI, relationship with sustainable development); then at international arbitration (influence on FDI, relationship with sustainable development, influence on domestic institutions, other relevant concerns); and finishes by considering the evidence on overarching capacity issues and capacity building initiatives