Key Issues
Foreign direct investment (FDI) is recognized as a contributor to growth and development. FDI can bring not only capital to the host country, but also technology, management know-how and access to new markets. It also generates employment and tax revenues, and contributes to building the productive capacity that enables countries to maximize their opportunities to benefit from globalization. FDI supplements other forms of capital flows, and usually entails a long-term commitment to the host economy and its supply capacity.
However, these positive impacts are not automatic. Policy measures are needed to facilitate FDI, to safeguard the public interest in the conduct of business and to minimize the risks and maximize the wider benefits that FDI can bring to the host economy.
Purpose
The round table will focus on the emerging challenges and key elements in building an environment conducive to investment and development.
Participants can explore the following questions:
- What are some of the best examples of successful investment policymaking?
- What are the efforts needed by host and home country Governments and the international community, including UNCTAD, to improve the existing global and national policies for investment and development?
- How can foreign investors be encouraged to contribute to the development of the host countries?
Expected outcome
The objective of the round table, which draws on successful experiences and lessons learned, is to build international consensus between host and home countries and other development stakeholders.