First Annual Forum of Developing Country Investment Negotiators

What's New?

The Forum was held October 1–2, 2007, in Singapore, co-hosted by the International Institute for Sustainable Development and the Centre on Asia and Globalisation, Lee Kuan Yew School of Public Policy at the National University of Singapore.

It brought together over 30 negotiators from 25 developing countries for two days of intensive sessions. The agenda, formulated by a steering committee of negotiators, gave ample opportunity for participants to share their experiences and learn both from fellow negotiators as well as from experienced arbitrators, distinguished academics and other expert presenters.

There was overwhelming consensus at the close of the meeting on the value of the event, and the need for more such events, as well as strong offers of support for organizing any subsequent meetings. IISD is in the process of raising the funds for a second forum, as well as exploring other recommendations made by the participants for serving the community of developing country investment negotiators.

All of the conference materials are posted below. For more information on the session or ongoing work in this area, contact Aaron Cosbey, IISD.

Forum materials

Session I: The Impact of Investment Agreements on FDI

Session II: The Meaning and Nature of Commitments on Fair and Equitable Treatment: How can they be made fair and equitable?

Session III: Indirect Expropriation, Regulation and "Police Powers" Exceptions: Is there a safety zone for governments?

Session IV: Expanding the Reach of Arbitration: Choice of forum, umbrella clauses and more

Session V: Elements of Investment Liberalization

Session VI: Strategic Defences to Arbitration

Luncheon address: The IISD Model Agreement on International Investment for Sustainable Development