India and South Africa had formally registered their concern over the adoption of the Investment Facilitation for Development (IFD) agreement
Investment Facilitation for Development (IFD) agreement: Agansit the Investment Facilitation for Development (IFD) agreement, India and South Africa registered their disagreement against this Investment Facilitation for Development (IFD) agreement. India’s government had opposed the inclusion of the Investment Facilitation for Development (IFD) agreement: in the WTO as an Agreement to Annex 4 (Plurilateral agreement) of the Marrakesh Agreement as this agreement had no formal ministerial mandate which is a fundamental requirement of this agreement from government. On the other hand, South Africa in their statement supported the disagreement for this agreement.
Investment Facilitation for Development (IFD)
Investment Facilitation for Development (IFD)
Overview
The Investment Facilitation for Development (IFD) initiative aims to address trade barriers hindering and restricting investment processes between countries. It was launched by 70 members at the 11th WTO Ministerial Conference (MC11) in December 2017, driven by the need for improved transparency and predictability in investment measures. Formal negotiations began in September 2020 and successfully concluded in July 2023
Members
IFD currently has 114 out of 164 WTO members participating in the initiative.
Scope and Coverage
IFD discussions focus on facilitating foreign direct investment (FDI) by improving transparency, streamlining administrative procedures, enhancing international cooperation, and sharing best practices. The initiative aims to benefit developing and least-developed WTO Members by increasing their participation in global investment flows.
Objectives
. The initiative’s key objectives include fostering cooperation, information sharing, and relations with stakeholders to prevent disputes and ensure smoother investment processes.
- Improve transparency and predictability in investment measures.
- Streamline administrative procedures and requirements.
- Enhance international cooperation and information sharing.
- Foster relations with relevant stakeholders to prevent disputes and ensure smoother investment processes.
What is Investment Facilitation for Development (IFD)?
The Investment Facilitation for Development (IFD) is an initiative launched by 70 members at the 11th WTO Ministerial Conference in December 2017 for better trade relationships and to address trade barriers
