The period November 2019 - February 2020 saw numerous investment policy developments. This document provides a global overview of the evolution of major investment policies. It also considers the impact of the Covid-19 crisis and its effect on investment.
Some of the key findings are summarised:
- Covid-19 is expected to have long-term devastating economic impacts. Reactions are mixed, with some countries supporting investors and their economy in general and other protecting domestic infrastructure and industries.
- During the review period, 28 countries took 28 investment policy measures, with 75% of these designed to create more favourable investment conditions
- Numerous countries have adopted new liberalisation measures in various industries
- There was a further increase in measures related to the screeninh of foreign investment for national security reasons
- Countries signed at least 3 international investment agreements, bringing the total number to 292
- Some other notable developments include countries adopting new model BITs, Brexit coming into effect, the near complete ratification of the USMC, and the postponement of numerous investment-focused meetings due to Covid-19.