Investment Policy Monitor
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The Investment Policy Monitor provides the international investment community with up-to-date, country-specific information on recent policy developments affecting foreign direct investment (FDI).
Through its ongoing monitoring of investment policy changes, UNCTAD delivers cutting-edge and forward-looking contributions to investment policy discourse. The Monitor also supports evidence-based policymaking aimed at ensuring that foreign investment contributes to sustainable development. The Monitor also informs the analysis of global and regional investment policy trends featured in the World Investment Report, the Investment Policy Monitor publications and the joint UNCTAD-OECD Reports on G20 Investment Measures.
UNCTAD has tracked changes in national policies affecting FDI on an annual basis since 1992. Over time, the methodology has been revised to enhance the quality and consistency of reporting. The most recent revision, completed in 2024, further refined the monitoring framework and applied the updated classification to policy measures dating back to 2012.
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UNCTAD Investment Policy Monitor The UNCTAD Investment Policy Monitor database compiles official measures affecting FDI adopted by United Nations Member States. These encompass measures explicitly targeting foreign investment (FDI-specific), as well as general investment measures that have a clear impact on such investment (FDI-related).
The measures are either reported directly to UNCTAD by Member States through annual surveys or identified by UNCTAD researchers through publicly accessible sources (such as government websites and specialized policy databases).
The classification of measures as more or less favourable to investors is based solely on their potential impact on investors. The type of measures included in each category are described below. This classification does not reflect any value judgement by UNCTAD on the merit or suitability of the measure.
Classification of the nature of measures
More favourable to investors
Liberalization: includes privatization; lifting of entry restrictions (e.g. opening of sectors to FDI) and entry conditions (e.g. minimum capital requirement); removal (total or partial) of FDI screening or approval mechanisms; lifting of foreign exchange restrictions; liberalization of land access.
Facilitation: includes streamlining of investment procedures (e.g. one-stop shops); greater transparency of investment-related laws and procedures (e.g. information portals); introduction by IPAs and other entities of new services to assist investors (e.g. linkages programmes, investor visa facilitation or alternative dispute resolution mechanisms).
Promotion: includes establishment of IPAs or other institutions with a remit as investment promoters and expansion of their mandate; adoption of investment promotion strategy and plans; introduction of PPPs, auctions, and concessions initiatives or framework; introduction of OFDI promotion initiatives.
Incentives: includes adoption of new tax and financial incentives schemes for investment; introduction of other incentives (e.g. citizenship by investment programmes); adoption of new SEZ-related incentives.
Other regulatory changes: includes enhancement of investor treatment and protection guarantees; easing of labour or migration regulations concerning foreign hires and key personnel; removal of operational restrictions on investment (e.g. local content requirements).
Less favourable to investors
Entry: includes introduction or tightening of entry restrictions (e.g. total or partial ban on FDI in specific sectors); introduction or tightening of entry conditions (e.g. minimum investment threshold, joint venture requirements or State participation in strategic sectors); introduction or expansion of screening mechanisms for national security.
Treatment and operation: includes introduction or expansion of foreign exchange restrictions; introduction or expansion of restrictions on foreign hires and key personnel; removal or reduction of investment incentives; introduction or expansion of post-establishment requirements for local content; reduction of guarantees for investment treatment and protection; introduction or expansion of restrictions on OFDI.
Note: Measures are verified, to the fullest extent possible, by referencing government sources. The compilation of measures is not exhaustive.
Disclaimer: the boundaries and names shown and the designations used on this map do not imply official endorsement or acceptance by the United Nations.
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Investment Policy Measures
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United Kingdom
13 Jun 2024Expanded sanctions against the Russian Federation by adding 42 new entities to its Consolidated List
On 13 June 2024, the United Kingdom expanded its Consolidated List under the Russia (Sanctions) (EU Exit) Regulations 2019, adding 42 new entities. These additions, including Moscow Exchange, SPB Exchange, and National Settlement Depository, [...]
United Kingdom
24 May 2024Prohibits foreign state control over newspaper enterprises
On 24 May 2024, the United Kingdom adopted the Digital Markets, Competition and Consumers Act 2024. This Act amends the Enterprise Act 2002 to prevent foreign state control over United Kingdom newspaper enterprises. Specifically, it [...]
United Kingdom
21 May 2024Updates guidance on the investment screening regime and clarifies its application to outward FDI
On 21 May 2024, the Government of the United Kingdom published updated guidance on the investment screening procedure under the National Security and Investment Act (NSIA) to clarify its approach and reduce uncertainty for businesses [...]
United Kingdom
20 Nov 2023Extends the investment zone and freeport tax reliefs
On 20 November 2023, the Government of the United Kingdom announced that the investment zone and freeport tax reliefs will be extended from five to ten years. In addition, each investment zone will be provided with 160 million pounds [...]
United Kingdom
26 Oct 2023Enacts an Energy Act focussed on promoting investment in clean technologies
On 26 October 2023, the United Kingdom enacted the Energy Act 2023, a pivotal reform in the energy system with a primary focus on promoting investment in clean technologies and achieving the United Kingdom's net-zero targets. One [...]
United Kingdom
30 Jun 2023Introduces a new prohibition on the provision of legal advisory services under the sanctions regime
On 30 June 2023, the Government of the United Kingdom has introduced a new prohibition on the provision of legal advisory services where the legal advisory services are provided in relation to certain financial or trade activities [...]
United Kingdom
27 Apr 2023Publishes new guidance on its National Security and Investment Act
On 27 April 2023, the Government of the United Kingdom published new Market Guidance on the National Security and Investment Act 2021. The latest guidance provides more detailed information on various aspects of the National Security [...]
United Kingdom
13 Jan 2023Establishes two green freeports in Scotland
On 13 January 2023, two green freeports were established in Scotland. The freeports aim to promote innovation, create new green employment opportunities, uphold the highest environmental protections, and support economic transformation. [...]
United Kingdom
05 Dec 2022Prohibits the delivery by ship of oil and oil products from the Russian Federation and related ancillary services
On 5 December 2022, the United Kingdom adopted The Russia (Sanctions) (EU Exit) (Amendment) (No. 16) Regulations 2022. It prohibits the supply and delivery by ship of certain oil and oil products from the Russian Federation to a third [...]
United Kingdom
17 Nov 2022Imposes new levy on companies generating electricity and increases the Energy Profits Levy to 35 per cent
On 17 November 2022, the Government imposed new windfall taxes on companies of the energy industry. The Energy Profit Levy, which applies to the profits of oil and gas companies, was originally introduced in May 2022 at a rate of 25 [...]
United Kingdom
28 Oct 2022Bans the import of liquefied natural gas from the Russian Federation and related funds and services
On 28 October 2022, the United Kingdom imposed further trade sanctions against the Russian Federation. Among others, it prohibits the import of liquefied natural gas which originates in or is consigned from the Russian Federation as [...]
United Kingdom
19 Jul 2022Expands restrictions on investments into the Russian Federation
On 18 July 2022, by the Russia (Sanctions) (EU Exit)(Amendment) (No.12) Regulations 2022, the United Kingdom introduced new restrictions on investments into the Russian Federation. Restrictions regarding investments (and services directly [...]
United Kingdom
05 Jul 2022Imposes further financial and trade sanctions against Belarus
On 5 July 2022, the United Kingdom’s Government amended the Republic of Belarus (Sanctions) (EU exit) Regulations 2019. The amendments widen the financial sanctions by extending existing restrictions to a broader range of transferable [...]
United Kingdom
19 May 2022Freezes assets of three major airlines in the Russian Federation
On 19 May 2022, the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office updated the United Kingdom Sanctions List to include three major Russian airlines: JSC ROSSIYA AIRLINES, JSC URAL AIRLINES, PJSC AEROFLOT. These companies are now subject [...]
United Kingdom
21 Apr 2022Freezes assets of Russian entities from military sector and transport industry
On 21 April 2022, the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office of the United Kingdom updated the UK Sanctions List to include Russian additional individuals and entities. Beyond several companies in the defence sector, the list [...]
United Kingdom
06 Apr 2022Freezes assets of two additional Russian banks
On 6 April 2022, Sberbank and Credit Bank of Moscow were added to the list of Russian banks subject to asset freeze. [...]
United Kingdom
30 Mar 2022Extends the finance, shipping and trade restrictions to the Donetsk and Luhansk regions
On 30 March 2022, the existing finance, shipping and trade restrictions in respect of Crimea were extended to the areas of the Donetsk and Luhansk regions not controlled by the Government of Ukraine. This includes the following prohibitions: [...]
United Kingdom
01 Mar 2022Introduced some new trade, financial and investment sanctions against the Russian Federation
On 1 March 2022, by Amendments No.2-5 the Government added some new trade, financial and investment sanctions to the Russia (Sanctions) (EU Exit) Regulations 2022. Amendment No.2 extended financial restrictions to include a broader [...]
United Kingdom
04 Jan 2022New investment screening regime will be operational on 4 January 2022
The British Government set the date of the commencement of the National Security and Investment Act for 4 January 2022. The new legislation is a major amendment of foreign investment screening mechanism in the United Kingdom. Additionally, [...]
United Kingdom
19 Nov 2021Designates Teesside Freeport as the first Free Zone
On 19 November 2021, the Government of the United Kingdom by the Order SI 2021/1290 has designated Teesside Freeport as Free Zone. It is the first out of eight Free Zones announced by the UK Government that are expected to become hubs [...]
United Kingdom
29 Apr 2021National Security and Investment Bill receives Royal Assent
On 29 April 2021, the National Security and Investment Bill received Royal Assent and became law in the United Kingdom. It will enter into force upon a date decided by the Government. The main purpose of the Act is to introduce a stand-alone [...]
United Kingdom
27 Apr 2021UK Investment Council established
On 27 April 2021, the UK Investment Council was established to "to enhance UK inward investment and inform the UK’s independent trade policy by providing a forum for global investors" to advice the Government. The Council is chaired [...]
United Kingdom
20 Jul 2020Additional technologies covered by FDI screening mechanism
On 20 July 2020, the Business Secretary made two additional orders amending the circumstances when the Government may intervene in mergers under the Enterprise Act 2002. The changes lower the jurisdictional thresholds for merger controls [...]
United Kingdom
22 Jun 2020Amid the COVID-19 pandemic, the UK starts screening foreign takeovers and their impact on public health emergencies
On 22 June 2020, the Foreign Secretary issued an Order amending the Enterprise Act 2002 to add the “need to maintain in the UK the capability to combat, and mitigate the effects of public health emergencies” as a “specified consideration” [...]
United Kingdom
11 Jun 2018The United Kingdom strengthens its control over mergers in critical sectors due to national security considerations
On 11 June 2018, the United Kingdom brought two amendments to the Enterprise Act 2002 into force. These amendments change the conditions for the application of the UK’s reviews of inward investment to manage national security concerns. [...]
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The Investment Policy Monitor provides the international investment community with up-to-date, country-specific information on recent policy developments affecting foreign direct investment (FDI).
Through its ongoing monitoring of investment policy changes, UNCTAD delivers cutting-edge and forward-looking contributions to investment policy discourse. The Monitor also supports evidence-based policymaking aimed at ensuring that foreign investment contributes to sustainable development. The Monitor also informs the analysis of global and regional investment policy trends featured in the World Investment Report, the Investment Policy Monitor publications and the joint UNCTAD-OECD Reports on G20 Investment Measures.
UNCTAD has tracked changes in national policies affecting FDI on an annual basis since 1992. Over time, the methodology has been revised to enhance the quality and consistency of reporting. The most recent revision, completed in 2024, further refined the monitoring framework and applied the updated classification to policy measures dating back to 2012.
-
UNCTAD Investment Policy Monitor The UNCTAD Investment Policy Monitor database compiles official measures affecting FDI adopted by United Nations Member States. These encompass measures explicitly targeting foreign investment (FDI-specific), as well as general investment measures that have a clear impact on such investment (FDI-related).
The measures are either reported directly to UNCTAD by Member States through annual surveys or identified by UNCTAD researchers through publicly accessible sources (such as government websites and specialized policy databases).
The classification of measures as more or less favourable to investors is based solely on their potential impact on investors. The type of measures included in each category are described below. This classification does not reflect any value judgement by UNCTAD on the merit or suitability of the measure.
Classification of the nature of measures
More favourable to investors
Liberalization: includes privatization; lifting of entry restrictions (e.g. opening of sectors to FDI) and entry conditions (e.g. minimum capital requirement); removal (total or partial) of FDI screening or approval mechanisms; lifting of foreign exchange restrictions; liberalization of land access.
Facilitation: includes streamlining of investment procedures (e.g. one-stop shops); greater transparency of investment-related laws and procedures (e.g. information portals); introduction by IPAs and other entities of new services to assist investors (e.g. linkages programmes, investor visa facilitation or alternative dispute resolution mechanisms).
Promotion: includes establishment of IPAs or other institutions with a remit as investment promoters and expansion of their mandate; adoption of investment promotion strategy and plans; introduction of PPPs, auctions, and concessions initiatives or framework; introduction of OFDI promotion initiatives.
Incentives: includes adoption of new tax and financial incentives schemes for investment; introduction of other incentives (e.g. citizenship by investment programmes); adoption of new SEZ-related incentives.
Other regulatory changes: includes enhancement of investor treatment and protection guarantees; easing of labour or migration regulations concerning foreign hires and key personnel; removal of operational restrictions on investment (e.g. local content requirements).
Less favourable to investors
Entry: includes introduction or tightening of entry restrictions (e.g. total or partial ban on FDI in specific sectors); introduction or tightening of entry conditions (e.g. minimum investment threshold, joint venture requirements or State participation in strategic sectors); introduction or expansion of screening mechanisms for national security.
Treatment and operation: includes introduction or expansion of foreign exchange restrictions; introduction or expansion of restrictions on foreign hires and key personnel; removal or reduction of investment incentives; introduction or expansion of post-establishment requirements for local content; reduction of guarantees for investment treatment and protection; introduction or expansion of restrictions on OFDI.
Note: Measures are verified, to the fullest extent possible, by referencing government sources. The compilation of measures is not exhaustive.
Disclaimer: the boundaries and names shown and the designations used on this map do not imply official endorsement or acceptance by the United Nations.
Share
Latest publications
