Investment Policy Monitor No. 12

The Investment Policy Monitor provides the international investment community with country-specific, up-to-date information about the latest developments in foreign investment policies, both at the national and international levels.

Twenty five countries took thirty six investment policy measures in the review period (November 2013–February 2014). These measures show a continued move towards improving entry conditions, reducing restrictions and facilitating foreign investment. Among the most important policy measures are a liberalization of the oil industry in Mexico and the adoption of a new Investment Law in Mongolia. Some countries pursued their privatization programs.

Ten economies concluded six new IIAs, that is five BITs and one “other IIAs”. The move towards regional IIAs continues as several such agreements are currently being negotiated. There is a slowdown in the conclusion of bilateral investment treaties (BITs) and an increase at regional and inter-regional levels. A “scaling-up” of international investment agreements (IIAs) through “mega-regionals” occurs in parallel to efforts for change of (or exit from) the regime by some developing countries.