This special issue focuses on the initial response to the pandemic by investment promotion agencies (IPAs). It draws from a global survey of IPA websites conducted by UNCTAD and a high-level brainstorming session on 7 April that brought together more than 20 investment promotion executives.

The key message: IPAs are being proactive in finding ways to continue to service investors during the challenging times. They have shifted resources towards crisis support services using new modes of investment facilitation and aftercare which will likely remain and evolve after the crisis.