DCED Webinar: Opportunities for Business Environment Reforms through the IFDA

Описание: This webinar, organised by the DCED Business Environment Working Group, took place on 30 November 2023.

It shared insights on opportunities and good practices for business environment reforms in the context of the Investment Facilitation for Development Agreement (IFDA). Following years of preparatory work and negotiations, the WTO Members taking part in the negotiations on an Investment Facilitation for Development Agreement finalized the substantive provisions of the Agreement in July 2023. Last October, over 110 WTO Members, among which a majority are developing Members (including 20 LDCs), agreed to pursue the plurilateral avenue for the incorporation of the IFDA into the WTO legal architecture.

The IFDA aims at encouraging the development of a transparent, efficient and investment-conducive business climate. Its objective is to promote environments that make it easier for investors to invest, conduct their day-to-day business, and expand their investments. In tandem, it advocates for governments to work cooperatively and in mutually beneficial ways to facilitate sustainable investment.

The webinar presented the results of a recent DCED study that reviews key areas and principles the IFDA covers, and how development partners can support reforms that improve investment opportunities. The presentations showcased how select emerging economies have simplified and better coordinated investment processes to make them more transparent and efficient, ultimately enhancing investor experience and advancing sustainable private sector development.