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But the world’s largest free trade area needs measures to boost productivity and expand opportunities.

By Rachid Bouhia, UNCTAD Economist

The study assesses the export-associated pollution generated by the manufacturing sector, a key driver of economic growth.

Estimates indicate that annual climate adaptation costs in developing countries could reach $300 billion in 2030 and, if mitigation targets are breached, as much as $500 billion by 2050.

Developing countries are already suffering relative economic losses three times greater than high-income countries due to climate-related disasters.

As centers of economic activity, special economic zones are a crucial development tool for nations. A new global alliance could help amplify SEZ voices alongside a push to modernize the zones.

The outlook for infrastructure investment is strong due to COVID-19 stimulus packages, but investment in industry remains weak. And while high-income countries more than doubled quarterly FDI inflows, low-income economies suffered a further 9% decline.

Investment promotion agencies form Costa Rica, Mauritius, the Netherlands the Republic of Korea and Seychelles are honoured during the 7th World Investment Forum.

During the four-day conference, world leaders, ministers of trade, leading economists and heads of UN agencies and global financial institutions called for a new development model, with socioeconomic transformation and sustainability at its centre.

The international debt system needs an overhaul to address unsustainable debt burdens in developing countries.