News

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.

Policymakers and experts call on UNCTAD to play a leading role in research, finance and technical assistance to conserve and sustainably use the ocean, seas and marine resources.

Investment flows plunged globally by 35% in 2020 due to the COVID-19 crisis. The fall was heavily skewed towards developed economies.

COVID-19 recovery investment plans largely focus on infrastructure sectors that are key to building productive capacities.

The value of sustainability-themed investment products amounted to $3.2 trillion in 2020, up more than 80% from 2019.

The continent's commodity-dependent countries have been affected more severely than non-resource-based economies.

Prospects for 2021 are positive, with expected growth of up to 20%, mainly due to strong cross-border mergers and acquisitions.

Foreign direct investment remains stable in least developed countries, but contracts severely in landlocked developing nations and small island developing states.