The trade and investment nexus, and its relationship between regional integration and TNC strategies, is the subject of the forthcoming UNCTAD expert meeting being held in Geneva on investment for productive capacity-building and sustainable development.
The rise of the trade and investment nexus, especially in the context of regional value chains, brings into focus the effects of regional integration on foreign direct investment (FDI) and vice versa.
On 28-30 January 2013, national, regional and international experts and policymakers will come together to exchange views on this topic, and on how the relationship between FDI and regional integration can be managed in order to foster growth and sustainable development.
This first session of the Multi-year Expert Meeting on Investment, Innovation and Entrepreneurship for Productive Capacity-Building and Sustainable Development will also examine a number of related themes, including:
Developments and trends in regional integration (including interregional efforts).
The influence of regional integration on transnational corporation (TNC) strategies, and on the governance of TNCs' operations through FDI, trade, and non-equity modes (NEMs), such as contract farming, licensing and services outsourcing.
Productive capacity-building through regional clusters and networks.
The outcomes of coherent industrial, regional, trade and investment policies.
Best practices for promoting sustainable investment and development through regional integration.
The purpose of the meeting is to identify concrete policy lessons, to consider options to foster and benefit from regional integration and FDI, and to establish future areas of work with a view to furthering sustainable development and inclusive growth.