Number: RS20448
Title: Foreign Investment Issues in the WTO
Authors: James K. Jackson, Foreign Affairs, Defense, and Trade Division 
Abstract: Foreign investment issues were expected by many to be one of a number of divisive issues to arise at the World Trade Organizations' (WTO's) December 1999 Ministerial meeting in Seattle. Although investment issues were not on the formal agenda, a number of countries and groups, including the European Union, pushed to have the WTO commit itself to address investment issues in any future round of trade talks. Absent a broad multilateral agreement, nations likely will continue liberalizing foreign investment restrictions in competition with other countries or through bilateral investment treaties.
Pages: 6
Date: Updated September 2, 2003