The Canada-China investment treaty sleight of hand
Since 2005, Canada has prided itself on selling an advanced model of investment treaty to developing countries—one that, it has argued, protects their regulatory space while still protecting investors.
A new Canada-China Investment Treaty ends this model, and Canada's negotiating partners should beware, as should Canadians.
Howard Mann is the senior international law advisor for the International Institute for Sustainable Development, specializing in international law and sustainable development. The views expressed are his own and do not necessarily reflect the views of IISD.
You might also be interested in
Brussels push to ban ECT disputes gains traction
Two arbitration victories for Spain under the Energy Charter Treaty (ECT) have sparked hopes that efforts to halt the intra-EU disputes that dominate claims under the controversial global pact are starting to bear fruit. Climate scholars, like IISD's Lukas Schaugg, believe the tribunal wins this month signal growing acceptance in international legal circles that EU investors cannot bring ECT claims against other member state governments.
Sustainability rules to impact global trade
Developed countries should consult developing countries in crafting global sustainability rules to prepare these markets for the impact of stringent regulations that may hamper global trade, a United Nations official said at IISD's recent Investment Policy Forum.
Geopolitical risks sparking race for natural resources
Countries within Asia, Latin America, among others, should strengthen their investment policies as ongoing geopolitical risks are resulting in a "fierce" competition in the area of trade and access to natural resources such as nickel and lithium deposits, which play a crucial role in energy transition, according to IISD.
Developing countries need to play bigger role in ESG rule-setting: UN
Developing countries need to play a bigger role in the drafting of environment, social, and governance (ESG) rules, a United Nations official said at IISD's recent Investment Policy Forum.