Foreign direct investments and international agreements: a south perspective

This paper examines the implications of PMAI particularly from the standpoint ofdeveloping countries. It argues that (a) the case against an MAI-typeagreement is, if anything, stronger now than before; such a treaty would seriously prejudice economic development; (b) PMAI is not only incompatible with the developmental needs of poor countries, it is also likely to harm theinterests of advanced country citizens and workers; (c) a continuation of thestatus quo in this area (i.e., implementing the bilateral investment treaties) would be preferable for developing countries than the PMAI. The reasoning behind the propositions (a) to (c) above will be briefly presented in this Executive Summary and more fully explained in the main body of the paper