International Trade and Finance

Analysis of technical and policy issues related to international investment rulemaking and their impact on development.

This series focuses on developments in international and intra-regional trade, as well as economic and social development in Asia and the Pacific, as curated by researchers on the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (ESCAP).

UNCTAD's Series on International Investment Agreements analyses the key concepts of core IIA provisions. The "First-generation Pink Series" (1999-2005) sought to help countries participate as effectively as possible in international investment rule-making. The "Sequels" update and complement this Series analysing how key issues in IIA provisions have evolved, particularly focusing on treaty practice and arbitral decisions. In line with UNCTAD's mandate the Sequels analyse the development impact of IIA provisions and their respective formulations, and give policy options that strengthen the sustainable-development aspect of IIAs. Both generations represent a standard reference tool for IIA negotiators, policymakers, the private sector, academia and other stakeholders.

This journal takes a fresh look at major legal, sectorial, regional and environmental issues facing corporations operating internationally. Released three times a year, it provides in-depth policy-oriented research findings on significant issues relating to the activities of transnational corporations.

The Information Economy Report is published annually. It analyses current trends and major international policy issues regarding information and communication technologies and their use for, and effect on, trade and development. The Report  builds on UNCTAD´s E-Commerce and Development Report and redefines its scope, reflecting the increasing pervasiveness of the information economy and its key role in trade and development.

The Foreign Direct Investment in Latin America and the Caribbean is an annual series published in English and Spanish by the Unit on Investment and Corporate Strategies of the Division of Production, Productivity and Management of the Economic Commission for Latin America and the Caribbean (ECLAC). In addition to analyzing the global evolution of foreign direct investment flows, the series details the amounts received by Latin American and Caribbean countries each year and presents a regional forecast. It includes an analysis of the patterns in the origin and destination of these investments. The reports also look in depth at the effects of FDI on employment in the region.

Issues of science, technology and innovation remain endemic to development and furthering our understanding on these issues is a core challenge for policy research. Deepening its commitment to this goal, the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) launched a new flagship report series, the Technology and Innovation Report (TIR) in May 2010. The series seeks to address issues in science, technology and innovation that are topical and important for developing countries in a comprehensive way with an emphasis on policy relevant analysis and conclusions.

The Trade and Development Report (TDR), launched in 1981, is issued every year for the annual session of the Trade and Development Board. The Report analyses current economic trends and major policy issues of international concern, and makes suggestions for addressing these issues at various levels.