Executive summary

Trade and investment have been powerful engines of growth, especially in Asia and the Pacific, where many developing countries grew at impressive rates between the 1990s and the 2008-2009 global financial crisis. Trade and investment were instrumental in the region, halving poverty five years ahead of the 2015 Millennium Development Goals deadline. This success shows that trade and investment will play a critical role in pursuing the Sustainable Development Goals going forward. However, economic gains must not come at the expense of social and environmental goals. It is hoped that this report can help steer trade and investment policies so that they can promote balanced economic, social and environmental development for achievement of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.

Sustainable Development Goals:

Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure

Reduced Inequalities