Secretariats, or a permanent management structure, play a critical role in the delivery and implementation of international agreements including trade deals. They provide the backbone to administer the day-to-day functions of keeping such pacts alive and ensuring that parties stick to their obligations. Secretariats come in all shapes, sizes and levels of formality. Running an institution by informal committees alone can be a recipe for allowing members to shirk their impleme

Beyond capital and jobs, foreign direct investment (FDI) has made significant contributions to sustainable development in Southeast Asia. Yet, the benefits of FDI have not been felt evenly across economies and societies; it can even create risks of irresponsible business practices. In a challenging time of diminishing global investment flows, policymakers also need to ensure that FDI confers sustainable rewards. Southeast Asia has been among the biggest recipients of FDI amon

UN Sees Worsening Prospects for Global Growth In 2022 Due to Ukraine War and Monetary Tightening UNCTAD report estimates global economic growth will decrease to 2.6% from 3.6% for 2022 Developing countries are projected to need US$ 310 billion to meet external public debt service requirements in 2022 UNCTAD warns inflationary pressures do not warrant premature rolling back of pandemic support policies. The UN’s trade and development body has downgraded its global economic gro

Interactive visualization of Trade Facilitation & Paperless Trade data To help countries benchmark and reduce the time and cost of trading across border, the UN Regional Commissions jointly conduct the UN Global Survey on Digital and Sustainable Trade Facilitation. The Survey currently covers 128 economies around the globe, and 53 measures related to the WTO's Trade Facilitation Agreement (TFA), as well as emerging regional and global initiatives on paperless trade or e-trade