United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD)-Developing Eight (D-8)-Institute of Malaysian and International Studies (IKMAS) joint webinar titled “International Investment Policies and the COVID-19 Pandemic” was held successfully on 30^th June, 2020 with the participation of speakers and delegates from the senior government officials from the economic and foreign affairs ministries of the D-8 Member States, international and regional organizations such as  the United Nations Development Program (UNDP), the United Nations Office for South-South Cooperation (UNOSSC), The Black Sea Economic Cooperation (BSEC) as well as think tanks such as  the International Institute for the Middle East and the Balkans Studies (IFIMES).

The webinar was a follow-up to the “International Investment Agreements Reform for Sustainable Development” meeting that was held from 12-13 September, 2019, and aimed at reviewing some of the key challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, especially on the foreign direct investments, future of investment policy and the IIA reform.

In his opening remarks, the D-8 Secretary-General, Dato’ Ku Jaafar Ku Shaari stated that the pandemic has created unique conditions for the developing countries and highlighted the importance of concerted effort in dealing with these challenges. He acknowledged the importance of international and regional dialogue as a means to sustain multilateral cooperation and acknowledged UNCTAD Guiding Principles as a milestone achievement for the Member States. James Zhan, Director, Division on Investment and Enterprise, UNCTAD in his opening remarks and his speech gave a thorough evaluation of the future outlook of the global economy, reflecting on the UNCTAD World Investment Report 2020.

Mr. Hamed el-Kady, Investment Policy Officer and Ms, Diana Rosert, Economic Affairs Officer from UNCTAD, Prof. Sufian Jusoh,  Director of International Trade and Investment from the Institute of Malaysian and International Studies, Mr. Syed Quadri, Acting Director of the Country Strategy and Cooperation of the Islamic Development Bank, Ms. Nathalie Bernasconi, Executive Director of the International Institute on Sustainable Development delivered their respective comments. The webinar was finalized following the comments and reflections of the Member State delegates.

Delegates relayed their appreciation to the Secretariat for adopting a leading role among the developing countries and expressed hope for the continuation of discussion regarding IIA reform, as well as enhanced and concerted policy action.

Speech of the D-8 Secretary-General at the Webinar