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Investment policy

Article as analysis

The World Bank's flagship ranking in doubt

The data in the World Bank's Doing Business ranking table are thought to have been manipulated to favour China, among others. Criticised for its bias towards economic liberalisation, the table is losing even more credibility.

Article as analysis

Making (even more) money from the corona crisis

In Latin America, multinational enterprises are suing States over measures they have taken to combat the covid 19 pandemic. Investment protection treaties that allow this should be abolished!

Political article

Driver of development, neo-colonialism – or both?

With the Belt and Road Initiative, China is pushing global development in a manner unparalleled to date. But how sustainable are the “new silk roads”? Switzerland wants a piece of the cake and has signed a memorandum of understanding with China.

Political article

The obsolescence of the free trade model

The free trade agreement with the Mercosur countries raises questions. Those being affected locally fear even more power for agribusiness. And gloomy prospects for the observance of human rights.

Article as analysis

Investment protection: A collapsing system

States sign investment protection agreements among themselves, multinational corporations can sue if they are violated. This is becoming ever more frequent. But more and more States are reacting by terminating those agreements.

Article as analysis

Investing responsibly in Iran – is this possible?

Enterprises must respect human rights, including when investing abroad. What should Switzerland's role be in opening up Iran, the investor El Dorado?

Article as analysis

Philip Morris vs Uruguay: only a partial victory

Uruguay has won the year-long lawsuit concerning its anti-smoking policy against Philip Morris. The ruling might have been completely different, however.

Investment protection: Philip Morris vs Uruguay

In 2010, Philip Morris filed a complaint against Uruguay over its anti-tobacco legislation. The tobacco giant sued for US$25 million in compensation. On 8 July 2016, Uruguay received a favourable award. Why this lawsuit should never have existed.

Investitionsschutz

Article as analysis

Investment protection agreements being disputed

Ever more countries are denouncing their investment protection agreements. South Africa has stopped renewing them as they expire, including the one with Switzerland.