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Investment policy

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

Who should pay: the elderly or foreign investors?

Argentina hopes to economize US$6 billion through the pension reform adopted in December 2017. Its debts to foreign investors amount to 8.65 billion. Another 11 billion must be paid to vulture funds.

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.

Questionable investment protection agreements

Alliance Sud has published a background paper in view of the parliamentary debate on a new investment protection agreement with Tunisia. It explains the problems associated with these agreements and makes proposals for reform.