The São Paulo Round Protocol of the Global System of Trade Preferences among Developing Countries (GSTP) is one ratification away from entering into force, marking a major milestone for South–South trade cooperation after almost two decades of negotiations and preparations.UNCTAD estimates that implementation could generate welfare gains of up to $14 bil...
Commodities can drive growth, but over-reliance leaves economies vulnerable to shocks.Next step: Move beyond raw material exports by adding value and strengthening productive capacity.UNCTAD's new dashboard helps countries turn data into informed policy decisions.Default image copyright and description© Shutterstock/travelography.ch | A miner in Potos...
Governments adopted a record 229 investment policy measures in 2025.Most measures remained favourable to investors, but increasingly targeted strategic sectors and national priorities.Incentives accounted for half of favourable measures, with growing focus on digital infrastructure, advanced manufacturing, energy-transition technologies and critical minera...
Key IssuesBodyThe World Investment Report (WIR) supports policymakers by monitoring global and regional foreign direct investment (FDI) and sustainable finance trends, and by documenting national and international investment policy developments.Every edition of the report provides in-depth analysis of emerging issues with special emphasis on the developmen...
Key takeawaysGlobal foreign direct investment rose 6% to $1.6 trillion in 2025, ending two years of decline.The recovery remains fragile and uneven: inflows to developed economies rose 11%, while developing economies recorded only 2% growth, reaching $901 billion.Much of the increase reflected a small number of megaprojects, especially in AI-related digita...
Closing the digital divide is no longer a side issue. It's central to whether the AI era works for everyone, or just a few.Default image copyright and description© Shutterstock/NIKS ADSGetting online is only half of the story. A community with internet access but no digital skills, no say over its own data, and no voice in the rules of the digital eco...
As AI scales across sectors, robust data governance is needed to ensure shared rules serve the public interest and reflect diverse perspectives.Default image copyright and description© Shutterstock/GorodenkoffEvery time someone in a village clinic logs a patient record, a farmer checks crop prices on a phone, or a student submits homework online, they gen...
Strengthening institutions across the region will ultimately determine whether industrial policy delivers productive transformation, resilience and sustainable growth.Default image copyright and description© Shutterstock/BearFotos | A worker in Latin America packs fresh peaches for export.Across Latin America and the Caribbean, industrial policy is enteri...
By Luz Maria de la Mora, Director of the Division on International Trade and Commodities, UN Trade and Development (UNCTAD)Default image copyright and description© Shutterstock/ultramanskThe global economy is changing rapidly. Digital trade, climate action, supply-chain security and geopolitical competition are all influencing how countries shape trade po...
Ocean-related services now account for 58% of total ocean trade.Tourism, maritime transport and ports services are driving the shift.Small island developing states and coastal developing countries can capture more value through sustainable ocean and blue economy strategies.Default image copyright and description© Adobe Stock/Kaitlind | The marine and coas...
