Where are the BITs? How US Bilateral Investment Treaties with Africa can promote development
This paper focuses on the role that bilateral investment treaties (BITs) can play in promoting development in sub-Saharan Africa. BITs defend and promote investment abroad by providing core protections to foreign investors, reducing investors' exposure to political riskand uncertain business environments. But despite their potential benefits, BITs have been almost completely missing from US engagement in sub-Saharan Africa over the last twenty years.
Read related news articles
'Free trade agreements an opportunity for Africa'
Free Trade Agreements in Africa present an opportunity for African countries to improve intra-regional trade. Director of the New Partnership for Africa's Development (NEPAD) at the Department of Trade and Industry (dti) Claudia Furriel said the continent's free trade agreements, particularly the Tripartite Free Trade Agreement and the envisaged Continental Free Trade Area present an opportunity for African countries to improve intra-regional...
04 August 2017
East Africa: Technical officials discuss EAC-US trade and investment partnership in Bujumbura
Technical Officials from the East African Community (EAC) and the United States (U.S.) met 12 to 15 February 2014 in Bujumbura, Burundi to discuss Trade Africa and the EAC - U.S. Trade and Investment Partnership (TIP). In particular, the Technical Officials discussed among others, the Ministerial guidance provided in August 2013; AGOA; Regional Investment Treaty; Trade Facilitation; Trade Capacity Building, and Commercial Dialogue. Both...
17 February 2014
Behind the times: Washington's slow changing attitude to Africa
Africa's international relationships are increasingly hinged on trade and investment rather than strategic security and aid, but attitudes in Washington are slow to change. While many Africans were celebrating President Barack Obama's re-election victory, arguably a more important leadership shift was taking place across the Indian Ocean. Xi Jinping, chosen by the Beijing elite to lead China for the next decade, may not be a household name...
16 January 2013
United States concludes review of model Bilateral Investment Treaty (BIT)
Today, the US Department of State and the Office of the United States Trade Representative announced the conclusion of the Administration's review of the United States' model bilateral investment treaty (BIT) and the release of the revised 2012 model BIT. International investment is a significant driver of America’s economic growth, job creation, and exports. The 2012 U.S. model BIT text will help achieve several important goals of the...
21 April 2012
US president’s 2012 trade policy agenda sets ambitious course to support American jobs
United States Trade Representative Ron Kirk issued a statement today upon the delivery to Congress of President Obama's 2012 Trade Policy Agenda and 2011 Annual Report. “Building on last year’s significant trade achievements, the Obama Administration is moving full speed ahead in 2012 with ambitious initiatives to secure job-supporting trade opportunities and a level playing field for U.S. firms of every size selling products and services...
02 March 2012