WTI launches the International Investment Initiative (I3)

Among the world’s leading centers of graduate training and research on the law, economics, and policy of trade regulation, the World Trade Institute (WTI) is pleased to announce the launch of the International Investment Initiative (I³). The Initiative aims to pursue three core objectives:

• To analyze the multiple interactions between international trade and international investment law and policy, exploring synergies between them and fostering a more integrated study and application of international economic law;

• To undertake cutting edge research, human capital formation, technical assistance and policy advisory services on international investment law and policy aiming to address the needs of different stakeholders involved in international investment relations, i.e., governments, investors engaged in international investment, as well as inter-governmental, non-governmental and other academic institutions;

• To offer a forum where different stakeholders involved in international investment can regularly hold informed and constructive dialogues on key investment-related issues.

Together with WTI Managing Director Prof. Thomas Cottier and Pierre Sauvé, the WTI’s Deputy Managing Director and Director of Studies, the International Investment Initiative will be directed by Roberto Echandi. In addition to his involvement in academic activities, notably as a member of the WTI faculty and that of the University of Barcelona’s Law faculty, Roberto Echandi served most recently as Ambassador of Costa Rica to the European Union, Belgium and Luxembourg, and for more than a decade, as chief negotiator for Costa Rica on  several major trade and investment negotiations, including the Central American Free Trade Agreement (CAFTA) and the recently concluded EU-Central America Economic Partnership Agreement.

I³ is currently developing close partnerships with various international organizations, academic institutions, governments and the private sector in order to implement its work program for its first phase of operation, to be implemented in 2010-2012.

For more information on the I³ please see the attached conceptual note.  You may also contact the Director of I³ at roberto.echandi@wti.org.