Trade and cross-border investment are crucial drivers of economic growth and development, without which the chances of restoring livelihoods, securing economic recovery and enabling a green and just transition are bleak. Yet, support for international economic cooperation falters, and existing rules and institutions are strained. The Global Future Council on Trade and Investment will help leaders make sense of a complex global economic landscape and signal developments on the horizon, while addressing legitimate concerns about globalization and digitalization. It will reimagine trade governance and redefine the role of trade and investment in creating sustainable, resilient and equitable companies, economies and societies. Key outputs are expected on the role of trade in delivering social justice and enabling a circular economy, as well as on digital trade regulation and future trade governance.
Co-chairs
Council Manager
Aditi Sara Verghese, Policy Lead, International Trade and Investment, World Economic Forum
Digital payment ecosystems are the invisible infrastructure powering commerce, trade and people’s daily lives. With the onset of global COVID-19 pandemic the value of digital payments for...
The Russian invasion of Ukraine has been met with unprecedented trade and other economic sanctions. Some members of the World Trade Organization (WTO) have revoked Russia’s most-favoured-...
The urgency of the climate crisis demands that greater attention be given to the role of trade in accelerating emissions reductions and mitigating the effects of climate change while purs...
Digital trade in Asia had been booming even before the COVID-19 pandemic that drove large numbers of firms and consumers online. The region has also been at the forefront of digital trade...
As governments and businesses grapple with the effects of COVID-19, other global challenges remain. Once the immediate crisis abates, countries must intensify environmental action to tack...
In January 2019, the Global Future Council on International Trade and Investment outlined four potential scenarios for the future of global trade and investment. This briefing paper takes...
Geopolitical tensions have shaken business confidence, leading to decreased global investment flows. This briefing paper by the Global Future Council on International Trade and Investment...
This month started with welcome news from the World Trade Organization (WTO). Despite many service sectors being clobbered during the pandemic, year-on-year growth in trade in services wa...
Life is full of ironies. The internet was to herald an era of greater transparency and accountability of governments – putting more information in the hands of citizens. Yet, it turns out...
Ahead of the now postponed 12th Ministerial Conference of the World Trade Organization (WTO), member countries are considering how to advance the still incomplete agenda on gender and tra...
