UNCTAD Report

  • An ‘investment trends monitor’ issued by the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) said that Global FDI collapsed in 2020 by 42% to an estimated $859 billion from $1.5 trillion in 2019. 
  • Such a low level was last seen in the 1990s.

THE REPORT

  • According to the report, the decline in FDI was concentrated in developed countries, where flows plummeted by 69% to an estimated $229 billion. 
  • The United States recorded a 49% drop in FDI, falling to an estimated $134 billion.
  • FDI flows to developing economies decreased by 12% to an estimated $616 billion.
  • China was the world’s largest FDI recipient, with flows to the Asian giant rising by 4% to $163 billion.
  • India, another major emerging economy, also recorded positive growth (13%) to $57 billion, boosted by investments in the digital sector.

UNCTAD

  • It was established in as a permanent intergovernmental body in 1964. 
  • Headquarters: Geneva, Switzerland.
  • Head: Mukhisa Kituyi. 
  • UNCTAD is the part of the United Nations Secretariat dealing with trade, investment, and development issues. 
  • The organization's goals are to: "maximize the trade, investment and development opportunities of developing countries and assist them in their efforts to integrate into the world economy on an equitable basis".  


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