The conclusion of the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) is a
milestone for regional economic integration in the Asian-Pacific Region. It is of interest
to study whether and how the RCEP, especially its investment chapter and investment
facilitation provisions could help its members realize the sustainable development
goals (SDGs). This report first reviews the relevance of international investment
agreements (IIAs) to sustainable development, and discusses the RCEP preamble and
the relevant substantive, procedural and exception provisions for assessing the
compatibility of the RCEP with sustainable development. It then focuses on RCEP
investment facilitation provisions, analyzing their potential roles and inadequacies in
helping RCEP members pursue the SDGs. It concludes that, despite the merits of
RCEP Investment Chapter and the investment facilitation provisions, further legislative,
institutional, capacity building and implementational efforts are needed to fully realize
the potential of the RCEP Investment Chapter in promoting sustainable development.
23 February 2022
23 February 2022
Contact