The impact of codes and standards on investment flows to developing countries

Employment Working Paper No. 25

There is an increased interest in how investors are adopting codes and responding to standards in their international investment decisions. There are several standards relating to investment, including protection of investors and labour and environmental standards. Some are voluntary standards, other are enshrined in international treaties. Some are imposed by host countries (e.g. minimum labour and environmental standards), while others are legislated by home countries. This study aims to examine the investor awareness of social responsibility issues, specifically labour issues, and how these might affect international investment to developing countries.