The COVID-19 Pandemic, Regional Cooperation Economic Partnership (RCEP) and the Rise of Investment Facilitation

Abstract

1. Fidler, in a recent Letter to the Journal, states that in the context of turbulent context of power and ideas, international law proved vulnerable and inadequate to support robust pandemic cooperation. Looking at the statement from the perspective of international investment law and policy framework, we tend to agree with Fidler’s assertion. 2. Our assertion is that, during and post-COVID-19 pandemic, international investment policies as reflected in the domestic policies and international investment agreements (IIAs) require a bigger role of States in the investment scene, especially in facilitating both domestic and foreign investment through a more structured and effective investment facilitation. Countries around the world need to facilitate new investments especially in the medical related products and services; and to facilitate the implementation of approved investments. Investment facilitation is also important to ensure business continuity, especially those highly impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic including logistics and air services. These two sectors of service are keys to