RESTRICTED  
  
JOB/GC/123  
 
26 April 2017  
(17-2293) Page: 1/2 
General Council  Original: English  
 
POSSIBLE ELEMENTS OF  INVESTMENT FACILITAT ION 
COMMUNICATION FROM C HINA 
The following communication, dated 21 April 2017, is being circulated at the request of the 
Delegation of China.  
 
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As an initial contribution to the "open -ended and inf ormal dialogue on investment facilitation for 
development" in the WTO – and with the aim of encouraging discussion, exploring options, and 
exchanging views on potentially relevant issues – China woul d like to propose the following 
possible elements of inve stment facilitation for Members' consideration. These elements are 
intended to illustrate the kind of substantive issues and concepts that Members may wish to 
discuss in more detail as they explore ways the WTO can contribute to facilitating investment. 
These elements are non -exhaustive and do not limit or prejudge the range of issues, options and 
approaches that should be discussed by Members in the 'dialogue'.  
 
1  OPTIONS FOR E NHANCING THE TRANSPAREN CY OF THE INVESTMENT  POLIC Y 
FRAMEWORK:  
1.1.  Make publically ava ilable to stakeholders all investment -related laws  and regulations , 
including through electronic means.  
1.2.  Establish one or more points for enquiry  to respond to reasonable enquiries regarding 
investment policies and applications.  
1.3.  Provide regular notification  of any new investment -related laws  and regulations, or any 
substantial change s to existing  ones. 
1.4.  Formulate  general ly applicable  screening guidelines and clear ly-defined  criteria for 
investment assess ment. 
1.5.  To the extent practicable – and in a manner consis tent with Members ’ respective  domestic 
laws and regulations – provide stakeholders  with the opportunity to comment on the drafts  or 
amendment s of any investment -related laws  and regulations.  
2  OPTIONS FOR IMPROVIN G THE EFFICIENCY OF ADMINISTRATIVE PROCED URES  
RELATING TO  INVESTMENT:  
2.1.  Encourage the establishment of clear and consistent criteria and procedures for investment 
screening, appraisal and approval, and specify the materials  to be submitted.  
2.2.  Streamline investment -related licensing and qualifications req uirements and procedures , 
specify reasonable timeframe s for the screening  of – and making decisions on – investment  
applications  by relevant regulatory authoritie s, and provide timely notice  of these screening 
decision s to the applicants . JOB/GC/123  
 
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  2.3.  In the case of in complete applications, s pecify, according to Members ’ respective  domestic 
laws and regulations, the additional  information required to complete the application and provide 
the opportunity to supply this information.  
2.4.  Encourage and foster institutional coop eration and coordination among Members ’ domestic 
regulatory authorities , including the establishment of a “one -stop” approval institution  where 
possible . Clarify the roles and responsibilities of different levels of government , and of  various 
agencies, where more than one agency is involve d in the investment screen ing process .  
2.5.  To the extent possible, keep costs for the investor in the investment approval process to a 
minimum , and make  fees charged commensurate with the administrative cost of processing an 
application.  
2.6.  Facilitate the entry and sojourn of personnel relating to investment.  
2.7.  Endeavour to accord investor s easy access to basic public infrastructure.  
3  OPTIONS FOR RESPONDI NG TO DEVELOPING AND LEAST -DEVELOPED M EMBERS' 
NEEDS:  
3.1.  Safeguard  developing and l east-developed M embers' special and differential treatment, 
including flexibilities commensurate with their development circumstances.  
3.2.  Provide effective technical assistance and capacity building to strengthen developing  
Members ’ domestic services capabili ty, efficiency and competitiveness, including in o rganiz ing 
investment promotion, commercial activities , and business -government networking events.  
3.3.  Improve the efficiency of outward investment screening and approval  processes , provide 
appropriate policy su pport for outward investment, including investment insurance and 
guarantee s, political risk coverage and investment promotion services.  
3.4.  Encourage investors' corporate social responsibilities.  
3.5.  Give priority consideration to  the special economic situation an d development needs of least-
developed Members.  
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