Developing countries need to know all the complex network of issues. This is not so.
Multilateral rules are very different in nature and scope.
Ricupero went on to cite a few examples. On the definition and scope of investment, he asked whether FDI that is a stabilising factor should be treated the same way as portfolio or short-term investments, or IPRs which are different and require different rules. Ricupero also raised the question of how to deal with right of entry or provide for most-favoured nation treatment, financial clauses on repatriation of profits and transfer of technology. Due to differences among the OCED countries themselves and widespread public and parliamentarian protests in a number of OECD countries, the MAI negotiations have been suspended for six months until October. Two years ago, I said that there was no point in taking a stand for or against a MAI without knowing its content.