Mapping Sustainable Development in Investment Treaties: An Analysis of ASEAN States’ Practice

Asian Journal of WTO & International Health Law and Policy, Vol. 17, No. 1, pp. 115-140, March 2022

Singapore Management University School of Law Research Paper

26 Pages Posted: 25 Apr 2022

See all articles by Mark McLaughlin

Mark McLaughlin

Singapore Management University - Yong Pung How School of Law

Date Written: March 30, 2022

Abstract

The interaction between sustainable development and international investment treaties is of growing concern. Could investment protection stymie health regulation? Will States be sued for introducing measures to tackle climate change? A growing body of sustainability-related case law is evidence that arbitral tribunals balance investment obligations against States’ ability to regulate for national security, health, the environment, labour rights, transparency, and corporate social responsibility. Against this background, this paper maps sustainable development issues in 371 bilateral investment treaties (hereinafter “BITs”) concluded by the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) States. It finds that only 26% of these treaties make any reference to sustainable development issues, most of which cover matters relating to security, health, and the environment. However, a small number of recent BITs reflect an expanding concept of sustainable development beyond orthodox boundaries. This paper proposes several options to elevate sustainable development in the hierarchy of norms in investment arbitration.

Keywords: sustainable development, investment arbitration, bilateral investment treaties, ASEAN, climate change, health regulation

Suggested Citation

McLaughlin, Mark, Mapping Sustainable Development in Investment Treaties: An Analysis of ASEAN States’ Practice (March 30, 2022). Asian Journal of WTO & International Health Law and Policy, Vol. 17, No. 1, pp. 115-140, March 2022, Singapore Management University School of Law Research Paper, Available at SSRN: https://ssrn.com/abstract=4071983

Mark McLaughlin (Contact Author)

Singapore Management University - Yong Pung How School of Law ( email )

55 Armenian Street
Singapore, 179943
Singapore

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