The report discusses the trends and policies of foreign direct investment (FDI) in least developed countries (LDCs) since the Fourth United Nations Conference on the Least Developed Countries (LDC IV) in 2011. The Istanbul Programme of Action (IPoA) emphasized the role of FDI in mobilizing financial resources for productive capacities and human and social development in LDCs. Despite significant policy reform efforts, FDI inflows to LDCs have increased only marginally during the last decade. The pandemic has further undermined the attainment of the goals of the IPoA and the sustainable development goals (SDGs). Nonetheless, FDI remains an important source of finance for LDCs, and efforts to improve investment conditions and promote private sector development are crucial for their economic development.
