International Investment Law

In its unique geopolitical and economic circumstances, Israel has traditionally viewed the US and the EU as its chief international economic partners.

Official statements and public opinions in Australia and China have been overwhelmingly positive on the impact of the China – Australia Free Trade Agreement (“ChAFTA”) on Chinese investment in Australia. This is an overstatement of the impact.

Dr Weihuan Zhou presented a recent research on “Chinese Investment in Australia after the China-Australia Free Trade Agreement (ChAFTA)” at UNSW Law Staff Seminar on 25 July 2017.

Dr. Hassan Qaqaya’s presentation covered a broad range of issues in the context of Competition and Trade Policies relating to China.

While it is a matter of ongoing debate whether it is China that will shake the world or the world that will shake China, there is little doubt that China has been skilfully riding the wave of, and taking benefits from, globalisation.

The insightful presentation of Professor Tania Voon of Melbourne Law School focused on three key areas: intellectual property, services, and investor-State dispute settlement.

China’s FTAs reveal malleability as the most striking feature. The paper analyzes the following questions: what is the trend of China’s FTA approach to investment concerning malleability? Is China a rule follower, shaker or maker?

Professor Ren’s presentation reviewed investment related commitments in ChAFTA, and explored prospects of bilateral investment between China and Australia after the signature of ChAFTA.

On 29 September 2016, the Court of Appeal (the ‘CA’) of Singapore published its final judgment on Sanum Investment Ltd v Government of the Lao People’s Democratic Republic [2016] SGCA 157. 

Nicholas’ presentation introduced the history and the current status of China’s Silk Road initiative. Based on this introduction, Nicolas proposed more research to be done in the future for the smooth operation of the Silk Road.