iGuides, designed by UNCTAD and the International Chamber of Commerce, provides investors online with up-to-date information on business costs, opportunities and conditions in developing countries. They are developed jointly with governments, and at their request.
Relevant and up-to-date content
- Locally-available data, costs and prices
iGuides contains updated data on wages across different job categories, non-wage labour costs, termination indemnities, taxes, rent values, utility prices and transport costs. This data is comparable across countries and enables investors to build a basic business model prior to going further in their location decision-making.
- Relevant rules and licensing requirements, timelines and useful contacts
iGuides explains which licenses are required, how long they take to get and who in government can facilitate the process or provide more information. iGuides also provide a realistic view on procedures such as customs clearance, obtaining work permits and repatriation of funds.
- Experiences of established investors
Whether it’s on paying taxes, hiring labour or obtaining electricity, iGuides summarizes the experiences of established investors and provide case studies of their investment history. While UNCTAD canvasses the views of investors, governments get to explain how they are addressing investors’ concerns.
Key advantages for governments
- Easily updatable
Unlike sit-on-the-shelf publications, iGuides is web-based only. Any element can be easily updated at any time to reflect changes in legislation, infrastructure, costs or taxes.
- Governments are trained in investment promotion
Governments, not donors, are responsible for researching, inputting and updating data based on information standards and training provided by UNCTAD and ICC. UNCTAD also organizes events for member governments to share experience and improve the product.
- A platform based on experience
UNCTAD has been advising governments on promoting foreign investment for over 20 years. Its products include investment guides, FDI statistics, policy reviews, advice on investment agreements, the World Investment Report and the World Investment Forum.
Contact
Ian Richards, UNCTAD
ian.richards@unctad.org
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