Digital technologies are revolutionizing the landscape of international trade and investment. As digital trade gains momentum, disparities in readiness are accentuating pre-existing inequalities. Countries and communities that are ill-prepared to seize these opportunities risk losing out on fundamental drivers of contemporary economic growth, societal development, and environmental conservation. Trade and investment authorities are grappling with a pressing challenge: - How can digital trade and investment policies be crafted to simultaneously drive growth and cater to societal and environmental imperatives? This core inquiry is the focus of the Asia-Pacific Trade and Investment Report, "Unleashing Digital Trade and Investment for Sustainable Development." The report, jointly prepared by the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (ESCAP), the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD), and the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO), delves into both the potential and obstacles associated with digital trade and investment. This report weaves together an integrative policy-making approach, particularly enlightening policymakers in trade and investment about the roles they can assume to realize the potential of digital trade and investment as effective means for the achievement of the SDGs. The report seeks to broaden policymakers' perspectives and is expected to stimulate policy dialogues and inter-ministerial and public-private sector collaboration. It advocates for a cohesive strategy at both the global and regional levels to reap greater benefits from digital trade and investment and as well as to maintain focus on the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

This Report identifies the challenges and opportunities for trade and investment in the Asia-Pacific region and concludes that with the right policies and strengthened regional cooperation, the region will be able to continue strong trade- and investment-led growth. With the continued stalling of the Doha Round, regional trade agreements remain an important approach to controlling protectionism. A fresh look at negotiations of the rules under these agreements in order to make them perform their enabling role is recommended. The Report emphasizes that governments need to step up efforts to improve the environment for business and investment.

Ths report aims at deepening understanding of trends and developments in trade, investment and regional integration in the Asia-Pacific region. It looks at emerging issues in trade, investment and trade facilitation policies, and the impacts such policies have on countries' abilities to meet the challenges of achieving inclusive and sustainable development. It offers innovative policy options to meet the challenges of achieving sustainable trade and investment. It is aimed at policymakers, practitioners, experts, academics, business, international agencies and NGOs. It contains country specific briefs and shows trends and developments of trade in goods, trade in services, foreign direct investment, and trade and investment policies over 2017-2018.