Understanding international trade obligations for ELLED policies

ELLED policies can impact and potentially go against the intent of World Trade Organisation (WTO) provisions, as well as bilateral treaties countries may have signed (such as investment agreements or free trade agreements). The policy space that still remains is examined in-depth by Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ), and International Centre for Trade and Sustainable Development (ISTSD) and World Economic Forum (WEF). In general, rules under the WTO and bilateral agreements work to promote free trade in a way that can limit provisions that require local purchasing of goods and services. In addition to these obligations, there can be additional limitations outlined in the contract that a given government has signed with an extractive company operating in their country.

To learn more about the international trade obligations for ELLED policies and potential conflicts, explore the following sections:

• Backward Linkages - Local Procurement Policies, Agreements, and Requirements
• Backward Linkages - Government Regulations and Contract Agreements
• Forward Linkages - Economic Incentives for Investments Downstream