The United Nations Conference on Trade and Development, abbreviated UNCTAD, publishes the annual World Investment Report on foreign direct investment.
UNCTAD was established in 1964 as a permanent intergovernmental body within the United Nations system. It focuses on trade, investment, finance and development, with particular attention to the needs of developing countries. Its headquarters are in Geneva, Switzerland.
The World Investment Report examines global foreign direct investment flows, trends and policies. Foreign direct investment generally involves a lasting interest and a significant degree of influence by an investor in an enterprise located in another economy. It is therefore different from a short-term purchase of shares made purely as a portfolio investment.
UNCTAD also produces statistical data, policy analysis and technical assistance. In 2024, the organization adopted the short name “UN Trade and Development,” while retaining the acronym UNCTAD. The report’s subject is investment rather than merchandise exports alone, which makes it distinct from the WTO’s trade statistics publications.