Issue No. 552 (1-15 Sept 2013)
TPPA countries exposed to risk of investor lawsuits

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When foreign investors sue the state
The investor-state dispute system, whereby foreign investors can sue the host-country government in an international tribunal, is one of the issues being negotiated in the Trans-Pacific Partnership Agreement.
by Martin Khor

Pursuing profits – or power?
For corporations, power sometimes trumps profits as a priority, writes James K. Boyce.

US court ruling boosts vulture funds at developing world’s expense
A US court ruling against Argentina in a case brought by some of its creditors could have broader adverse consequences for the developing world.
by Charles Davis

Norway sets example in audit of poor countries’ debts
Norway has become the first creditor country to complete an audit of its loans to developing nations, in what debt campaigners hope will be a first step towards promoting responsible state lending and borrowing in future.
by Carey L. Biron

Half-truths by Roche and Reuters on patent applications’ invalidation
A Reuters news report about the invalidation of pharmaceutical corporation Roche’s patent applications on a cancer drug in India fails to provide the full story behind the Indian patent authorities’ decision.
by K.M. Gopakumar

US major holdout on landmark Maritime Labour Convention
After welcoming the entry into force of a milestone international treaty on seafarers’ rights, advocates are now seeking ratification by more countries, including the United States.
by Carey L. Biron

Opponents of fracking seek to thwart shale gas finance
Environmental and development advocates aim to stem funding for the controversial fracking method of fossil fuel extraction.
by Emilio Godoy

Africa’s food sovereignty under attack by corporate interests
A coalition of African farmer and development groups is sounding the alarm over the threat posed by corporate agribusiness to the continent’s food systems.

Analysis: Rethinking the value of global value chains
Instead of undertaking wholesale trade liberalization to participate in global value chains, what developing countries need is to build up their production capacities in order to gain a greater share of value added.