1. #RCEP is exciting, but we debunked some myths by looking at it through the prism of investment. The 15-country bloc is not the world’s largest investment bloc, and it’s not even close. #FDI @fDiIntelligence

2. It’s not even surprising. Yes, #RCEP brings closer 2.2bn people in 15 countries combining for $15tn of GDP, but we are talking of some of the most fenced off countries in the world. #FDI

3. According to the @OECD, Indonesia is the country with the most restrictive investment environment in the world. China (3rd), New Zealand (4th) and South Korea (10th) also feature in the top ten. #RCEP #FDI

4. Things won’t change overnight, particularly in a moment where countries like South Korea and Japan are encouraging (with mixed success) their companies to bring back investment from China. #RCEP #FDI

5. Japan’s approach to investment in the region in particular is one-way only. Japanese companies announced more than 6000 investment projects to fellow RCEP countries since 2003. Meanwhile, their peers in the regions announced only 428 investments in Japan. #RCEP #FDI

6. This is why #RCEP’s investment promotion provisions encouraging “investments among the parties” and “ joint investment promotion activities between or among parties” are meaningful. #FDI

7. #RCEP does create a platform for more and deeper investment integration among Asia-Pacific countries. However, existing barriers will not fall overnight. Full story with extra insights from @Jamesunctad #FDI @fDiIntelligence https://www.fdiintelligence.com/article/79085