Complementing Each Other or Stoking Further Complexity? Interaction between International Investment Law and International Trade Law

Abstract

Over the years, international investment law and international trade law have taken their respective paths of development with each regulating distinct areas of international economic relations. Interestingly, however, a new trend seems to emerge in which the two legal norms interact and/or converge. This 'interaction' or 'convergence' is a double-edged sword. On the one hand, each norm could complement the other, so as to enhance the notion of rule of law in the respective areas. On the other hand, new problems such as multi-dimensional forum shopping will pose another level of complexities. Adjusting this convergence toward a right direction will be critical for the future framework of international economic law.