Macroeconomics: Investment and Development Program

Investment and Development Program

Integration of the world economy over the past decade has significantly strengthened the influence of the private sector, notably multinational corporations, in shaping livelihoods and opportunities of individuals and countries around the globe.

As global markets and demand for energy and raw materials have grown, private corporations have significantly increased investments in hydrocarbons and mining operations in countries of the developing world. Today, mining and drilling operations are taking place in areas previously untouched by modern economies.

Parallel to and reinforcing the growth of private extractive industries, regional development agencies have increased their investments in infrastructure programs designed to promote regional economic integration. These programs establish the infrastructure grid, including roads, canals, dams, energy and communications, that will shape economy activities in the regions for decades to come.

The MPO has initiated work in both of these areas during the past year as explained in detail below. In addition, we have concluded development of analytical methodology whose explicit purpose is to ensure that vulnerable places and vulnerable peoples do not suffer damage from implementation of these major economic investment programs whose geographic and environmental impacts are wide reaching and enduring.