Comparative Analysis of Investment Protection Measures in Bilateral Investment Treaties signed by Rwanda

Abstract

The global objective in the investment arena is to deal with investment regulation on a unilateral, bilateral and regional basis. In respect to bilateral investment, Rwanda has entered into bilateral investment agreements with many countries with the purpose of promoting investment hence fostering Rwanda's economic growth. However, in spite of the existence of Bilateral Investment Treaties between Rwanda and other countries, there are many lingering unresolved issues being raised in regards to the implementation of BITs. Key amongst these issues include: the irregularities in the implementation of expropriation concerning property valuation and lack of proper legal definition of public interest concept. In addition, the applicable environmental and health requirements are also allegedly pointed-out as violations of fair and equitable treatment. Therefore, with this study, this research examines the challenges encountered in the implementation of protection measures contained in the Bilateral Investment Treaties so far signed between Rwanda and other countries such as: Fair and Equitable Treatment, Expropriation to mention but a few.. The research further gives a detailed comparative assessment of these protection measures contained in these Investment treaties signed by Rwanda