Although global value chains (GVCs) have existed for decades now, interest in the literature has reignited in recent years, particularly since the global financial crisis. Policy makers have sought to better understand the dynamics and governance of GVCs as well as the opportunities and constraints that this type of trade poses for firms in the various stages of participation.
Launch the World Investment Report 2013 (WIR13) which focuses on Global Value Chains (GVCs) and their role in development.
Getting agreement on global action to prevent tax evasion was never going to be easy. In the event, the G8 summit communiqué has delivered more than a whimper, but far less than the big bang that many had hoped for.
Let’s start with the good news.
License: Creative Commons
Credit: Downing Street
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On the 17-18 June, leaders from the G8 countries will gather at Lough Erne in Northern Ireland. On the agenda are three key issues: advancing trade; ensuring tax compliance; promoting greater transparency.
In advance of the summit, ODI researchers will be responding to this agenda and providing an independent commentary on the Lough Erne accountability report, which reviews the G8's delivery against previous summit commitments.
What with talk of shell companies, beneficial ownership and financial regulation it’s tough to work out exactly what’s at stake in the G8 talks on tax and transparency. Throw in a vocabulary that comes with the dark arts of tax evasion – the ‘Double Irish with a Dutch Sandwich’ problem is a personal favourite - and you’re heading into the near-impenetrable fog of summit negotiations.