Optimizing Legal Frameworks for Protecting Investor Rights in Sustainable International Road Projects

Abstract

This paper provides a comprehensive analysis of existing legal frameworks and dispute settlement mechanisms for protecting investor rights in complex cross-border road construction projects while balancing wider public welfare concerns. It examines limitations in current investor-state dispute settlement (ISDS) models and arbitral practices prevalent in bilateral investment treaties and contracts. Through extensive review of regulations, case law, data and expert perspectives, tailored recommendations are developed to advance substantive and procedural reforms for optimizing investor protections equitably within a sustainable development paradigm. The study aims to inform policymaking on designing synergistic international legal systems that enable global road infrastructure development aligning private investment incentives with public goals of connectivity, sustainability and resilience.