James X. Zhan has been Director of Investment and Enterprise at the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) since 2009.

[3][4] He has directed extensive research and analysis on key emerging issues;[5] facilitated the formulation of outcomes at various summits (e.g. UN, G20, ACP, APEC, ASEAN, BRICS, Commonwealth);[6] and provided technical assistance to governments and institutions (including cabinets) in over 160 countries.

He is chief strategic advisor for the World Association of Investment Promotion Agencies.

[15] He has published extensively on trade and investment-related economic and legal issues.

He is a regular speaker at high-level policy, academic and business forums, as well as parliaments.