128. Several delegations made special reference to EMPRETEC, the Centre's programme aimed at supporting small- and medium-sized enterprises utilizing linkages with transnational corporations which they considered would enhance the economic integration of their regions. EMPRETEC, a joint effort by the private sector, Governments and the Centre, was viewed by those delegations as an innovative approach towards technical co-operation that served as an effective vehicle for transfer of modern technology and skills to the developing countries. Though the results achieved by EMPRETEC had already gone beyond initial expectations, the programme was oriented towards the medium and long term so its future impact might be even more encouraging. In that regard, several delegations invited donors to strengthen their financial support to the programme. 129. One delegation expressed appreciation in particular for the workshops and seminars on negotiating with transnational banks, the development of foreign exchange policies and the strengthening of financial management. That delegation emphasized that those activities provided national officials with the opportunity to acquire the necessary skills to initiate and implement new policies, institutional reforms and modes of transactions with transnational banks and transnational corporations that allowed the country to better realize its comparative advantage in international financial markets. Another delegation expressed satisfaction with the advisory assistance and support that the Centre's joint unit with the Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (ESChrl provided to its country in the area of foreign direct investm~nt. Other delegations mentioned the unique capability of th€ Centre to respond immedint.ely t.o most urgent requests by Governments, which set the Centre's technical co-operation programme apart from those of other United Nations bodies. -43- 130. Some delegations requested that the Centre give more attention to the I examination of foreign direct investment flows into the Latin American region and 
**Analysis**
The text discusses the Centre's programme, EMPRETEC, which supports small- and medium-sized enterprises and provides technical cooperation, focusing on economic integration, transfer of modern technology and skills, and foreign direct investment. This suggests that the main theme is economic development, specifically in the context of international trade and investment.

**Category**
Economic development, International trade