that special attention be given to the needs of the least developed countries. 109. A few delegations supported the liberalization process in the investment reg~mes of developing countries and stressed the importance of transparency, clarity and predictability in their policies, laws and regulations. 110. Delegations from some of the developed countries, however, felt that performance requirements, inter alia, distorted trade flows and decreased trade, increased costs and acted as disincentives to foreign investors, particularly small- and medium-sized enterprises. They argued that intervention in the form of unpredictable and bureaucratic approaches created negative effects on investment flows. Some delegations considered screening and monitoring mechanisms as possible disincentives to investment and suggested that developing countries avoid excessive authorization and approval procedures in foreign investments. 111. Many delegations expressed satisfaction about the realistic attitude shown in the report of the Secretary-General on foreign direct investment in Africa (E/C.l0/1990/9). They agreed that the report correctly identified the main determinants of investment decisions. 112. Several delegations suggested specific courses of action to improve the delivery and reporting of the Centre's technical co-operation programme, including more detailed information on the projects delivered; a reference to regulations with respect to restrictive business practices and intellectual property rights; the undertaking of an evaluation exercise on projects delivered; and a waiver of the 24-page rule for the report on experience gained in technical co-operation. The necessity of close co-operation within the United Nations system was stressed. 113. In responding to questions raised during the discussion, the Director of the Advisory and Information Services Division thanked the members of the Commission -38-for their favourable comments and their useful suggestions on the Centre's technical co-operation programme. With regard to the issue of screening mechanisms on foreign investments, he said that many developing countries would take issue 
**Analysis**
The text appears to be discussing international economic development, specifically the issues surrounding foreign direct investment, trade, and economic cooperation between developed and developing countries. The language used is technical and formal, indicating a discussion among government officials or experts in the field of international economics.

**Category**
International trade, Economic development