against resolutions and reports on the activities of transnational corporations in South Africa consid­ ered in the context of the Commission on Transna­ tional Corporations because it believed that such activities could contribute positively to change there. Those negative votes did not reflect any support for the apartheid system, which his delegation, in fact, condemned. While he agreed that it was important to send a strong message of concern regarding the practice of apartheid to the South African Govern­ ment, the economic well-being of millions of people in South Africa and southern Africa should not be jeopardized. 22. He disagreed that transnational corporations' involvement in the South African economy support­ ed apartheid. Rather, it was the collision between the requirements of a growing industrial society and an essentially pre-industrial political ideology that had accounted for many of the reforms that had already taken place. Nothing would be gained by weakening that process, which had increased black economic and political clout and in which American and other foreign investment had played a part. 23. His Government would continue to oppose punitive sanctions against South Africa because they would hurt the people they were intended to help and might lead to further political polarization and violence. Damaging the South African economy would also endanger the tenuous economies of other countries in the region which were closely tied to it. 24. He drew attention to recent developments in his country's policy towards South Africa which were of particular relevance to the question of transnational corporations in that country. In his Executive Order of 9 September 1985, the President of the United States had sought to strike a blow against apartheid, rather than against the South African economy and people as a whole. The Executive Order prohibited bank loans from United States financial institutions 
**Analysis**
The text discusses the activities of transnational corporations in South Africa and the potential impact on the economy, apartheid system, and the well-being of millions of people. It highlights the importance of finding a balance between condemning apartheid and avoiding economic harm. The text also mentions a specific Executive Order related to bank loans and its intention to strike a blow against apartheid. Based on this, it is likely that the category is related to economic development and international trade.

**Category**
Economic development, International trade