124. The Executive Director, expanding on his introductory statement on item 3, drew the attention of the Commission to the report of the Secretary-General on transnational corporations and development: policies to stimulate the transfer of investment capital, technology and skills to developing countries (E/C.l0/1990/3), -42-particularly to the suggestion to undertake assessment studies of count 1' · . . . . . ry po ~c~es 1n attract~ng fore~gn d~rect ~nvestment. The objectives of such assessments would be to analyse the impact policies, develop options for future actions and provide a sound basis for technical co-operation in that area. Finally, the Executive Director invited the Commission to express its views on the draft programme on transnational corporations of the medium-term plan for the period 1992-1997. I 125. All the delegations supported the work of the Centre in general and commended the high quality of the Centre's work. One delegation, speaking on behalf of many others, noted that the Centre was a model for the activities of other United Nations bodies in meeting the objectives of the legislative authority entrusted to it by the relevant intergovernmental bodies. That delegation stated in particular that the Centre had responded effectively to the requests made by the Commission at its fifteenth session. 126. Many delegations expressed their appreciation for the usefulness of the Centre's research, information and advisory services. Some delegations noted that closer links had been developed among various directions of the Centre's activities. 127. Particular support was given to the Centre's technical co-operation programme. Many delegations emphasized that the Centre enhanced the capability of public and private sectors of host developing countries to effectively negotiate with transnational corporations. Several delegations noted that the technical co-operation activities had contributed to the increased efficiency of host Governments' mechanisms and procedures for the evaluation, screening and monitoring of foreign direct investment. 
**Analysis**
The text discusses the work of a United Nations Centre in the area of transnational corporations and their impact on developing countries. The Centre's activities include research, information, and advisory services, as well as technical cooperation to enhance the capability of public and private sectors in host countries to negotiate with transnational corporations. The text also mentions the Centre's draft programme on transnational corporations, which suggests that the topic is closely related to economic development and international trade.

**Category**
Economic development, International trade