competitiveness of the economies of developing countries did not inhibit the success of their regional economic integration efforts, noting the potential of integration programmes among developing countries to lead to increased intra-industry trade and foreign direct investment, as had happened on a wide scale ~ong developed countries. 14. Delegations suggested a number of areas for further research and technical co-operation. Many delegations deemed that further research on the implications of the emerging integrated market of the European Economic Community, as well as other integration arrangements, including bilateral agreements in North America, deserved close scrutiny and analysis. Another area that warranted research involved the changes in Eastern Europe and the Soviet Union and their impact on flows of foreign direct investment to that region and to developing countries. A few delegations emphasized the need to broaden the analysis of recent trends to cover not only inflows of foreign direct investment but also other associated financial flows in both directions. Some delegations expressed interest in technical co-operation programmes for Eastern Europe and the Soviet Union, stressing, however, that they should not be carried out at the expense of programmes for developing countries. 15. Suggestions made for the future work of the Centre for Transnational Corporations with regard to the role of transnational corporations in the least developed countries included a contribution on the subject to the second United Nations Conference on the Least Developed Countries. scheduled to take place in September 1990; studies assessing the efficiency of for~ign direct investment policies and examining the determinants of foreign direct investment in the least developed countries; and an expert group meeting to attract such investment into those countries. The least developed countries should maintain high priority in the Centre's work. -15-16. A number of countries supported the idea to undertake country assessment 
**Analysis**
The text primarily discusses the economic integration efforts of developing countries, the role of transnational corporations, and the potential for foreign direct investment. The text also mentions the need for research and technical cooperation on various economic topics, such as the impact of integration arrangements and changes in Eastern Europe and the Soviet Union.

**Category**
International trade, Economic development