LIST OF PUBLICATIONS ON FOREIGN DIRECT INVESTMENT AND TRANSNATIONAL CORPORATIONS (1973-2003)

In 1973, the United Nations Economic and Social Council gave a "Group of Eminent Persons" the task of advising on matters related to transnational corporations (TNCs) and their impact on the development process. Taking into account the increasing importance of such companies in the world economy, particularly in developing countries, as a source of foreign direct investment (FDI), trade and technology transfer, the group recommended that a permanent Programme and Centre be established to study TNCs and related policy issues. The Group also recommended the creation of a Commission on Transnational Corporations, to which the Centre was to report, so as to serve the needs of the United Nations in this area through information gathering, research and policy analysis, technical assistance and consensus-building. The United Nations Centre on Transnational Corporations (UNCTC) began its work in 1974.

Established as the focal point within the United Nations Secretariat for all matters related to FDI and TNCs, the Programme was initially carried out by UNCTC (1975-1992) and the Transnational Corporations and Management Division of the United Nations Department of Economic and Social Development (DESD/TCMD) (1992-1993). In 1993, the Programme was transferred to the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD).

In its work in this area, UNCTAD seeks to further the understanding of the nature and impact of TNCs, especially their potential contribution to development, including through the creation of an appropriate enabling environment for international investment and enterprise development. This work is carried out through intergovernmental deliberations, policy analysis and research, technical assistance activities, seminars, workshops and conferences.

This catalogue reflects the sustained efforts made by the United Nations with a view towards enhancing the understanding of developing countries and economies in transition with respect to the role of FDI. It is also a tribute to the dedication of competent staff over 30 years of work. The usefulness of the publications listed has been confirmed regularly through feedback from policy-makers, scholars and journalists alike. The publications themselves can be found at www.unctad.org/dite.

The objective of UNCTAD´s work in this area will be to continue to meet the challenges arising from the evolution of the global economy and contribute directly to the cause of development.