27 July 1988

39th plenary meeting

Role of the Commission on Transnational Corporations in promoting alternative and new forms of international economic co-operation

The Economic and Social Council,

Reaffirming its resolutions 1908 (LVII) of 2 August 1974 and 1913 (LVII) of 5 December 1974,

Reiterating the important role of the United Nations in promoting equitable and mutually beneficial international economic co-operation as a major factor in economic development and well-being, world wide, particularly in developing countries,

Noting with appreciation the important role of the Commission on Transnational Corporations and the United Nations Centre on Transnational Corporations in strengthening the capacity of developing countries in their dealings with transnational corporations by promoting technical co-operation, research and information activities in accordance with their mandates,

Recognizing that alternative and new forms of international investment, scientific and technological exchange and equity and non-equity co-operation, including joint ventures, should contribute to sustained growth and development world wide, particularly in developing countries,

1. Calls for the further strengthening of the role of the Commission on Transnational Corporations and the United Nations Centre on Transnational Corporations, as the focal points within the United Nations system for issues related specifically to transnational corporations and for co-ordination with other intergovernmental bodies and secretariats on all matters in that regard;

2. Emphasizes the need to enhance the work of the Centre in providing consultative, advisory and other types of technical assistance to developing countries, in conducting analytical research and studies and in gathering and disseminating information related to the development of alternative and new forms of international investment, scientific and technological exchange and other co-operative arrangements, including joint ventures, pertaining to the operations of transnational corporations, particularly in view of the development needs of the developing countries;

3. Requests the Secretary-General to report to the Commission at its fifteenth session on the implementation of the present resolution, including the improvement of co-operation and co-ordination within the United Nations system in accordance with the mandate of the Centre.