The role of foreign investment is a matter of great controversy and in the last resort relates to fundamental disagreement on the nature of what is a desirable process of development.
The conclusion that the principal benefits of world trade have been to the richer nations. And that overall the poorer countries have benefited less from international economic relations, is complicated by the fact that within the poorer nations there are individuals who have gained disproportionately.
Moreover, it is these individuals, who so often determine, or at least influence, policy decisions, and work hand-in-hand with multinational corporations.