Special Features of the UN Model Convention

1. S. 154Introduction

One of the greatest results of globalization is the phenomenon of international business, where the internationalization processes in the global environment are supported and deepened by the important role played by subjects of international economics – the transnational or multinational corporations (TNCs/MNEs). According to the World Investment Report 2010, there were around 82,000 transnational corporations worldwide in 2008, originating from developed economies, developing economies and transition economies.

The British East India Trading Company, founded in 1600, is often considered as the first MNE, and while the origins of MNEs date back to as early as 1600s, the strong growth of MNE activities is, however, of a much more recent date. The MNEs during the 17^th century were directly motivated by trading activities and/or territorial acquisitions in Asia, Africa and Americas. The emergence of large companies undertaking trade of commodities in colonies of their home countries was facilitated by colonization. The companies began to engage in significant manufacturing activities outside their home territories during the 20^th century. The aftermath of the Second Worl...