ABSTRACT
The contribution that international companies can make to economic development and combating poverty in the countries in which they invest has hardly been looked at. However, this subject deserves attention from companies who want to accept corporate social responsibility in an international context. International companies can stimulate the local economy of developing countries by their contribution to economic growth and economic development. International companies can also contribute to the local economy via sponsoring and charity activities. The contribution to economic growth is shown in the growth of the gross national product of a country. From interviews with the representatives of the nine international companies, it became apparent that they are generally positive about the contribution their companies make to the local economy of developing countries. Some companies also transfer knowledge. This happens by working together with local companies to improve the efficiency of their production process and the quality of their products.
