In the case of developing countries in early years following independence, foreign investors were, apart from being viewed as extensions of colonialism, accused of engaging in various practices which were said to diminish their contributions to the host economy and sometimes resulted in their costs exceeding their benefits. These practices were said to include evasion of controls on the repatriation of profits and the stifling of indigenous competition. Foreign investors were also seen as operating under terms of one-sided agreements negotiated with colonial masters.