The Spanish economy has undergone a transformation in the last decade, in the course of which it has emerged significant industrial power. This process has been associated, in part with EC membership since 1986, a result of which has been a reorientation of trade away from traditional trading partners, such as Latin America and towards the EC. In 1991, 67.2 per cent of Spanish exports of manufactures went to other EC countries, compared with 51.2 per cent in 1980. Spain has, too, been a favoured destination for foreign direct investment in recent years, facilitating the development of new industries.