ABSTRACT
The need to identify new approaches to self-reliant development through the mobilization of developing countries' human and material resources in the context of the efforts to establish a new international economic order as a possible solution to the deteriorating conditions of the developing countries in the international economy. One issue that is considered of high importance is the need to expand traditional lending policies of multilateral development finance institutions to provide export credits, equity and direct financing to multinational companies of developing countries. A South-South financial institution has been suggested, which might provide finance for: joint ventures in industry and agriculture, including cost of project development; and investment in natural resources development, including financing of energy projects. Assessing the present state of affairs in integration and trade among developing countries, attention focuses on evaluating the unsatisfactory results achieved so far by developing countries' integration processes.
