ECDC/TCDC projects of some African economic groupings that could be implemented in co-operation with developing countries outside of the region

Abstract

Far from replacing the North-South dialogue which aroused much hope in the 1970s, technical co-operation among developing countries (TCDC) and economic co-operation among developing countries (ECDC) are intended to be the building blocks of a genuine partnership that will enable the countries of the South to become a homogeneous and cohesive bloc that will have something to offer to countries of the North in exchange for their technical and financial assistance. These two concepts were defined most elaborately in the Buenos Aires Plan of Action on TCDC adopted in 1978 and the Caracas Programme of Action on ECDC adopted in 1981. The purpose of this paper is to propose how specific projects, initiated by African economic groupings might benefit from the technical and financial assistance of other developing regions. Naturally, this approach should fall within the context of TCDC/ECDC activities that have been going on for some time in Africa and the vistas they have opened.