The Choice of Instruments for Technical Co-operation

Abstract

The choice of suitable instruments for giving technical and economic assistance is crucial to the success of the bilateral and multilateral programs. Here, choice is con trolled not alone by the needs of the immediate task but also by the characteristics of public administration in less-developed countries and by the current status of agriculture, industry, health, and education. In the last eighteen years the programs have developed eleven instruments. Classified by principal function, these are: (a) preparation for program planning— the economic survey; (b) advice and instruction within the host country—the advisory mission; the visiting professor; seminars, conferences, and workshops; the training center; (c) fellowships for study and training abroad; and (d) joint operations—the Servicio; the operating mission; the university contract; other private contracts; the proposed international administrative service. The instruments for joint operation must form the backbone of the co-operative programs because technical assistance, to be effective, must go beyond advice and demonstration. Only in joint operations can the intro duction and the administration of the new technology be ade quately taught. Even without joint operations the programs can perform many useful tasks—but that is to fall short of the announced goal: Aiding the host countries to develop economies of self-sustaining growth.