Many Problems Still Face Colombo Plan

Press, Volume XCIX, Issue 29366, 19 November 1960, Page 11

Many Problems Still Face Colombo Plan

(N.Z. Press Association— Copyright)

TOKYO. November 18 Improvement in the world economic situation during the last year provided a favourable environment for continuing progress in the Colombo Plan area, but did not remove problems which existed 10 years ago. said the first two chapters of the annual report of the twelfth consultative committee of the Colombo Plan, which was released in Tokyo today at the closing session of the conference. It said that in spite of the 10 years’ progress, inefficient techniques. inadequate numbers of trained people in administration, management and production, and a shortage of food, still remained. The secretariat said the full annual report would be published in various capitals on or after January 12. 1961. Under the heading “The Task Ahead.” the report said “the task ahead must be considered in the light of the experience of the last 10 years during which intensive efforts have been made by the member countries in South and South-east Asia to accelerate their economic development. “The progress achieved is significant. Impressive capital investments have been made in many fields. New industries have been established.

“Large numbers of people have been trained. Modern techniques have been adopted to improve agricultural process, and to revitalise the handicrafts of these ancient countries. “Irrigation. projects have brought water to parched fields Additional power has been generated to facilitate industrialisation. Illiteracy is being reduced, and malaria is being eradicated “M.>st important is ‘.he awareness, which is growing throughout the area, of the urgent need for more rapid economic development, and for conscious effort to that end.” it said “Jlowever. while all countries in the area have achieved increases in investment and production. income levels and per capita income remain low “The trade of many of the countries of the area has lagged behind the growth of world trade, and some of them have experienced a continuing pressure on their balance of payments. “Inefficient techniques. ’ inadequate numbers of trained people in administration, management and production, and shortage of food still remain. “Similarly, such problems as the need to stimulate investment capital, increase exports and mobilise domestic resources are as real today as they were 10 years ago.” said the report. "The primary responsibility for development rests, of course, on the peoples and Governments of the area."