The small developing countries : an introduction

Abstract

The purpose of this book is not only to provide a publication forum for the papers presented at the International Conference on Economic Development of Small Countries held in Malta, but also to continue the dialogue in the economic literature on the relevance of the size of countries to economic development. Until recently, relatively little economic research and analysis has been carried out on the various economic problems faced by small countries view of their size, but there now seems to be a growing interest in the problems, characteristics and policies related to the economic development of such countries. An expression of this change in interest among economists and policy makers was the successful completion of the First International Conference on the Economic Development of Small Countries that took place in May, 1985 in Malta. The conference was intended to bring together a number of experts to discuss the problems faced by small countries. The purposes of the conference, as were envisioned by the conference organizers, were: (a) to identify and analyze obstacles relating to the economic development of small countries; (b) to discuss policy implications associated with such obstacles; (c) to develop models related to industrialization and trade of small developing countries.