Economic Cooperation Between Socialist and Developing Countries, diversified economic links between these two groups of countries aimed at helping to establish the economy of the developing countries. Over the last 15-20 years, close economic relations have been established between the socialist countries, including the Soviet Union, and the developing world. This was prompted by the tempestuous economic growth of the world socialist system and by the fact that a large group of formerly colonial countries won political independence. In nature, these links are relations of a new type which are radically different from the economic relations existing in the capitalist world. The Soviet Union develops broad economic, scientific and technological cooperation with the newly free countries, which benefits both parties. The construction in the developing countries of big economic projects with this or that form of Soviet participation occupies prominent place in this cooperation. In its economic policy vis a vis the developing countries the USSR and other socialist countries strive to assist those forces which have chosen socialism. The socialist community’s links with the countries of Africa and Asia which have chosen a non- capitalist path of development are becoming increasingly diversified. To help the developing countries achieve economic independence and eliminate economic backwardness, the USSR and other socialist countries provide them extensive aid aimed at diversifying their economies and establishing modern industries. Industrial facilities which the USSR has helped build in the developing countries are in many instances the foundation of national industrial development. Granting credits on extremely favourable terms to build major economic projects which serve as a means of strengthening the state sector, is an important form of economic cooperation between the socialist and developing countries. The socialist countries assist in training personnel, above all at their own institutes and vocational schools. This plays an important role in the economic development of the newly free countries and in their technological progress. The CMEA countries have established a scholarship fund for assisting developing countries in training their personnel at institutes in the CMEA countries. The socialist countries also assist in the development of higher and vocational education in the newly free countries themselves. The focus is on training skilled workers. This is done at practically every project which the Soviet Union and other socialist countries help build. Mutually advantageous trade between socialist and developing countries, as a dynamic sector of international trade, is being widely expanded. The socialist states provide the developing countries with machines and plant they need to develop industry and transport, mechanise agriculture, etc. Alongside this, economic ties with the developing countries help the Soviet Union and other socialist countries to solve their own economic problems and receive many goods they need. The socialist and developing countries expand their scientific and technological cooperation, including joint scientific research, production specialisation and cooperation, building projects on a compensation basis, establishing mixed companies, etc. Comprehensive economic cooperation with the socialist countries is an important factor in building up the economy of the developing countries; it improves their positions in the struggle against imperialism and neocolonialism, 100 Emacs-File-stamp: "/home/ysverdlov/leninist.biz/en/1985/DOPE397/20071211/199.tx" for a new international economic order.