(I) Most of the developing countries are pressing ahead with social, political and economic reforms. (II) But without sustained external support, these efforts are unlikely to succeed. (III) Fortunately, there are some encouraging signs at present that economic support is forthcoming. (IV) Most developing countries have fantastic natural resources but they are unable to use them in order to increase their economic growth. (V) For example, the United States has pledged to increase aid spending by $ 5 billion a year and the EU has promised an additional $ 7 billion a year.