The resolution on ECDC at UNCTAD V was one of the more positive achievements of the Conference. The various proposals which have been made for promoting ECDC are described, in particular the improvement of trading arrangements, and monetary and financial cooperation among ldcs. A number of UNCTAD sectoral studies have examined the current level of dependence of ldcs on dcs, defined as the extent of control of dc interests over production and trade. The results of studies of six products (bananas, tobacco, cotton, electrical goods, shipping and insurance) are described. They show that levels of dependence in this composite sense are very high, as well as demonstrating the need for CSR. This suggests that the constraints in the form of dc vested interests that will have to be faced by ldcs are severe. There is a strong case for setting up an ‘organisation for Southern economic cooperation and development’ as the institutional means to help overcome this kind of trade dependence.