Private investment is, in fact, already flowing into the downtown.

Foreign investment is flowing in at a faster rate this year than last.

That could be crucial to how much foreign investment flows to these countries.

"We do not see many investments flowing into Africa in the first place," he said.

First, these countries have to get investment flowing into the productive sectors of the economy.

Foreign investment flows for 1999 were $4.4 billion, down from $4.8 billion in 1998.

In Ireland, for example, foreign investment of more than $60 billion flowed into the country during the same five-year period.

Direct investment flows actually fell from 1982 to 1985, years in which the trade deficit went through the roof.

It also means investments flowing into the country in hard currency along with equipment and employment opportunities.

Both domestic and foreign investments were carefully controlled by government regulations, which kept the investment flows small.