Reference has already been made to the work that is being done in the area of electronic data processing and the development of a cross-border network for financial clearing, payment and settlement transactions.
International assistance is now sought (through the World BIS Review 52/1997  -6-  Bank) for the development of the national payment and clearing systems in the less-developed economies of the region. 7. The road ahead There is growing enthusiasm in Southern Africa for a regional approach to economic development issues.