This brought the creation of the Integrated Framework. The framework was supposed to alleviate poverty in least developed nations through a series of programs and investments. Least developed countries were supposed to benefit from liberalization and globalization. Globalization eliminates trade boundaries between trading nations. This facilitates the inflow and outflow of goods and services.
Liberalization opens markets.
The integrated framework did not reach its objectives. Least developed countries continue to face economic hardships in international trade and social development. Currently there are 48 least developed countries in the world, according to the United Nations . These countries are characterized as being impoverished and in need of assistance from international organizations. These factors contribute to an increase in poverty in most of the least developed nations over time.