Sentence:  Thus , although the agenda of external assistance in the economic sphere are cumulative , and many of the policies suggested for nations in the earlier stages remain relevant , the basic <WSD>purpose</WSD> of American economic policy during the later stages of development should be to assure that movement into a stage of self-sustaining growth is not prevented by lack of foreign exchange . 
Meaning of the word marked with <WSD> tags:  an anticipated outcome that is intended or that guides your planned actions