INTERNATIONAL ECONOMIC & ENERGY WEEKLY

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CIA-RDP97-00771R000807640001-7
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RIPPUB
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S
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31
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December 22, 2016
Document Release Date: 
November 3, 2010
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1
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Publication Date: 
August 2, 1985
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REPORT
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Sanitized Copy Approved for Release 2011/03/07: CIA-RDP97-00771 R000807640001-7 Directorate of Intelligence International Economic & Energy Weekly 2 At 1985 DI IEEW $$-031 2 August 1#85 copy 676 Sanitized Copy Approved for Release 2011/03/07: CIA-RDP97-00771 R000807640001-7 Sanitized Copy Approved for Release 2011/03/07: CIA-RDP97-00771 R000807640001-7 Sanitized Copy Approved for Release 2011/03/07: CIA-RDP97-00771 R000807640001-7 Sanitized Copy Approved for Release 2011/03/07: CIA-RDP97-00771 R000807640001-7 Secret International Economic & Energy Weekly 2 August 1985 Synopsis 25X1 25X1 .Advanced Composite Materials: Growing Foreign Capabilities Space WARC: Regulation of the Geostationary Orbit Energy International Finance Global and Regional Developments National Developments Comments and queries regarding this publication are welcome. They may be directed to irectorate of Intelligence Secret DI IEEW 85-031 2 August 1985 Sanitized Copy Approved for Release 2011/03/07: CIA-RDP97-00771 R000807640001-7 V Sanitized Copy Approved for Release 2011/03/07: CIA-RDP97-00771 R000807640001-7 International Economic & Energy Weekly Synopsis 25X1 1 Perspective-Advanced Composite Materials: Strategic Implications 25X1 7 commercial development of satellite communications The International Telecommunication Union (ITU) will convene the Space World Administrative Radio Conference (Space WARC) in Geneva on 8 August. Proposed changes in ITU radio regulations-a treaty which the United States has ratified-would affect both future US Government and 25X1 15 Bolivia: Dimensions of Economic Reconstruction The resounding rejection of the ruling party during recent elections indicates that voters are fed up with hyperinflation, economic deprivation, and work stoppages. Much will depend on the ability of the next administration to enact a market-oriented economic policy, endure criticism and opposition, and encourage private enterprise. Advanced composite materials-primarily plastics and metals reinforced with carbon, metal, or ceramic fibers-are enhancing the performance of military systems and improving the competitiveness of a variety of commercial products. Growing foreign capabilities in advanced composites have a variety of strategic implications for the United States. 3 Advanced Composite Materials: Growing Foreign Capabilities materials and fabrication techniques. The United States is generally acknowledged as the broadbased leader in advanced composites technology and continues to lead by several years in design know-how. Nevertheless, Western Europe and Japan have closed the gap in most areas and have developed leading-edge capabilities in a few 11 Space WARC: Regulation of the Geostationary Orbit iii Secret DI IEEW 85-031 2 August 1985 Sanitized Copy Approved for Release 2011/03/07: CIA-RDP97-00771 R000807640001-7 Sanitized Copy Approved for Release 2011/03/07: CIA-RDP97-00771 R000807640001-7 Secret International Economic & Energy Weekly 2 August 1985 Perspective Advanced Composite Materials: Strategic Implications Advanced composite materials-primarily plastics and metals reinforced with carbon, metal, or ceramic fibers-are enhancing the performance of military systems and improving the competitiveness of a variety of commercial products. Growing foreign capabilities in advanced composites have a variety of strategic implications for the United States. Increasing foreign availability of advanced composites will complicate US and COCOM efforts to control the flow of these militarily important technologies and equipment to Communist countries. The Soviet Bloc countries have already acquired many advanced composites technologies from Western Europe. Additionally, the growing diffusion of advanced composites technologies to developing countries promises to provide even more potential sources for the Soviets. Diffusion of advanced composites technologies also raises concerns about weapons proliferation in the Third World. Although the developing world does not yet possess leading-edge capabilities, a number of countries are acquiring or developing fabrication equipment that could be used to produce weapons. Indeed, some Third World composites acquisitions appear more motivated by military than by civilian applications. We doubt, for example, that Brazil and Pakistan have justified the sizable expense of acquiring composites technol- ogies merely for use in meteorological sounding rockets. In the judgment of one expert, India is acquiring carbon-carbon manufacturing equipment that is considerably more sophisticated than required for any civil application. Intense foreign competition, coupled with as yet small, uncertain markets, may discourage development of the US industrial base for making advanced composite materials As the number of foreign suppliers increase-and some will likely benefit from government subsidies or other targeting measures-some US firms could have increasing difficulty justifying investments in this area. 1 Secret DI IEEW 85-031 2 August 1985 Sanitized Copy Approved for Release 2011/03/07: CIA-RDP97-00771 R000807640001-7 Sanitized Copy Approved for Release 2011/03/07: CIA-RDP97-00771 R000807640001-7 Failure to establish a strong domestic advanced composites supply could, over time, force military systems builders to rely increasingly on foreign sources of materials, manufacturing equipment, and know-how. The United States already relies on foreign sources for Japanese "raw" fibers from which military-grade carbon fibers are made. Although industry experts generally agree that the United States can establish manufacturing capabilities rather quickly for most of these advanced composite materials technologies, other dependencies could arise. The more rapidly composites technologies are developed overseas and the longer US firms delay establishing manufacturing capabilities, the more difficult market entry may become. Even if domestic research and development in these areas remains at the forefront, US firms may lack important process and quality control know-how gained only through experience in production. Sanitized Copy Approved for Release 2011/03/07: CIA-RDP97-00771 R000807640001-7 Sanitized Copy Approved for Release 2011/03/07: CIA-RDP97-00771 R000807640001-7 Secret 25X1 Advanced Composite Materials: Growing Foreign Capabilities ' The United States is generally acknowledged as the broadbased leader in advanced composites technol- ogy and continues to lead by several years in design know-how. Nevertheless, Western Europe and Ja- pan have closed the gap in most areas and have developed leading-edge capabilities in a few materi- als and fabrication techniques. Although demand for advanced composites is modest-about $600 million in sales last year and global production of no more than 20,000 metric tons-usage has been growing at about 20 percent annually. These fig- ures understate the commercial and military im- portance of advanced composites. They provide special performance benefits in aerospace applica- tions and are a potentially key technology for space-based weapons proposed for the US Strategic Defense Initiative. Foreign Programs Advanced composites technologies, both US and foreign, are spreading rapidly as composite materi- als suppliers, facing small domestic markets for their relatively expensive products, seek export opportunities. Composites fabrication is transferred to foreign firms through co-production arrange- ments such as those between Boeing and Aeritalia and Fuji Heavy Industries, because such processes are relatively unsophisticated and labor intensive. These features make composites manufacturing more adaptable than most high technologies to the infrastructures of many developed and Third World countries. Some of the latter, as well as countries such as Israel, are known to be particularly interested in military applications of advanced composites. Based on staffing levels, we estimate that the size of the combined foreign, non-Communist effort to develop and exploit composite materials is roughly equal to that of the United States where about 150 firms and perhaps 1,500 professionals are pursuing composites research and developments Advanced Composite Materials at a Glance Advanced composites contain two or more compo- nents-usually a polymer-, metal-, or ceramic- matrix material reinforced with long load-bearing fibers. Among their advantages are high strength- to-weight ratios and good fatigue, fracture, and chemical resistance. Composite materials offer a variety of benefits: ? Carbon-carbon composite heat shields have made possible the current generation of high- reentry- velocity ICBM warheads. ? Carbon-fiber-reinforced plastics (CFRP5) have made possible new, highly maneuverable aircraft. ? CFRPs-the only commonly used advanced composites-are improving fuel efficiency in ve- hicles by reducing weight, and can reduce fabri- cation costs of large complex parts. ? Metal- and ceramic-matrix composites are po- tentially the best materials both for high-tem- perature engine parts and for ultrastiff, dimen- sionally stable parts needed in systems such as space-based weapons. The West Europeans have capabilities second only to the United States in advanced composites tech- nologies. These technologies are important to West European consortiums, such as Airbus Industrie, as well as to the individual countries. Composites are an important materials theme in the European Commission's new Basic Research in Industrial Technologies for Europe Program (BRITE). France, the United Kingdom, Italy, and West Secret DI IEEW 85-031 2 August 1985 Sanitized Copy Approved for Release 2011/03/07: CIA-RDP97-00771 R000807640001-7 25X1 25X1 Sanitized Copy Approved for Release 2011/03/07: CIA-RDP97-00771 R000807640001-7 Germany have major capabilities in composites, and several others-the Netherlands, Sweden, and Spain-have capabilities for fabricating carbon fiber reinforced plastic (CFRP) parts adequate for many military applications: ? France has developed or acquired leading-edge capabilities in advanced composites, particularly in carbon-carbon materials, in support of its aerospace programs. The French maintain their leading-edge status with a strong research and development effort supplemented by acquiring key technologies elsewhere, through arrange- ments such as corporate takeovers and joint ventures. ? The United Kingdom has strong indigenous capa- bilities for developing, producing, and using ad- vanced composites. Leading firms in the field are Imperial Chemical Industry and British Aerospace. ? The Italians and the West Germans also have strong capabilities for fabricating CFRP parts, primarily for airframes. Unlike the other major players, West Germany appears content to pur- chase needed composite materials from external sources. F 25X1 The Japanese have focused more on the develop- ment and use of inexpensive advanced composite materials for potential applications outside the small Japanese aerospace industry. have been eroded, and foreign firms have seized the initiative in developing many of the newer materi- als. Meanwhile, differences in national capabilities are becoming blurred because transfers of ad- vanced composites technology have been common among firms in many of the developed countries. Regarding the most important materials: ? The Japanese have a significant and widening lead in carbon fibers that has already given them 60 percent of the global market. Japanese firms are well positioned to dominate the commercial production of these materials by the 1990s. ? West European and Japanese firms have demon- strated polymer matrix materials with properties comparable to the best materials developed in the United States. ? The French lead in technology for carbon-carbon composites, combining expertise in the manufac- turing technologies of weaving and infiltration. ? The United States and Japan lead other non- Communist countries in technology for metal- matrix composites. Japan may lag the United States in the sophistication of its metal-matrix technology, but has taken the lead in commercial- izing these composites. ? Although details are sketchy, we think France and Japan may have developed some ceramic- matrix composite materials with properties supe- rior to comparable US materials. The United States is considered by most experts to have the best manufacturing technology for design- ing and fabricating parts from advanced composite materials: Foreign Technical Capabilities West European and Japanese firms are developing state-of-the-art capabilities for some important ad- vanced composite materials. Some long-held US technological leads in older advanced composites ? The US lead is largest in design, as illustrated by the composite wings} Sanitized Copy Approved for Release 2011/03/07: CIA-RDP97-00771 R000807640001-7 Sanitized Copy Approved for Release 2011/03/07: CIA-RDP97-00771 R000807640001-7 Secret ? The United States is generally considered to have the best technology for consolidating epoxy CFRPs into finished parts-the size of such US- made parts is unmatched elsewhere. ? The United States leads Italy, Japan, and France in technology for automated tape-laying of CFRPs, as measured by the sophistication of equipment used in production. Despite the general US lead in composites manu- facturing, foreign competitors have developed lead- ing-edge capabilities in some technologies: ? France has superior technology for weaving fibers into three-dimensional composite shapes. Weav- ing equipment made by the French firm Brochier et Fils achieves more even fiber spacing than does Sanitized Copy Approved for Release 2011/03/07: CIA-RDP97-00771 R000807640001-7 Sanitized Copy Approved for Release 2011/03/07: CIA-RDP97-00771 R000807640001-7 comparable US equipment, resulting in more reliable carbon-carbon parts. ? France and the United States lead in technologies for infiltrating those woven shapes with matrix materials. ? A West German firm makes the best filament winding equipment. Applications Outlook Industry experts generally agree that the aerospace industry will be the largest single market for advanced composites. Leading-edge use in the United States and abroad will continue to be in military aircraft, missiles, and helicopters. Next- generation fighter designs being developed in West- ern Europe and the United States may use up to 50 percent CFRP composites. Although demand for advanced composites for missile and space applica- tions likely will remain modest for many years, large missiles typically use these materials. We expect a considerably slower increase in the use of advanced composites in large commercial jet airliners. The forthcoming Airbus A320, scheduled for initial operation in 1988, will have only about 10 percent composites in its airframe. Moreover, the first use of composites in load-bearing struc- tures in large commercial airliners may not even occur this century because of concerns about pas- senger safety, high per-part development costs, and availability of new lightweight metal alloys. In the automobile industry, advanced composite materials have yet to find broad applications be- cause of their high cost and competition from new metal alloys. For body parts-the largest potential application-many US and West European auto firms have focused on using weaker short-fiber composites from which parts can be fabricated quickly and cheaply by processes such as injection molding. Nevertheless, foreign as well as US auto firms are beginning to use advanced composites in parts such as drive shafts, axles, and springs. Moreover, Japan's auto firms, in line with the intense national effort to develop low-cost, pitch- based carbon fibers, appear considerably more opti- mistic about the prospects for CFRP parts in automobiles than their competitors. One reason for this optimism could be the potential for producing fuel-efficient large cars. Another reason is that Japanese advantages in manufacturing costs- widely believed to be on the order of $2000 per automobile-leave them more latitude to use costly advanced composites in performance-enhancing parts. Advanced composites are beginning to find their way into a wide variety of industrial applications, from nuclear centrifuges to commercial robots. If costs can be brought down, perhaps by commercial- ization of moderate-cost pitch-based carbon fibers, we believe the use of advanced composites in industrial applications would grow rapidly. Gains in industrial uses, as well as further inroads in aerospace and automotive applications, will come largely at the expense of the aluminum and steel industries. Within this range of potential applica- tions, we believe that aggressive West European and Japanese firms will continue to be major materials suppliers. 25X1 Sanitized Copy Approved for Release 2011/03/07: CIA-RDP97-00771 R000807640001-7 Sanitized Copy Approved for Release 2011/03/07: CIA-RDP97-00771 R000807640001-7 Iq Next 3 Page(s) In Document Denied Sanitized Copy Approved for Release 2011/03/07: CIA-RDP97-00771 R000807640001-7 Sanitized Copy Approved for Release 2011/03/07: CIA-RDP97-00771 R000807640001-7 Secret Space WARC: Regulation of the Geostationary Orbit' The International Telecommunication Union (ITU) will convene the Space World Administrative Ra- dio Conference (Space WARC) in Geneva on 8 August. This planning conference-called at the behest of a coalition of developing countries-will consider a new system of national access to radio- frequencies and orbital slots for geostationary-orbit satellites. Proposed changes in ITU radio regula- tions-a treaty which the United States has rati- fied-would affect both future US Government and commercial development of satellite communi- cations. Implementation of the new procedures will not be considered until the second session of Space WARC, scheduled for 1988. Under a worst case scenario, the outcome could threaten Western mili- tary communications systems While the agenda, accepted by the United States, technically empowers the Space WARC to consid- er all space telecommunications services, we believe that most of the effort will focus on broadcast (TV) and fixed-satellite services. Another potentially controversial topic is a new service dedicated to radio broadcasting from space. Political issues ranging from Soviet opposition to the US Strategic Defense Initiative (SDI) to a challenge to Israeli credentials could also come up. The key technical issue at this first session, sched- uled to run through September, is coming up with a new method for planning use of orbital slots and frequencies. Currently, a country planning to launch a satellite must publish information about the satellite no earlier than five years in advance, coordinate with other countries to avoid interfer- ence with existing systems, and then register the system with the ITU. Many of the developing countries want to establish a system of prior planning that would permanently assign orbital slots and frequencies to each country, regardless of current use patterns. Most major telecommunications users, including the United States and the Soviet Union, oppose this approach for the most heavily used frequency bands on grounds that it would create inefficiencies in their operations and stifle future developments in the space telecommunications industry. Other technical sticking points may include: ? Europe, Africa, and Asia need to agree on up-link frequencies (earth-to-satellite transmissions) for their television broadcast satellites. US military communications could interfere with some of the proposed frequencies. ? The agenda calls for this session to adopt a plan created in 1983 for television broadcast satellites for the Americas. Key countries from the other two regions, including the Soviet Union and some West European nations, oppose adoption of the plan until they have settled on the allocation of the up links. US commercial operators will find it difficult to secure financial backing for television broadcast satellites until a plan is internationally recognized. ? Most members of the conference, except the Soviets and their allies, would like to agree on setting up a new satellite service for radiobroad- casting from space. The frequencies considered so far interfere with existing users; the conference probably will agree to broaden the range of frequencies to be considered. The political issue most likely to plague the United States at Space WARC is a Soviet-inspired attack on the SDI under the guise of restraining "nonpea- ceful uses of outer space." We believe Moscow will propose a principle on peaceful use of the geosta- tionary orbit that attempts to corner the United Secret DI IEEW 85-031 2 August 1985 Sanitized Copy Approved for Release 2011/03/07: CIA-RDP97-00771 R000807640001-7 Sanitized Copy Approved for Release 2011/03/07: CIA-RDP97-00771 R000807640001-7 The Geostationary Satellite Orbit A geostationary satellite is launched into a circu- lar orbit in the plane of the equator at an altitude of approximately 35,800 kilometers. It orbits the Earth at the same rate as the Earth's rotation. When viewed from the Earth, the satellite appears suspended over a fixed point on the equator. Earth stations remain directed at such satellites without the need for expensive, complicated tracking equip- ment. Among the functions of satellites in this orbit are telecommunications and broadcasting. Geostationary satellites using the same frequency bands may interfere with each other or with other systems on the same frequencies. Interference de- pends on: ? Separation between the areas on Earth the satel- lites are servicing. ? The technology in the satellite and its Earth stations (particularly the directivity and polar- ization of antennas). ? Separation between the satellites. ? Other systems, not in the geostationary-satellite orbit or on Earth (such as aircraft and ships), sharing the same frequency bands. Space technology is rapidly evolving, allowing a greater satellite communications capacity and closer spacing of like-frequency satellites than before. States on disarmament issues. Several other politi- cal issues likely to draw fire include: the UK- Argentine dispute over the Falklands and territo- ries, special treatment for LDCs, sovereignty claims to the geostationary orbit by the equatorial countries-primarily Colombia, Ecuador, Kenya, and Indonesia-and anti-Israeli rhetoric The stakes are high. The geostationary orbit plays a key role in the economic and military security of many developed countries, especially the United States, which makes more use of this orbit and frequency spectrum than any other nation. A long- term, detailed plan that allows each country equal orbital slots and frequency assignments in frequen- cy bands of US interest would jeopardize US commercial and government interests. Among the US concerns are protection of: ? US government communications systems. ? Commercial communications and broadcasting satellites. ? Global satellite operations. ? US policies for competitive access to the geosta- tionary orbit. ? US monetary contributions to ITU operations. Key Countries and Groups We believe that investment in space systems, affili- ations with global and regional telecommunications systems, and political alignment will, for most nations, determine positions at the Space WARC. The industrialized nations have the greatest stake. A few developing countries have their own satel- lites-most merely subscribe to international systems. ? The developing countries. The 101-member Non- Aligned Movement (NAM) will work actively in the Space WARC to organize LDC positions. Brazil, China, India, and Indonesia, however, have their own communications satellites and consequently will be less eager to make changes which could affect existing systems. ? The Soviet Bloc. The Soviet Union is the second heaviest user of the geostationary-satellite orbit and, like the United States, will seek to protect its access to the orbit and the frequency bands allocated for use by satellites. We believe the USSR will try to achieve this objective but, at the same time, try to appear to side with the LDCs. Sanitized Copy Approved for Release 2011/03/07: CIA-RDP97-00771 R000807640001-7 25X1 Sanitized Copy Approved for Release 2011/03/07: CIA-RDP97-00771 R000807640001-7 Secret LDCs and some major satellite-owning countries agree on rigid plan In frequencies not used by the United States Neutral Probable In commercial frequencies Negative Possible In frequencies of US concern Negative Probable US isolated against rigid plan In frequencies not used by the United States Neutral Possible In commercial frequencies Negative Unlikely In frequencies of US concern Negative Possible Consensus with US agreement on new flexible approach for regulating orbit In frequencies not used by the United States Positive Possible In commercial frequencies Positive Possible Regions differ/Regions I and 3 plan, Region 2 delays a In frequencies not used by the United States Neutral Possible In commercial frequencies Neutral Possible In frequencies of US concern Negative Possible Stalemate/declare failure Positive Possible LDCs pass rigid planning; no satellite-owning countries support In frequencies not used by the United States Neutral Unlikely In commercial frequencies Neutral Unlikely a The ITU divides the world into three regions-Region 1 (Western Europe, Africa, and the USSR), Region 2 (the Americas), and 25X1 ? The Western nations. In our judgment, the West- ern industrial nations will agree generally with US objectives, but differences exist. The West European nations, under the apparent guidance of the United Kingdom, oppose incorporation of the Western Hemisphere broadcasting plan into the ITU radio regulations, according to State Department reporting. We believe they want to finish their own broadcasting plan first so that all the regional plans can be reviewed at the same time. Australia, Canada, and Sweden indicate that they support variations of rigid planning. Without full support from these countries, the United States will face an uphill struggle in avoiding some form of fixed assignments. ? Other groups with influence. Only countries can vote at ITU conferences. Other bodies, however, both international and regional may speak, sub- mit papers, and lobby at ITU sessions. INTEL- SAT and INTERSPUTNIK probably will play the biggest roles. Sanitized Copy Approved for Release 2011/03/07: CIA-RDP97-00771 R000807640001-7 Sanitized Copy Approved for Release 2011/03/07: CIA-RDP97-00771 R000807640001-7 Possible Outcomes and Implications national security purposes. We believe there is a good chance that Space WARC will make decisions detrimental to US interests. The delegates may either make decisions outright at the first session or ask an intersessional group to study some provisional choices. Odds are that the LDCs and some major satellite-owning countries will agree on a rigid plan affecting some frequencies currently used by the United States for would be in a position to take reservations. The best hope for the United States is that other satellite-owning countries stand firm on maintain- ing flexible procedures for regulating the orbit, or-as a fallback position-limit planning schemes to just enough of the spectrum to satisfy LDC demands. If the satellite-owning countries remain united in opposition to whole-scale planning, then-even if the conference votes for such a scheme-the more advanced countries probably The next best hope for the United States is that the conference make only provisional decisions on regu- lating the orbit and the spectrum, leaving it to an intersessional study group to determine feasibility and make recommendations to the 1988 session. This would allow time to put additional pressure on other satellite-using countries to stand firmly be- hind a more flexible approach to planning. Sanitized Copy Approved for Release 2011/03/07: CIA-RDP97-00771 R000807640001-7 Sanitized Copy Approved for Release 2011/03/07: CIA-RDP97-00771 R000807640001-7 Secret Bolivia: Dimensions of Economic Reconstruction The resounding rejection of the ruling party during recent elections indicates that voters are fed up with hyperinflation, economic deprivation, and work stoppages. With labor discredited and the radical left divided, the current front-runners-the final selection of the president by the Congress is scheduled for today-are promising to attempt economic reconstruction. The implementation and success of such efforts, however, will depend on the ability of the next administration to enact a market-oriented economic policy, endure criticism and opposition, and encourage private enterprise. Anatomy of a Crisis Economic policy under President Siles was geared to gaining popular support for the government by granting massive wage concessions, and increasing government spending and subsidization by printing money. The results have been disastrous: ? Inflation-running at 8,900 percent for the 12 months that ended in June-is the highest in the world and caused industrial production to decline 22.4 percent in 1984. ? Thirty percent of the labor force is unemployed or underemployed, and real wages have fallen 20 percent, according to the US Embassy. Conse- quently, strikes for increased wages continually disrupt the economy. ? Decreasing per capita income has resulted in sharp cutbacks in consumption of basic food items. A UNICEF study states that 60 percent of Bolivia's children suffer malnutrition. The economy is also reeling under major structural problems. Controls on bank interest rates in the face of galloping inflation have destroyed the incen- tive to save. In May, private commercial bank deposits totaled only $11 million, according to the Change in money supply Ratio of public-sector deficit to GDP Ratio of external public debt to GDP -6.6 -8.6 -3.7 297 328 2,177 230 210 1,890 7 18 23 46 55 80 US Embassy. Inept administration and economic controls have driven the mining sector to the brink of bankruptcy, with tin production falling 25 per- cent over the past year. Massive cash transfers to government-owned enterprises, consumer subsidies, and tax evasion caused a fiscal deficit equal to at least 23 percent of GDP in 1984, according to US Embassy reporting. Government price controls have led to massive smuggling, as well as thriving black markets. Smuggling by Bolivian producers accounts for the fact that in 1984 Peru's official tin production far exceeded its reported production capacity. On the black market, consumer staples are bought and sold at premium prices, and a dollar fetches 12 times the official exchange rate. The US Embassy reports that as much as 50 percent of all economic activity takes place outside of the formal economy. La Paz has refused to work with bankers and the IMF and is now in default on its commercial bank debt. The government claims that its foreign cur- rency reserves are exhausted. The US Embassy Secret DI JEEW 85-031 2 August 1985 Sanitized Copy Approved for Release 2011/03/07: CIA-RDP97-00771 R000807640001-7 Sanitized Copy Approved for Release 2011/03/07: CIA-RDP97-00771 R000807640001-7 Trade balance 399.0 275.0 224.0 Exports, f.o.b. 827.7 756.8 695.0 Imports, f.o.b. 428.7 481.8 471.0 Net services and transfers -492.8 -458.6 -469.0 reports that the current account deficit rose to $245 million in 1984, despite the suspension of interest payments to foreign banks. Campaign Promises The two front-runners in the current bid for the presidency both favor a return to more market- oriented policies aimed at reinvigorating the econo- my. Former President Hugo Banzer, who won the count of valid votes by a narrow 2.7-percent margin but is unlikely to emerge as president from the congressional balloting, has publicly promised dras- tic measures beginning with the deregulation of exchange rates, prices, and interest rates. He says he would reduce the fiscal deficit by cutting gov- ernment employment and raising taxes, and by selling off or shutting down inefficient government mining companies. obstacles. Victor Paz Estenssoro, who probably will be select- ed president with the support of a leftist coalition in Congress, has yet to announce a comprehensive economic program. According to the US Embassy, Paz favors a more gradualist approach, promising to move exchange rates and consumer prices to- ward market levels over time. He has also promised to reduce fiscal deficits, improve the management of state enterprises, and remove current export According to press and Embassy reports, both candidates would promote agricultural develop- ment. Banzer believes the government should en- courage privately owned farms in the underdevel- oped lowland, providing a greater incentive to increase production. Paz, too, wants to expand private agriculture, as well as cooperatives. The US Embassy reports that Paz wants to attract interna- tional assistance and provide subsidies to farmers to convert from coca cultivation to staple crops. According to the US Embassy, both Banzer and Paz plan to promote foreign investment-although neither has announced specific measures-as well as renew talks with the IMF. Foreign investment would provide a much-needed source of capital and management skills, especially in the oil and gas sector. An IMF agreement will be required to renegotiate commercial debts, resume regular debt payments to private banks, and reestablish trade credit lines to revive imports already pared to the bone. Beyond the Candidates' Proposals Based on the experiences of governments that have been successful in breaking hyperinflation, we be- lieve additional fiscal discipline would be necessary. A currency reform accompanied by strict control over the printing press is a prerequisite. To control the money supply, we believe La Paz will need to separate the Central Bank and Treasury functions. A temporary wage and price freeze could be im- posed to ensure public support and dampen infla- tionary expectations. Most governments that have been successful in breaking the inflationary spiral have also implemented wage restraints Beyond this, La Paz must, in our view, rein in its state-owned enterprises. Eliminating subsidies to state companies would help decrease the deficit and free up credit for the more productive private sector. Capital formation and domestic investment would be encouraged by restoring positive real interest rates on regulated bank accounts. Sanitized Copy Approved for Release 2011/03/07: CIA-RDP97-00771 R000807640001-7 Sanitized Copy Approved for Release 2011/03/07: CIA-RDP97-00771 R000807640001-7 Secret Hyperinflation During the Weimar Republic The German Weimar Republic endured hyperinfla- tion for 18 months. By November 1923, prices were increasing at a rate of 30,000 percent a month, causing price signals to go haywire. Prudent activi- ties-such as savings and investment-became fol- ly, but speculation created wealth. Moreover, real wages fell, despite indexation that merely escalat- ed the hyperinflationary spiral. At the end of 1923, a determined and tough- minded Reichsbank president, Hjalmar Schacht, implemented a series of measures that halted inflation and stabilized the economy: ? A new currency was issued and backed by mort- gage bonds on Germany's land and physical assets. ? In order to regain control of the money supply, the Central Bank refused to accept private cur- rency issued by businesses and municipalities in a total amount as great as that of the official currency. ? The amount of credit outstanding was frozen, and the subsequent shortage of money caused hoarders to convert foreign currency into marks, bolstering the exchange rate. The credit freeze also led to an inflow of money that had been held abroad. ? Government employment was cut. ? New taxes were imposed, and real income from taxes already in place increased dramatically as restoration of order made collection easier, and currency stabilization ended the incentive to lag tax payments. ? Loans of special marks backed by gold were made on a "constant value" basis, payable in gold marks sufficient to represent the original value, not the depreciated value, of the loan. Thus, debtors no longer benefited from inflation. We believe La Paz needs to diversify exports to restore debt-servicing capacity. Tin-the tradition- al export mainstay-will continue to lack competi- tiveness on the world market because of high production costs Natural gas sales to Argentina, now the largest foreign exchange earner, are vulnerable because Buenos Aires has its own gas deposits. To this end, Bolivian gold and lithium deposits could be exploit- ed, and natural gas sales negotiated with other South American countries, particularly Brazil. Ac- cording to the World Bank, uncultivated fertile lowlands could produce large legal export crops. Given the resounding defeat of the ruling party in the current election, we judge that most voters- weary of hyperinflation-would provide initial sup- port for a thoroughgoing economic reform and stabilization program. It is also clear from past attempts at economic adjustment in Bolivia that popular opposition would develop in response to government layoffs, tax increases, and the retrac- tion of subsidies, and could easily cause the govern- ment to backslide in key areas. Military and labor reaction will also be crucial. he largely conservative military establishment blamed Siles's vacillating economic policies and his failure to deal firmly with labor for causing serious social unrest. Consequent- ly, we judge that the armed forces would probably support stabilization measures. In contrast, the Confederation of Bolivian Workers would push hard to obstruct the government. Although labor will continue to be a major obstacle, the internal divisions within the country's largest worker's con- federation and the public disenchantment with excessive strikes should work to the advantage of any new government. If the government tries to ban strikes, however, as occurred during Banzer's first administration, such action could lead to violence that would undermine stabilization. Sanitized Copy Approved for Release 2011/03/07: CIA-RDP97-00771 R000807640001-7 Sanitized Copy Approved for Release 2011/03/07: CIA-RDP97-00771 R000807640001-7 Beyond the political challenges, economic recon- The drug sector, the only portion of the economy struction will be difficult to put into practice. We where government does not intervene, would con- judge there is insufficient technical talent to imple- tinue to thrive as the sole viable economic alterna- ment thoroughgoing reforms. Moreover, the high- tive. land Indians in the past have resisted relocation to the lowlands-a key feature of agrarian reform. would continue. Without reconstruction, however, Bolivia's formal economy will likely be paralyzed by hyperinflation that could move into seven digits. Virtually all economic activity would probably occur through barter and on the black market. Savings would become nonexistent, while external insolvency Sanitized Copy Approved for Release 2011/03/07: CIA-RDP97-00771 R000807640001-7 Sanitized Copy Approved for Release 2011/03/07: CIA-RDP97-00771 R000807640001-7 Secret L___ Inadequate OPEC Price Cuts Energy meet Mexican competition. Token price reductions agreed to at last week's OPEC ministerial meeting are unlikely to alter the market's view that the organization is impotent. The oil ministers agreed by majority vote to cut medium-grade oil prices by 20 cents per barrel to $27.20 and to lower heavy crude prices by 50 cents to $26. The organization plans to meet again in October to discuss production quotas. Industry sources of the US Embassy in Riyadh claim the Saudis do not plan to carry out their threat to flood the market with oil unless OPEC fails in October to agree to a new output allocation scheme. In that case, the Saudis may be willing to risk a price war to regain their share of the market. OPEC needed to cut heavy oil prices about $1.50 per barrel to bring them in line with spot market rates, and Venezuela would have to lower prices even further to ushing the Oil could flow through the new Iraqi-Saudi pipeline in September before the L4raqi-Saudi line is fully operational, according to the US Embassy in Riyadh. Saudi Pipeline Into Service authorities have tentatively approved the contractor's unusual plan to operate the line manually for several months until electronic controls are installed. Project managers believe construction will not be complete before early November, and early export rates will be limited to about 200,000 b/d, according to the US Embassy in London. Early use of the line will minimize the effect of delays in completion and support Iraq's request for a higher production quota at a special OPEC meeting proposed for October. Although the line could be manually operated at 500,000 b/d, Riyadh may claim safety concerns to limit the flow of Iraqi oil into a tight market. Unless other producers cut back, even a small increase in Iraqi production would add to price pressures. Secret DI IEEW 85-031 2 August 1985 Sanitized Copy Approved for Release 2011/03/07: CIA-RDP97-00771 R000807640001-7 Sanitized Copy Approved for Release 2011/03/07: CIA-RDP97-00771 R000807640001-7 akeup at National 1Vicaraguan-Mexican Oil Deal The National Iranian Oil Company (NIOC) has replaced its marketing manager because in May he used barter deals to move bulging stocks at the Sirri transshipment terminal, according to a source of the US Embassy in Kuwait. The new marketing chief disapproves of barter. In May the president of NIOC stepped down amid similar criticism of sales policies. These personnel moves reflect serious disputes within the regime over oil policy. The Oil Ministry and NIOC prefer cash sales, but lack of hard currency has pushed other ministries to meet import needs through barter deals. NIOC is blamed by the Consultative Assembly (Majles) for Iran's foreign exchange shortage but is also criticized for selling oil too cheaply when it attempts to in- crease sales. After sharply cutting oil deliveries to Managua over the past year and one half, Mexico has agreed to provide up to 20 percent of its needs in 1985. Mexi- co City had suspended oil shipments between March and June, ostensibly in response to repayment problems but also because of political considerations. to show solidarity with the Sandinis- tas and maintain political leverage, Mexico City is unlikely to stop oil shipments completely in the near future. Brazilian Oil Find The Brazilian National Oil Company (Petrobras) has discovered a giant offshore oilfield in the Campos Basin, The field is believed to contain 1-2 billion barrels of oil and may increase Bra- zil's oil reserves by more than 50 percent. Petrobras believes the field can be developed profitably if oil prices remain above $15-20 per barrel. Brazil's aggressive offshore exploration is paying off. Oil reserves have increased over 200 percent during the past five years to an estimated 3 billion barrels. Production has risen dramatically to over 550,000 b/d during the same period. Petrobras's experience with earlier production systems in conjunction with US and West European deepwater technology will allow rapid development of the field despite its depth. In addition, continued exploration in the Campos Basin is likely to lead to more discoveries. Secret 2 August 1985 Sanitized Copy Approved for Release 2011/03/07: CIA-RDP97-00771 R000807640001-7 Sanitized Copy Approved for Release 2011/03/07: CIA-RDP97-00771 R000807640001-7 Secret Europe's Eastern Europe has undertaken in recent months a resurgence in borrowing Western Borrowing from Western commercial banks reminiscent of the loan boom of the late Resurgence debt to the Fund could begin growing rapidly again. 1970s. Syndicated credits to Bulgaria, Czechoslovakia, East Germany, and Hungary have totaled nearly $2.5 billion so far in 1985-compared with just over $3 billion in 1982-84-and have carried favorable terms. Competition among bankers seems to be due more to high bank liquidity and a lack of bet- ter lending opportunities elsewhere, however, than to enthusiasm over East European economic performance and prospects. Moreover, troubled debtors, Poland and Yugoslavia, are still shut out, and a current loan effort for Romania faces uncertain prospects. East European borrowers apparently are using the new bank credits largely to refinance existing commercial debt on better terms, and not to cover payments deficits. Official and officially- guaranteed debt is also likely to continue rising. Most Western governments seem willing to extend more trade credits, and the East Europeans appear ready to begin importing more capital goods typically financed with these loans. Debt to the World Bank is likely to increase as a result of major project loans for Hungary and Yugoslavia. Under present arrangements, the com- bined obligations of Yugoslavia, Romania, and Hungary to the IMF should begin to fall this year, but, if Poland joins the Fund in 1986, East European Gross debt Commercial Official 85,841 80,568 81,600 80,795 59,552 52,778 48,110 42,700 21,305 21,110 26,122 30,106 Secret 2 August 1985 Sanitized Copy Approved for Release 2011/03/07: CIA-RDP97-00771 R000807640001-7 Sanitized Copy Approved for Release 2011/03/07: CIA-RDP97-00771 R000807640001-7 Hungary-World Bank Agreement P and Still eeking Credits Advanced Technology and Regulatory j Concerns of Airbus A320 25X1 Secret 2 August 1985 and a $125 million cofinanced yen loan from Japanese banks. Hungary signed a $300 million syndicated loan in June, cofinanced with the World Bank, and earmarked for the modernization of the petrochemical, food- processing, and transportation industries. The interest rate was set at 0.75 percentage point over LIBOR for eight years for the commercial bank portion and 10 years for the World Bank share. Oversubscription of the commercial bank portion resulted in an additional $125 million credit from Western banks with the same terms. The loan is part of an $800 million package that also in- cludes a $250 million Eurodollar loan provided directly by the World Bank and Canadians have yet to decide. Poland is seeking $600-800 million in new credits from Western governments in the wake of last month's rescheduling of about $11 billion in official debt which became due during the period 1982-84. Its chances of receiving significant funding soon appear slim. Earlier this year, Warsaw requested $1.7 billion in credits from Western governments, but received no firm commit- ments. NATO sanctions on new credits to Poland are still in effect, but some countries, including the United Kingdom and West Germany, have indicated they will base their lending on economic rather than political grounds. Even the economic grounds are shaky-a recent survey by US embassies found that most countries are waiting for complete payments on the 1981 and 1982-84 re- scheduling agreements and the signature of a 1985 accord before making a de- cision on new loans. The Poles probably will be at least $500 million short of meeting the minimum payment required by governments. Even if some payments are forthcoming, the West Germans plan to grant only $30 million, while the British and Swedes may provide only small short-term credits. The Danes probably will not extend any new credits, while the Portuguese, Greeks, Global and Regional Developments Use of advanced technologies on the new 150-seat A320 presents difficulties for airworthiness certification in Western Europe and the United States. The "fly-by-wire" control systems, advanced cockpit technologies, and "relaxed static stability" aerodynamics do not technically comply with published flight standards. The new technologies, nevertheless, have the ability to provide levels of flight safety and passenger comfort far in excess of existing commercial aircraft. We believe the Airbus consortium has taken significant steps to ensure the A320's certification. future designs. Overall, we believe that the A320 is likely to inspire US aircraft manufacturers to apply similar advanced technologies in Sanitized Copy Approved for Release 2011/03/07: CIA-RDP97-00771 R000807640001-7 Sanitized Copy Approved for Release 2011/03/07: CIA-RDP97-00771 R000807640001-7 Secret 25X1 Argentina Boosts Sales Argentina has scored a major coup in the global grain market by agreeing to in Brazili n Wheat sell Brazil 1.4 million metric tons of wheat valued at about $150 million for de- Market livery from October 1985 through July 1986. The accord more than doubles z ropfan Technology for Commercial Aircraft the flow of Argentine wheat to Brazil's 4 to 5 million ton-per-year import market-the largest in Latin America-largely at the expense of higher priced US wheat. It also will help alleviate Argentine concern over Brazil's bilateral trade surplus that has ranged from $50 to $350 million over the past five years. The pact reportedly stems, in part, from high-level pressure in Brasilia to improve Brazilian-Argentine relations. This pressure apparently outweighed the technical views of the Brazilian Wheat Board, the sole purchaser of wheat, which has generally favored US wheat based on product quality, financing, and shipping arrangements. 50X1-HUM present round of competition to replace existing short haul fleets. A recent meeting of Western government and industry aerospace propulsion experts featured extensive discussions on propfan engines for commercial aircraft. Although the propfan's efficiency promises savings of up to 8 percent of direct operating cost, difficult problems remain. Present NASA programs and industry programs in France, the United Kingdom, as well as the United States, are seeking solutions to the excessive vibration and cabin and airport noise associated with the large propeller-driven aircraft. Given these problems, most experts do not see a program launch until the late 1980s with expected airline operation in the late 1990s. This limits potential propfan sales in the 23 Secret 2 August 1985 Sanitized Copy Approved for Release 2011/03/07: CIA-RDP97-00771 R000807640001-7 Sanitized Copy Approved for Release 2011/03/07: CIA-RDP97-00771 R000807640001-7 National Developments Developed Countries Japanese Japanese semiconductor manufacturers are continuing to reduce investment Semiconductor levels for plant and equipment this fiscal year. Although the amounts noted in Investment Declines Japanese press reports vary, the trend has been sharply downward since L Secret 2 August 1985 February when Japanese semiconductor makers were reporting plans to increase their investment level 10 to 20 percent above the record fiscal 1984 levels (up to 1 trillion yen, or $4 billion by one estimate). By May planned in- vestment levels were revised downward to 6 to 7 percent less than in FY 84. Since then, five of the nine major manufacturers-Hitachi, Toshiba, Fujitsu, Matsushita, and Mitsubishi-have announced planned cuts of 10 to 30 percent. Japanese semiconductor investment should exceed reduced US levels again by about $500 million. We believe that the decline is driven largely by the current downturn in semiconductor sales as well as by US criticism of high Japanese capital investment levels. Sanitized Copy Approved for Release 2011/03/07: CIA-RDP97-00771 R000807640001-7 Sanitized Copy Approved for Release 2011/03/07: CIA-RDP97-00771 R000807640001-7 Secret 1 London Steps Up Fight Against Unemployment Spanish Austerity To Continue 25X1 ZSoviet Oil Credit Terms for Nicaragua nation. The Thatcher government took a series of steps in mid-July to bring down the 13-percent unemployment rate. In a reversal of policy, London said it would begin to use state funds to encourage companies to shift orders to areas hit hardest by unemployment. Employment secretary King told a gathering of business leaders that the "on-your-bike" approach-referring to the govern- ment's philosophy that workers should relocate to find jobs-has its limits. London also announced proposals for broad deregulation of small businesses and removing youth from minimum wage controls to stimulate job creation. Thatcher can be expected to take even more active measures on unemployment as national elections-due by mid-1988--draw nearer; polls show the public continues to view unemployment as the most serious problem facing the the Socialist trade union unlikely. Spain's new Minister of Economy and Finance, Carlos Solchaga, has pledged to adhere to the austerity program introduced in 1982 by former Minister Boyer. In particular, Solchaga aims to further cut the budget deficit as a percentage of GDP in an effort to reduce inflation, nudge down real interest rates, and avoid crowding out private investment. Anticipating pressure to accelerate government spending before next year's elections, he stated firmly that an expansionary policy would provide only a short-lived stimulus that would reverse the progress made thus far. Solchaga tried to strike a less confrontational stance than his predecessor by offering to discuss economic policy with labor and business leaders. Nevertheless, we believe Solchaga's commitment to tough austerity-including wage moderation, pension cuts, layoffs in declining industries, and labor reforms-makes a reconciliation with Less Developed Countries Soviets ascribe to keeping the Nicaraguan regime afloat. A Soviet diplomat recently told the US Embassy in Managua that the USSR is supplying roughly 80 percent of Nicaragua's oil needs over the next few years on commercial terms. He claimed that virtually all economic transac- tions with the Sandinistas are handled on nonconcessionary terms with only a few outright donations of wheat, medicine, and vehicles. He said Managua repaid $7 million for commercial loans last December but admitted problems with debt service since then. Even though Moscow is trying to show Washington it is distancing itself from the Sandinistas, it probably has not changed the highly concessional economic relationship. Specific details are unavailable, but Moscow appears to be conducting most of its trade, especially oil, on a commercial basis that includes generous trade credits. Nevertheless, it almost certainly will be unable to hold the Sandinistas to a strict repayment schedule because of insufficient funds in Managua and the importance the 25 Secret 2 August 1985 Sanitized Copy Approved for Release 2011/03/07: CIA-RDP97-00771 R000807640001-7 Sanitized Copy Approved for Release 2011/03/07: CIA-RDP97-00771 R000807640001-7 ought Threatens Normal rainfall so far this year in regions of Ethiopia that feed the Nile River Flow of Nile may indicate a break in the long drought and reduce the threat of a catastrophic water crisis in Egypt in 1986 or 1987. Even so, several years of above-normal rainfall will be required to fill Lake Nasser, Egypt's main reservoir on the Nile. By the end of this month, the lake will have only about one-fifth of its normal usable volume, and electric power generating capacity at the Aswan High Dam is already down by about 20 percent, according to the US Embassy. The Nile supplies 95 percent of Egypt's water and about 85 percent of Nile water originates in Ethiopia. Egyptian authorities are optimis- tic that the current drought is now ending. If the drought continues through 1986, all usable storage will be gone; by 1987 power generation and irrigation water release will have to be cut drastically. Lebanese Economy The Lebanese economy continues to function, albeit at a very low level, Hangs On Secret 2 August 1985 according to the US Embassy. Industry is at a virtual standstill due to the poor security situation, credit limitations, imported raw material shortages, and competition from tax-free goods imported through the numerous illegal ports. Commerce has been kept alive by continued government deficit spending via its bloated payroll and through black-market trade with Syria. Although the Lebanese pound has recently stabilized at approximately 16 to the dollar, its fall from nine to the dollar at the start of the year has contributed to price hikes of approximately 70 percent. One factor reportedly helping the economy and the pound is the inflow of money-estimated at up to $50 million a month-to support the Palestinians and the various Lebanese militias. Sanitized Copy Approved for Release 2011/03/07: CIA-RDP97-00771 R000807640001-7 Sanitized Copy Approved for Release 2011/03/07: CIA-RDP97-00771 R000807640001-7 Secret Tunisia Sports a Bumper Crop M ttania's Copper Mine Ta is At least one of the 12 sisal plantations President Nyerere promised to roceeding With denationalize was recently purchased by a British firm. Further sales and f onntinnnli7nfinnc cnhcemient nrivnte nnerntinn of the sisal ectntec whnce nrnrjnctinn rlrnnned Rfl percent under parastatal management, should inject much needed foreign private investment into the collapsing economy. This revenue, however, would provide only a fraction of the estimated $200 million a year the government needs for agricultural rehabilitation. The privatization of the sisal estates, the sale of the Moproco oilseed processing concern, and recent rental housing reforms suggest the stage is being set for Nyerere's successor to take even more pragmatic steps to moderate Tanzania's unproductive socialist policiesr The government is estimating this year's cereal harvest at 1.95 million metric tons, up a surprising 90 percent over 1984. Press reporting claims that no durum wheat imports will be necessary through early 1986 and that limited exports of barley may be possible for the first time in several years. If the esti- mates hold true, the bumper crop will provide badly needed relief to Tunisia's current account and budget deficits. Food imports cost an estimated $350 million last year and food subsidies totaled $320 million. Good weather-after several years of drought-is the primary cause of the rebound. Nevertheless, expansion of agricultural education programs and liberalization of government price controls will be necessary to sustain the turnaround, measures that the regime probably will be slow to implement. Mauritania has begun the uphill battle to reopen its long-dormant copper mine with the help of wealthy Arab states-Algeria is a key backer-and foreign expertise, according to the US Embassy in Nouakchott. The project, however, has no assured outlets for the ore and is plagued by high extraction costs and low world prices for copper. In addition, the hasty closure in 1978 has left the mine in a poor state of repair-tailings were dumped on the most promising site for new open pit operations. The reopening, scheduled for 1987, would provide 900 badly needed jobs in the drought ravaged interior. Unless world copper demand substantially improves, reopening Mauritania's second-largest industrial project will require substantial subsidies, something the financially strapped government cannot provide. Moreover, use of outside management will require a major departure from the government's preference for heavy state control. Poor Philippine Z~~ reports. The government now projects that the economy will contract this year-it declined by 3.5 percent in the first quarter-and it is searching for ways to stimulate the economy. Virata contends that adhering to the IMF's guidelines has kept interest rates at prohibitive levels, depressing business activity. hopes for an economic recovery are being dimmed by the expectation that export earnings for the year will decline 27 Secret 2 August 1985 Sanitized Copy Approved for Release 2011/03/07: CIA-RDP97-00771 R000807640001-7 Prime Minister Virata is urging the IMF to set less stringent budget and Economic Outlook money supply targets in its loan program for the Philippines, according to press Sanitized Copy Approved for Release 2011/03/07: CIA-RDP97-00771 R000807640001-7 by 15 percent-in contrast to the 10-percent growth rate originally projected by the IMF. Virata's lobbying effort underscores Manila's fear that a deeper recession will further diminish the ruling party's prospects in local elections scheduled for 1986, aggravate unrest in the increasingly militant labor movement, and pave the way for further gains by the Communist insurgents in the countryside. The IMF is likely to grant Manila some leeway, but only if Manila devalues the peso and enforces long-sought reforms in the sugar and coconut industry. 25X1 Increased Soviet Aid to Vietnam Recent press reports from Hanoi claim Soviet economic aid to Vietnam for the 1986-90 five-year plan will be more than double that for the current plan. Moscow currently provides Vietnam approximately $1 billion in economic assistance annually. These reports add detail to the late June announcement of a new economic package for Vietnam concluded during party Secretary Le Duan's visit to Moscow. Although we believe the claimed increase is exagger- ated, the Soviets probably will boost economic assistance-much of it may be earmarked for oil exploration and development in the South China Sea. Other reports suggest Soviet interest in building an oil refinery and possibly beginning offshore oil exploration in the Tonkin Gulf. Manufacturing Modernization Ivestiya reports that robotization, one of the key programs in the current Soviet modernization drive, has not been cost effective and must be revised. A recent study of robot use in 52 Soviet machine and instrument manufacturing plants shows only 9 percent of these robots are used for more complex tasks such as welding, painting, and electroplating, while 72 percent perform simple functions such as loading and carrying. This reflects the fact that although the USSR now produces between 14,000 and 15,000 robots annually, more than double US production, most Soviet industrial robots are quite rudimentary and would probably be classed in the United States as manipulators. In the Soviet plants studied, 91 percent of the newly introduced robots replaced only one worker-or less-per shift. Thus, installation of such a robot saves only one annual salary, or 4,000 rubles, but costs 40,000 to 50,000 rubles each. Polish-Japanese Nissan has recently begun negotiations with Warsaw to construct a large automobile facility in Poland. The plant, which would manufacture automo- biles for both the West and East European markets, is seen as a threat by Fiat, which traditionally has had a lock on the East European auto market Fiat recently signed an agreement with Warsaw to provide a million, five-year credit-one of the few Poland has been able to arrange in the West since its financial crunch in 1981-for modernization of the plant in Secret ? August 1985 25X1 25X1 Sanitized Copy Approved for Release 2011/03/07: CIA-RDP97-00771 R000807640001-7 Sanitized Copy Approved for Release 2011/03/07: CIA-RDP97-00771 R000807640001-7 Secret southern Poland that produces the Fiat 126. A Warsaw-Nissan pact-which faces many hurdles such as financing and Poland's poor reputation for quality-would put further pressure on the major West European auto producers that already suffer from a serious overcapacity problem and need to shed more than 200,000 jobs over the next five years. rious Chinese L__~Port Delays Beijing has sent 850 troops to help ease a backlog of more than 500 ships at Dalian, Qingdao, and Shanghai. The military also will provide wharves, warehouses, and vehicles to transport and store cargo. Last month Beijing began confiscating cargoes that were not picked up on schedule. A sharp increase in trade has intensified the usual delays caused by China's antiquated and limited port facilities. China has less than 400 berths, and the 5,300 ships that called at Chinese ports during the first half of 1985 represented a 29-per- cent increase over the same period last year. Beijing has accelerated plans to build additional port facilities and associated infrastructure. Meanwhile, delays of three months or longer may discourage some foreign firms from trading with China. Sino-Japanese The latest session of the Bilateral Investment Treaty talks ended with three Investment major issues unresolved-treatment of investment, free transfer of assets, and Negotiations Recessed dispute settlement. China traded in the first half of 1985. This purchase may be part of a broader effort by China to stockpile strategic metals, or, the Chinese may intend to sell silver on the domestic market, as part of a battle to soak up excess currency in circulation and restrain inflation. In the past, China's activity in the silt' r market has appeared speculative 29 Secret 2 August 1985 negotiating a similar treaty. (Another round of talks may be scheduled for this fall. Nakasone has promised Beijing an accord by the end of this year, and the Japanese seem willing to grant concessions despite Chinese intransigence. If a Sino-Japanese treaty is signed within the next few months, China probably will expect the United States to become more interested in ina's Activity in China bought 20 million troy ounces of silver bullion in early July 1985- the Silver Market worth about US $123 million. This purchase is larger than the total volume Sanitized Copy Approved for Release 2011/03/07: CIA-RDP97-00771 R000807640001-7 Sanitized Copy Approved for Release 2011/03/07: CIA-RDP97-00771 R000807640001-7 Secret Secret Sanitized Copy Approved for Release 2011/03/07: CIA-RDP97-00771 R000807640001-7