A US aid project, so called because it developed from the fourth point of a programme set forth in President Truman’s 1949 inaugural address, in which he undertook to make “the benefits of America’s scientific and industrial progress available for the improvement and growth of under-developed areas”. From 1950 Congress annually provided technical assistance for the long-term development of industries, agriculture, health and education in developing countries. The project also encouraged the flow of private investment capital to poorer nations. In 1953 it was merged with other foreign aid programmes.