The past ten years are witness to many changes in line with this objective. Trading and settlement procedures have been improved. New instruments have been introduced. Disclosure levels have been enhanced. Measures to protect investors’ interest and educate them have been initiated at least on paper. A code of corporate governance has been put in place. Steps were initiated to change the organisational structure of the stock exchanges. Notwithstanding these improvements, the experience leaves one wondering how far the heavy emphasis placed on the stock market for allocating resources is justified. .
