DEBT‐EQUITY SWAPS AND THE ALLEVIATION OF THE LDCS DEBT PROBLEM

Debt‐equity swaps represent a new market‐based mechanism, by which debtor countries and creditor banks can defuse the acute problems associated with the international debt crisis. This paper describes, analyzes and evaluates debt‐equity swaps from the standpoint of the debtor country. It also discusses some of the possible advantages and disadvantages for LDCs that might contemplate the use of such swaps. The paper demonstrates how a successful debt‐equity swap program could play an important role in alleviating the IDCs' debt problem as well as contributing to their future economic growth.