netlonel cadres for construction and operation of such large projects as the metal lurglcal plants In B~llal and Bokaro In India, the Aswan hydro-power complex In Egypt, the Euphrates hydro-power complex In the Syrian Arab Republic and many other enterprises and construction projects. ASl It must be noted that the Soviet Union always alms at using the maximum number of local special lsts and workers during con• structlon and operation of co-operation projects. As training of the national cadres goes on the number of ·soviet special lsts Is being gradually reduced. For example, In 1974, when the Isfahan metallurgical plant was commissioned In Iran, (no!lf the Islamic Republic of Iran), there were about 500 Soviet speclal{stsc whereas In 1981 thetr number was reduced to .about t .. O specialists. Thus, the number of Soviet specialists in o 7~year period decreased 3.5 times. --· At a nitrogen fertilizer plant In Afghanistan the number of Soviet special lsts was around 400 persons In 1975; .In 1982 this figure was decreased by 2.5 times. The reduction of Soviet specialists and gradual transition of production Into the hands of national cadres Is carried out by Soviet organizations on the prupose oriented and planned basis. At the maJority of proJects special programmes for training local engineers, technicians and ski I led workers and for gradual replacement of Soviet special lsts are being prepared and Implemented. By-the beginning of 1984 the Soviet special lsts trained over 860 thousand persons In the projects of economic and technologi­ cal cooperation with developing countries. The greatest number of local workers and special lsts trained through this form was In Mongola- 130,000, In the Islamic Republic of Iran-100.000, In India -90,000, In Afganlstan and Egypt- 85,000 each, In traq, VietNam and Cuba- 60,000 each. and In the Syrian Arab Republic -over 30,000 persons. 
**Analysis**
The text appears to be discussing the cooperation between the Soviet Union (now Russia) and developing countries in terms of economic development, with a focus on training local workers and specialists in various industries. The projects mentioned include metalurgical plants, hydro-power complexes, and nitrogen fertilizer plants, which suggests a strong connection to industry and economic development.

**Category**
Industry, Economic development