This will provide incentives for domestic food production, for local provision of basic services and for engaging in import-substituting activities. It is, however, important not to confuse the means with the ends, and not to forget that poverty reduction and a higher standard of living for the population are the immediate and also the ultimate goals of economic policymaking for the LDCs. In short, all policy choices involve tradeoffs, and policymakers must be aware of them and carefully weigh the benefits and costs in implementing each policy.