Import Substitution Describe import substitution (Inward looking) developmental strategy, clearly outlining the differences between the first and second stage. Assess its effectiveness in promoting economic development. Compare inward looking and outward looking strategies and discuss the assertion that the latter is superior. The First Stage of Import Substitution: All present day industrial and developing countries protect their manufacturing industries for the domestic markets. While the industrial countries of today rely primarily upon the usage of relatively low tariffs, developing countries apply high tariffs or quantitative res