At the end of World War II, the United States government launched its program of technical assistance to such countries as India, Iran, and Liberia. The aid project was aimed at providing technological skills, knowledge, and equipment to poor countries throughout the world. It also encouraged the flow of investment capital to these countries. The project received its name from the fourth point of a program set forth in President Harry Truman's 1949 inaugural address. Technical assistance, mainly in agriculture, public health and education, was provided through contracts with U.S. business and educational organizations. Organizations such as the Inter-American Development Bank were created to help develop the program.