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The paper discusses the relevance of input/output tables as a tool for economic analysis and planning in developing countries. It contends that this is so only to the extent that the input/output tables enable consistency of production accounts to be verified while providing a suitable basis for macro projections at the same time. As a by-product, such input/output tables, the paper adds, also provide a convenient framework for estimating the needs for extensions and improvements in basic statistics. All these requirements, it is stated, can be fulfilled by a relatively aggregated format of an input/output table—which some of the developing countries are in a position to compile. However, the paper states, it is feared that the case for input/output analysis is not based on these requirements. The main force of arguments is in fact based on the uses of input/output tables for more detailed sectoral analysis and projections. The current state of basic statistics on some key sectors, it is stated, is not sufficiently sound to yield an end-product which is reliable. In the case of sectors where this is so the input/output analysis is not relevant either because of concentration of production in a relatively few establishments or because of limited amount of inter-sectoral interaction. It is further felt that if such arguments were to be accepted by developing countries the result would be a distorted disposition of statistical resources. Immediate needs of the developing countries require concentration of effort in development of more reliable and relevant series on basic statistics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]