A/44/PV.54 General Assembly

I call on His Excellency Mr. Evzen Zapotocky, of Czechoslovakia, who will speak on behalf of the Group of Eastern European States. Mr. ZAPOTOCKY (Czechoslovakia), Chairman of the Group of Eastern European States: On behalf of the delegations of BUlgaria, the Byelorus3ian Soviet Socialist Republic, the German Dem~ratic RepUblic, Hungary, Poland, the Ukrainian Soviet Socialist RepUblic, the Union of Soviet Socialist RepUblics and my own country, it gives me great pleasure to address this commemorative meeting a"d t~ congratulate Mr. Kenneth Dadzie, Secretary General of the United iJations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD), and through him the entire secretariat, on the twenty-fifth anniversary of this organization. We cannot fail to mention on this occasion the illustrious contribution to the work of UNCTAD of all the prevous Secretaries General - Raul Preb!sch, Manuel Per~z··Guerrero and Gamani COrea, who by their work laid the foundation upon which the present development of UNCTAD as an otgani~ation has b~en huilt. UNCTAD was set ~p by the General Assembly in December 1964 as one of itR • permanent organs mandated to promote international trade, particularly that of developing countries, with a view to accelerating their economic growth and development. When evaluating its activities over the past quarter of a century we cannot fail to note that UNCTAD has successfully pursued the aims for which it was erected.* * Mr. Jaya (Brunei Darussalam), Vice-President, took the Chair~ (Mr. Z8potockY, Czechoslovaki!) (Kt. Zapotocky, Czechoslo~k.!!) Its tasks still remain valid, however, especially in view of the complexity of the difficulties facing the international community nowadays. UNCTAD has proved its viability and established itself as the most important organ ef the General Assembly for int~rnational trade and development issues. UNCTAD's distinguishing feature ie ita universality both in terms of the number of particip3nts engaged in its work and in terms of the scope of the problems with which it is called upon to deal. The universal character of UNCTAD enables the entire range of problems of international trade and economic development to be examined in their close interconnection and interdependence and - what is most important ~ in the light of the interests of all the participating countries. With the eme~gence of this organization a fresh page was turned in the conceptual and institutional approach to the development of international economic relations. UNCTAD has made no small contribution to the constructive discussion of internatio"al trade and development issues and the elaboration of effective measures for the resolution of problems in this field. A number of important documents have been adopted under its auspices. Many of its decisions and recommendations are of a practical nature and are furthering the development of international economic relations on the basis of mutual advantage. The countries for which I am speaking are unanimous in recognizing that UNCTAD plays an important conceptual role in the elaboration of the strategic orip.ntations of international economic development. This was apparent in particular in the elaboration of principles governing international trade ~elations and trade policieR conducive to development which subsequently became the basis for the Charter of Economic Rights and Duties of States. The Charter, in its turn, showed new uays of reforming international economic relations. (Mr. zapotocky, Czechoslovakia) The role of UNCTAD in the elaboration of measures for regulating international cOlllnodi ty trade is indisputable. The adoption of the Integrated Progr amme for Commodities was an important contribution to that process. The Agreement Establishing the Common Fund for Commodities, which came into force in June of this year, was a practical contribution by UNCTAD to the stabilization of commodity markets and the creation of conditions for safeguarding the economic security of States. The Conference's seventh session, at which measures were worked out to overcorre critical trends that had begun to emerge in the work of the organiza ticn in the first half of the 1980s, was an im(X)rtant stage in the development of UNClAD. That session confirmed UNCTAD's role in the nodern system of interna tional economic organizations and defined a number of new directions for its work. In vie,., of the fundamentally new stage of development on '",hich the international economy is embarking, our countries consider that the need is now coming to the fore to internationalize approaches to the solution of the problems that exist here. Traditionally, in order to resolve differences between states, it has sufficed to find a balance between particularly national interests. Today, however, the balance will be unstable if attempts are made to build it otherwise than on the basis of interests common to all humanity. Genuine equilibrium and stable interdependence can be achieved only on the basis of nutually complementary action. The objective process of the fornation of an integral work economy requires a shift t.o a qualitatively new level of muttilateral economic partnership. We are in favour of businesslike, unprejudiced co~peration, of resolving global economic problems bf joint offorts and of making effective use of the existing machinery for multilateral economic co~peration. (Mr. zapotoeky, Czechoslcvaki~) OUr countries are convinced that UNCTAD should play a more important role as a forum for universal economic dialogue and the constructive search for optimal solutions to the principal problems of international economic ~elations. With its experience, its great intellectual potential and its universal character, UNC'l'AD can serve to\lfa~d. the DBlliagefilent of interdepefiidence with a view to augmenting predictability, stability, reliahility and economic ties among States, guaranteei.ng mutual benefit in world econoaic exchanges, accelerating a solution of the global problem of eKternal indebtedness, and, in the final analysis, improving the social co~dltion8 of all peoples. We appreciate the role of UNCTAD in alleviating the difficult situation of the least developed countries. The Substantial New P:ogramme of Action for the 1980s for the Least Developed CountrieH, elaborated under the auspices of UNCTAD, has helped to consolidate the efforts of the world co~unity and of this group of countries. A fu~ther impulse to the solution of the problems of the least developed countries should come from the Saccnd United Nations Conference on the Least Developed Countries, which is scheduled for next year and for which extensive preparations are under way in UNCTAO. UNCTAD has great potential to assist in the elaboration and implementation of the International Development Strategy for the Fourth United Nations Development Decade and should continue to act as a United Nations conceptual centre with regard to Questions of international economic co-operation and development. In addition to issues already mentioned, others, Buch as invisibles and financing, transfer of technology and shipping, should receive UNCTAD's continued attention. The successful filfilment of UNCTAD'~ new taske is impossible without close co-operation with other intern&tional organisations speciali:ing in different aspects of contemporary economic relations, such as the General Agreement on (Mr. Zapotocky, Czechoslovakia) Tariffs and Trade (GATT), the Internationcal Monetary Fund (IMF), and the International Bank for Reconstruction and Development (IBRD), and with other multilateral forums both within and outside the United Nations system. Our countries, bearing in mind their social and economic development strategies aimed at mote active participation in the intsrnational division of labour, are willing, within the framework of UNCTAD, to continue to make a constructive contribution to the solution of the urgent economic problems of the present age. Our countries hope that the experience UNCTAD has accumulated in the 25 years of its existence will enable the organization to discharge successfully the new tasks arising from the current stage of world economic de~elopment.

I now call on His Excellency Mr. Charles Flemming, who will speak on behalf of the Group of Latin American and Caribbean States. Mr. FLEMMING (Saint Lucia): We, the States members of the Latin American and Caribbean Group, take particular ple~sure in this commemoration of the twenty-fifth anniversary of the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) because we played such a catalytic role in its establishment and then gave of our beet minds, in the persons of Raul Prebisch and Manuel Perez-Guerrero, to help sustain it after its nascence. From the 1962 Cairo Conferenc on Problems of Developing Countries, which for many reasons was attended by only 36 developing countries, to the adoption by the General Assembly of resolution 1785 (XVI!) in December of the same year calling for the holding of UNCTAD I in 1964, we are quite proud of this now 168-member organization which has played such a dynamic role in world development by giVing effect to the basic Prebisch philosophy of "converging measures", that is, the promotion of economic development and trade through international co-opeEation within the United Nations framework. (~r. Flemming, Saint Lucia) UNCTAD was born 25 years ago, at a time of economic and political reassessment in the developing world, a time when the march of independence was bringing new efforts at changing neo-mercantilistic relationships, a time when we in Latin America and the Caribbean were seeking to redefine and restructure, within the purview of dependencia theory, the traditional core-periphery relationship which seriously impeded our economic growth and potential for capital formation. As enunciated at the first conference, UNCTAD emerged at a time of great imbalances in the world economy caused by, inter alia, the disparity between the rate of growth of the developing world's p~imary products and that of their import of industrial goods. This was further aggravated by a number of factors, including the increased use of synthetics in the industrial centres, thereby lowering demand for primary products, great elasticity of price for raw materials as compared with industrial goods and servicesJ and the rapid modernization and high protection of agriculture in many developed market economies. If all of that sounds familiar it is because we have come full circle, or, a8 we say in French, plus Qa change, plus i·est la meme chose. After having made some significant gains in the intervening decades we are again facing the economic problems we faced in 1964. But I hasten to add that the situation ~ould have been far, far bleaker without the Tolystoyan work performed by UNCTAD under the leadership of Gamani Corea and now our good friend Kenneth Dadzie. It is difficult to overestimate or Quantify the contribution of UNCTAD to the developing countries in the areas of trade, money and finance over the past quarter century. In Latin America and the Caribbean we are especially gratefUl for the enhanced framework for economic and technical co-operation among developing (Mr. Flemming, Saint Lucia) countries facilitated by UNCTAD ~ 8S, for example, in the current Uruguay Round of multilateral trade negotiations and the preparation for the second round of negotiations in the global system of trade preferences. Coming as it does at the end of this decade, which has been at best a difficul"" one for the developing countries, the twenty-fifth anniversary of UNC'l'AD should b~ing U9 new hope of a fairer, more eaualitarian economic relationship between NOrth and South. We in the Latin America and Caribbean Group plan to dedicate ourselves ia the 19909 to the principles adopted by the Trade and Development Board in its resolution 376 (XXXVI) - that is, to pledge ourselves to give UNCTAO the necessary political support to make it a more effective and responsive instrument of international co-operation for trade, growth and development, pa:ticul~rly of developing countries.

I now call. upon Mr. Er!k Tellmann, who will speak on behalf of the Group of Western E~top'ean and Other States. Mr. TELLMANN (Norway) i On behalf of the Group of Western European arad Other States permit me to join others in paying tribute to the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAO) on the occasion of its twenty-fifth anniversary. On occasions like this it is normal to take stock of achievement, to try to see where we are and, not least important, to see where we are going. Let me try to do this, without going too much into detail. No other organization, inside or outside the United Nations system, has been so intimately connected with what we for some time have been calling the (Mr. Tellmann, Norw!y) North-South dialogue. With UNCTAD the notion of development was joined to that of world trade. Its mandate allowed it to treat questions over the whole range of international economic issues, focusing particularly on their relation to the economic and social development of developing countries. It was only natural that UNCTAD as an institution saw it as its role to promote the weaker parties on the world economic scene. Through the generation of new ideas and perspectives, in focussing international debates, in emph~sizing the interdependence of issues, as an important negotiating forum - in all these ways - UNCTAD has played a uniaue and important role in forging dialogue and co-operation with regard to trade and development in changing economic and political circumstances. That is not to aay that all expectations and aspirations have been fulfilled. That would be impossible. The past decade especially has been a difficult one for a large number of developing countries. Yet today - or rather over the last couple of years since UNCTAD VII - we may discern a growing international convergence of views on central elements of economic policy. It may be that recent developments in international affairs will have a positive influence also in the economic field. In this context we think it worth while to underline the fact that "more countries in all parts of the world are making use of market signals and competitiveness in promoting entrepreneurial initiative and in optimizing the contributions of the public and private sectors" (A/44/L.39, annex, para.S} as stated in the Declaration of the Trade and Development Board on the occasion of UNCTAD1s anniversary a few weeks ago. UNCTAD has over the years by and large been able to adapt to changing circumstances. It should be borne in mind, however, that the degree to which UNCTAD can stay in the forefront of these changes is clearly determined by the politic~l will and consensua among Members States. (!1!... Tellmann, Norway) (Mr. Tellmann, Norw~) Speaking for the industrialized countries, I think this is the occasion to ackn0011edge that we accept UNCTADl s preoccupation ,,11th the ooncerns of developing countries. The organization - the only one in its field with universal membership - has always been in the forefront in focusing on the interrelationship of issues and interdependence. The need for a forum in which all issues and problel'lB can be regarded a~,d discussed as a whole will certainly not diminish in the years ahead of us. Even if there is a certain convergence of views on economic policy, there is an increasing risk that a two-track world econo~ is being created at a tine of rapid technological change and threatening environmental degrada Hon on an unprecedented scale and that. some oountr ies will not be able to break the vicious circle of poverty ald underdevelopment. In the same way as we as countries must respond to new challenges and opportuni ties ahead ald adj ust to the more canpeti tive and ITOre open interna tional environment that may be discerned, so must UNCTAD. We, the international community as a whole, need UNCTAD to be on top and preferably ahead of developments~ both analytically as a forum for the exchange of views and experiences and, when appropriate, as a forum for negotiatill9 concrete solutions to problems falling within its mandate. We as a group take this opportunity to renew a pledge made in Geneva a few weeks ago to pursue in UNCTAD Md elsewhere innovative ways to stimulate sustainable development for all countries and to contribute to accelerating the growth and developnent of the developill9 countries. We reaffirm our commitment and political support for the objectives of UNCTAD. The PRES IDENT, I call on the representative of Malaysia, who will speak on behalf of the Group of 77 CIld, in the course of his statement, introduce draft resolution A/44/L.39. Mr. RAZALI (Malaysia): The United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) occupies a central POSl tion wi thin the Group of 77, not merely as a result of our common birth but more because of UNCTAO's contributions to the cause of developing countries. Indeed, in recognition of the special relationship and contribution, delegations paid a glowing tribute to UNCTAD during the special minister ial meeting of the Group of 77 held in Caraclls in June this year to commemorate the twenty-fifth anniversary of the establishment of the Group of 77. UNCTAD has been an ally of the developing countries ald we look forward to an enhanced relationship in the years ahead. We also wish to take this opportunity to record our deep appreciation of the work and efforts undertaken by the present and former Secretaries General of UNCTAD and the members of its secretariat. They have all contributed to the successful initiatives and endeavours of UNCTAD with which the Group of 77 has been most closely ass(.)ciated. As mf colleague, Ambassador Barnett, Permanent Representative of Jamaica and Chairman of the Group of 77 in Geneva, recently stated at UNCTAD's twenty-fifth anniversary commemoration in Geneva that 25 y~. rs of work and achievement cannot be recounted here in minutes. Nevertheless, I should like to highlight the hallmark achievements of UNCTAD since its inception, as folloAs: ground-breaking work in trade, covering areas such as preferential tariffs, non-reciprocity, the Generalized System of Preferences and the Global System of Trade Preferences among developing countries, a significant contribution in the areas of commodities, aptly (Mr. Razali, Malaysia) reflected in the establishment of the Common FlD'ld, the establishment of a target for official development assistance, analysis and policy recommendations in respect of external debt, md technical ass istance in the management of debt j codes and regUlations in shipping and trade restrictive business practices, and work in cOMection wi th technology transfer, services problems of the least developed countries and economic co-operation among developing countri,<.ls. We are now witnessing a changing external envirmment brought about by, among other things, a lessening of tensions between the super-Powers, regionalization of developed countries cmd the cUrl:ent developments in the socialist world. The Group of 77 hopes that these developments will bring in their wake conditions conducive to economic ~;'owth and development. In this regard, given its 25 years of experience, UNCTAD could certainly make invaluable contributions. As we prepare to enter a new decade wi thin the next six weeks, we must be aware of the availability of a number of important opportunities for laying a firm foundation for the future. These opportunities includes the special session of the General Assembly devoted to international economic co-operation, in particular to the revitalization of economic growth 2I'1d development of the developing countries, the Second United Nations Conference on the Least Developed Countries, the Uruguay Round, now in its penultimate stages, the fourth international development strategy, and UNCTAD VIII. The Group of 77 is convinced that UNCI'AD, with its multisectoral mandate, must be at the forefront of our collective search to ensure a coherent cnd integrated approach to the issues to be addressed in these and other forums in an era of increasing interdependence. (Mr. Razali, Malaysia) UNCl'AD 2nd the Group of 77 have closely interacted throughout the last 25 years. The Group of 11 will continue to work closely with UNCl'AD and with all others committed and devoted to the cause of econcmc growth and development, particularly in developing countries. Finally, on behalf of the Group of 11, 1 have the honour to introduce draft resolution A/44/L.39, entitled, "Twenty-fifth annhersary of the establishment of the United Nations Conference on Trade end Development", for consideration by the General Assembly. The thrust of the draft resoluticm is essentially procedural. It endorses the Declaration adopted by consensus in Geneva during the first part of the thirty-sixth session of the Trade and Development Board on the twenty-fi fth anniversary of UNCl'AD, which was recently adopted by consensus in Geneva during the Board's meeting. The Group of 71 sincerely hopes that our partners wUl be able to co-operate with us in adopting the draft resolution by consensus. The PRESmENT, I csl1 on Ambassador Blanc of France, who will speak on behalf of the States menbers of the European Community. Mr. BLANC (Fr mce) (interpretation fran French), I have the honour to speak al behalf of the European Community and its menber States as we celebrate the twenty-fifth anniversary of the United Nations Conference on Trade 2nd Deve1pment (UNC1'AD) • I wish to affirm the importance that our countries attach to the initiative that led to the estab1shment of UNC'l'AD. It seems to us that UNCI'AD's value lies in the dual nature of its activities, which, while essentially based on reflection, also lead to action. In its 25th year UNCl'AD is evolving in a period favourable to its role in international economic co-operation. (Mr. Blanc, France) UNCl'AD is a focal point for the discussion of international economic problems. It draws its specific features from its comprehensive, universal and permanent nature. First, it promotes an awareness of reality in a nunber of a ....eas. Thus, in the course of a series of conferences we have seen the emergence of new developments that have called into question ideas that were widely accepted in the 1960s. Take, for example, the progressive evolution of our apprcach to development. The eXChanges made possible by UNCl'AD meetings have enabled us to harmonize our views on the consistent nature of two phenomena. the growth of newly industrialized countries and the severe handicaps of the least developed countries. (Mr. Blanc, France) This economic forum is also conducive to the developme~t of new ideas. I have in mind in particular our consideration, which is only at an initial stage, of economic interdependence, the repercussions of which are still only partially perceived. As the Community has stated on many occasions, this fact of life places constraints on all of gS and also inspires unprecedented hopes. In particular, the study of this subject should inspire a new approach to questions related to international economic co-operation. The concept of interdependence has already spawned many discussions, and UNCTAD is a prime forum for more thorough consideration of the matter. Furthermore, UNCTAD enables us, in the course of the dialogue conducted within it, to dispel certain ambiquities and misunderstandings that hamper development. The last decade, whose disappointing results in this field are bitt~rly discussed, suffered in that respect from overly ambitious or dogmatic positions on the role and the resources of international organizations. It is also regrettable that these differing approaches have prompted other States to react by rejecting mUltilate~al forums. It seems to us that this stage is being left behind in favour of a new spirit on all sides and that the calmer atmosphere that prevails on this occasion places the institution in a position to play a greater role. GlObally, the progress recorded in recent years seems encouraging. Both the work and the conclusions of the seventh session of UNCTAD and the last session of the Trade and Development Board reflect a relative convergence of views. The fact that the Board succeeded in adopting a joint declaration on the future of UNCTAD is indeed a result to be commended. In order to draw the greatest possible heneflts from this progress, the European Community has affirmed that this twenty-fifth anniversary should be an occasion for reviewing the working methods of the Conference. It should aim at (Mr. Blanc, France) bringing about a dialogue that is less formal and rigid, one oriented towards specific goals: the success of the newly industrialized economies, the delayed growth of the least developed countries, interdependence, the adjustment experience and so on. Its main contribution would be to go beyond the somewhat bureaucratic setbacks encountered over the years and to avoid making its work unduly solemn and thus creating a tendency to cast positions in stone. The work of UNCTAD will enable UA, if the present spirit of dialogue flourishes, to deal better with international economic problems by learning from our differences. The thrust and the calibre of the thinking in this regard should enable us to obtain valuable results. We are indeed pleased that recent years have brought a better definition of the respective functions of U~CTAD and other bodies. The role of UNCTAD is, above all, to defi~e aspirations and projects the implementation of which is the responsibility of others. In this connection, it has major responsibilities which it must shoulder without hesitation. The record of UNCTAD activities is already rich and varied. Now we must complete what has been begun and continue on the course that has now heen charted. To this end the European Community cannot emphasize too strongly the fact that UNCTAD must be extremely careful in defining its objectives. The effort reflected in the Geneva Declaration of last October, we helieve, must be contiuued. Such consistency will make it possible to avoid both duplication of the work of other organizations and unrealistic statements. If the eighth session of UNCTAD is held on the basis of a clear and unambiguous mandate, it will have concrete, realistic and practical results. The European Community will maintain its commitments, as it has consistently, with regard to the application of the generalized system of preferences and official development assistance. We hope, as a primary contributor of assistance (M~. Blanc, France) to the developing countries and in particular to the least developed countries, that the future work of UNCTAD will offer a framework in which our Community action and our national policies can fit harmoniously. It will be essential that the roles of the different categories of States, international organizations and non-governmental organizations and the private sector be understood e~plicity enough to avoid some of the misunderstandings of the past. In this new dynamic, we hope that UNCTAD will provide ways of responding practically and effectively to certain major challenges, such as that of the least developed countries. These States, especially those of sub-Saharan Africa, should remain the object of our concern. Furthermore, questions of debt and the environment can be better tackled if the efforts of UNCTAD are joined to those made elsewhere. In the short term the entry into force of the Common Fund for Commodities and its follow-up will provide additional work for UNCTAD, without prejudice to other future work in the same field. Lastly, in the longer term, we must reflect on the modalities of international co-operation which can reduce the present financial and trade imbalances, with all States completely fUlfilling their responsibilities. That is the productive future that the Community and its member States wish UNCTAD on the occasion of its twenty-fifth anniversary. It must remain one of the active and dynamic forums of the United Nations system. We can give an assurance that the members of the European Community are prepared to work towards that end. The PRESIDEN!: I call on the representative of China, His Excellency Ambassador Li Luye. Mr. LI Luye (China) (interpretation from Chinese): At the outset, please allow me to thank the President of the General Assembly at its forty-fourth session and the Secretary-General of the United Nations for their excellent statements. "- J Digitized by Dag Hammarskjöld Library (Mr. Li Luye, China) This year marks the twenty-fifth anniversary of the establishment of the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development. We are joyfully gathered here today at this meeting of the General Assembly to commemorate this significant event. I now have the honour to extend, on behalf of the Chinese Government, our warmest congratulations to UNCTAD. UNCTAD was founded thanks to the active initiati~e and vigorous promotion of the vast numbers of developing countries and in response to the need of world economic development. An event of major significance in the international economic relations, its inception reflected the strong desire of the developing countries for developing national economies and improving international economic relations following their achievement of political independence. It also marked the beginning of a new stage in the economic co-operation among States. UNCTAO's record of the past 2S years is one of growing and maturing, and of making continuous progress with an enterprising spirit. Already the most universal intergovernmental body in the world, UNCTAD has to date held seven conferences, adding illustrious pages to the annals of international development. (Mr. Li Luye, China) It has worked tirelessly and made positive contributions to improving international economic relations: fosterinq world trade and development - especially that of the developing countries, promoting Nort~-South dialogue; strengthening South-Sout~ co-operation, and pushing for the establishment of a new international economic order. In keeping with the mandate given it by General Assembly resolution 1995 (XIX), UNCTAD has made outstanding contributions to the formulation and implementation of the p:inciples and policies concerning international trade and relevant development issues. Such principles and policies have found expressions in important documents on international economic relations, which have been widely accepted by the international community, such as the Declaration and Programme of Action an the Establishment of the New International Economic Order, the International Development Strategy, and the Charter of Economic Rights and Duties of States. As an organ of negotiations, UNCTAD has formulated, or sponsored the formulation of, the relevant principles, policies and agreements in the fields of commodities, trade, finance, technology transfer, maritime shipping, and economic co-operation between developing countries and the least-developed countries, and has achieved remarkable results. The well-known Generali1.ed System of Preferences (GSP), the Inteqrated Programme for Commodities, the Common Fund for Commodities, and resolution 165 (S-IX) on debt and development problems of the developing countries are hut some of the notable examples. The hiato~y of the past quarter of a century has proved that UNCTAD has become an indispensable forum and a place of negotiations in world economic affairs and its importance has been universally recognized hy the international community. The 19909 are setting in. In the years to come UNCTAD will have to shoulder important and arduous tasks. In recent years the international political scene has witnessed a shift from ten~ion to r.elaxation and from confrontation to (Hr. Li Iuye, China) dialogue, which has created a favourable climate for world economic co-operation. But the world economy, in particular the economy of the developing countries, is still facing seriolm challenges. Since the begiMing of the 1980s, the developed countries have been experiencing the longest continuous economic expansion in the post-War period, while for most developing countries the decade has been a lost one. The external environment for their economic development has worsened with mounting trade protectionism, declining primary commodity prices, a heaVY debt burden, a serious reverse flow of financial resources, and an ever-widening gap between the North and the South. It will therefore be the arduous task of the international ootmlunity in the next decade to step up economic co-operation between States and help the developing countries regain economic growth and development, thereby achieving a steady development in the world economy. Such being the case, the role of UNCTAD, as the intergovernmental body within the United Nations system that considers questions relating to international trade and development and formulates and implements relevant principles and policies for international trade and development, should be further strengthened rather than weakened in any way. It should play its Que role more fully in the field of comltDdi ties, trade, finance, debt and development and make even greater contributions. The fulfilment of UNCTAD's ml!ll\date and the realization of its set objectives will require, in addition to the efforts of UNCTAD itself, sufficient political will from its member States and their support for and co-operation with the work of that organization. We hope that all meflbers will support the work of UNCTAD and contribute to the development of the developing countries and to the revitalization of the global economy. As a member of UNCTAD, China has all along supported the work of UNCTAD, actively participated in its activities and maintained good relations of oo~peration wit-h it. China will, as always, work to strengthen its close (Mr. Lt ~ye, China) co~peration with UNCTl\D and develop its economic and trade relations with other countries in the world. As a developing country, China has striven consistently and unremit tingly, together with the other developing countries, for the establishment of a new international economic order. Reform and opening-up are the fundamental State policy of China. The implementation of that policy over the past 10 years has proved that it is correct and effective. In the years ahead this policy will be firmly pursued rather than changed. we are ready to develop, on the basis of equality and mutual benefit, economic co~peratlon and trade with all countries and reg ions in the world for the promotion of our respective development. Finally, may I wish UNCTAD new and even greater achievements in its future work.

I now call on the representative of the United States, Mr. Harry Cahill. Mr. ~HILL (United States of America) I On this day the United States is very happy to join all our colleagues in this Hall and around the world in congratulating the United Nations Conference an Trade and Development (UNCTAD) on its twenty-fi fth anniversary. These two and a half decades of the life of UNClAD have been very pressured, very crowded and very full of challenge. Much has been achieved in the efforts to make the world a better place and ':fe thank trNcrAD for this. But making harder the task of making the world a better place is the fact that: this world of ours has been evolving Md changing rapidly. Some old difficulties and problems persist and they weigh more and MOre heavily. At the same time, new challenges have arisen - new challenges Md new threats. But one thing we believe is certainl meTAD has an important role to play. We do believe that and we hope and tr ust that UNCl'AD will perceptively see what is needed in bringing vital grc:Mth and development to the developing countries. We, the United States, look forward to UNCTAD's strong and continui~ contribution in (Mr. Cahill, United States) providing practical assistance and guidance to the developing world. We look forward to UNClAD helping others learn from the valuable experience of those who have succeeded in advancing their own growth and in bringing well-being to their people. In sum, we wish UNCTAD every success and we warmly applaud the good work it has done and continues to do. The PRESIDENT, I request the Assenbly to turn its attention nC1tl to draft reSOlution A/44!L.39. May I take it that the Assenbly decides to adopt that draft resolution? Draft resolution A/44/L.39 was adopted (resolution 44/19). The meeting rose at 11.50 a.m.