Mr. Chairman,

I am honoured to address this Committee on behalf of the Group of 77 and China on agenda item 97 (a): Renewal of the dialogue on strengthening economic cooperation for development through partnership and 97 (b): Implementation of the Programme of Action for the Least Developed Countries for the 1990’s.

First of all, let me express our appreciation to the Secretary General for preparing and availing us the two documents: A/52/425 on item 97(a) and A/52/279 on item 97 (b). These documents are insightful on the main issues which need to be addressed adequately during this session of the General Assembly.

Mr. Chairman,

The report of the Secretary General contained in document A/52/425 has adequately responded to the issues raised in resolution 51/174, especially on the progress in the negotiations of an Agenda for Development, identifying the possible future themes for dialogue on economic and development issues between the developed and the developing countries and also on modalities of the discussions.

The conclusion of the Working Group of the General Assembly on an Agenda for Development and the adoption by the Assembly of the Agenda for Development on 20 June 1997 manifested some progress in the evolution of international economic cooperation for development. It symbolized the continuing willingness of both developed and developing countries to engage in constructive dialogue in the perceptions, approaches, ways and means, institutional arrangements and follow-up and implementation modalities needed to revitalize and dynamize international cooperation for development. Indeed, the agreed Agenda for Development provides the fundamental framework in objectives, policies and institutions for international development cooperation during this era of fast changing global international economic environment which is apparently saturated with challenges, risks, opportunities and marginalization.

The United Nations with its uniqueness and universality is best suited to guide and lead international efforts in charting and evolving the most effective development cooperation. The outcome of the Agenda for Development should be built upon to enhance international cooperation for development and invigorate a renewed and strengthened partnership for development with renewed commitments of all countries to mobilize national and international efforts in pursuit of sustained economic growth and sustainable development.

The menu of the themes identified in the report of the Secretary General is quite useful but need to be considered in the context of addressing resolution 51/174 and should not be hurriedly grafted with other intergovernmental processes. It is desirable for the General Assembly to address concretely the core issues in economic cooperation and development in the long term evolution in international cooperation for development.

Mr. Chairman,

The plight of the Least Developed Countries continue to be very disquieting. The report of the Secretary General on this issue clearly asserts that while recent economic performance of a number of LDCs is encouraging, the medium- and long-term challenges facing these countries in a world being transformed by globalization and liberalization, is enormous and complex.

The dismal performance of the development partners in the fulfillment of the commitments agreed upon in the Programme of Action to support the efforts of the LDCs is adversely affecting and retarding progress attained in improving the economic and social conditions, growth prospects, structural adjustment and transformation, and external trade opportunities. Resource flows to the LDCs have remained stagnant in current dollar terms throughout the 1990’s and have diminished in real terms. The share of ODA to the LDCs in the combined GNP of DAC donor countries has dropped from 0.09% in 1990 to 0.06% in 1995. The problem of external debt overhang of the LDCs are compounding the pressures on implementing the structural adjustment programmes and dampen prospects for private capital flows. Further marginalization of the LDCs in the global financial flows and multilateral trading system is evident.

Bearing in mind of all these negative trends in the globalizing world economy, it is imperative that the international community need to undertake a more comprehensive review on the implementation of the Programme of Action and chart the most effective international actions and measures which will enable the LDCs to face the next millennium with desirable human and socio-economic conditions.

The Group of 77 and China supports fully the proposal by Trade and Development Board on the convening of a third United Nations Conference on LDCs in year 2000 which will assess the results of the Programme of Action for the 1990’s at the national level and review implementation of the international support measures, particularly in the areas of ODA, debt, investment and trade. We expect this Session to decide on this proposal as well as putting in place the preparatory process for that conference.

Mr. Chairman,

The Group of 77 and China is committed to the overriding objective and mission of the United Nations of enhancing and promoting effective international cooperation for development through genuine global partnership on the basis of the principles of mutuality of interests and benefits and of the common but differentiated responsibilities. It is our expectation that our development partners will reaffirm and fulfill the agreed commitments in the previous outcomes of the international conferences and intergovernmental processes.

The Group of 77 and China will be presenting two draft resolutions on these items for the consideration of the Committee.

I thank you