GROUP OF 77
GENEVA

SSTATEMENT DELIVERED BY THE REPUBLIC OF INDONESIA ON BEHALF OF THE GROUP OF 77 AND CHINA AT THE 59TH SESSION OF THE TRADE AND DEVELOPMENT BOARD ON AGENDA ITEM 5: UNCTAD'S CONTRIBUTION TO THE IMPLEMENTATION OF THE IPOA FOR LDCS
(Geneva, 21 September 2012)

Mr. President,
Excellencies,
Distinguished Delegates,
Ladies and Gentlemen,

1. Our debate today on the contribution of UNCTAD to the implementation of the Istanbul Programme of Action for Least Developed Countries fits well with our broader discussions in the context of the current global challenges facing developing countries, as well as the opportunities inherent in the processes that lie ahead. I refer to, among others, the implementation of the outcomes of UNCTAD XIII, Rio plus 20, the forthcoming 50th anniversary celebration of the establishment of UNCTAD, and the MDG review in 2015.

2. The debates that have touched on those processes are salient in our deliberations today. All of those processes aim to address global challenges. They also provide us the opportunity to put ensure that the global economic system places development at the center.

3. The IPoA is as ambitious as the broader global development agenda. While it is too early to tell how it will unfold, the conference having taken place a few short months ago, we are at a good vantage point to aim in the right direction, and guide UNCTAD's activities to those areas that will have the greatest impact and hence, where they will make the most difference.

4. We therefore look to UNCTAD to continue its work to ensuring that the economic fundamentals of LDCs are adequate addressed, most especially so that they can harness the developmental benefits of participating in the global economic system, including world trade. It is no secret that lack of market access, lack of productive capacity, and lack of investment, are major factors that have impeded the development of LDCs.

5. A global economic environment and system not fully conducive to the full development of LDCs further held back LDCs. For example, the prevailing thinking on development did not allow for the full harnessing of the State and the deployment of its catalytic role. Prevailing thinking on technology transfer and intellectual property hampered access of LDCs to much needed technology. And restrictive conditions for partnership and external assistance prevented LDCs from fully exercising their policy space, even in areas in which they should have had clear policy flexibilities.

6. In the time ahead, we therefore look to the full deployment of UNCTAD's three pillars to contribute fully to the implementation of the IPoA, especially in fostering the conditions necessary for LDCs to overcome their vulnerability to external shocks, strengthen their infrastructure and business sectors to fully participate in the global economic system, and thence to graduation from the ranks of LDCs.

7. This effort, and the various contributions from UNCTAD, should be mainstreamed in other related processes. For example, the outcome of our preparations for the 50th anniversary of UNCTAD should contain ideas and options which could inform processes such as the implementation of Rio plus 20, including the articulation of sustainable development goals, and the inputs from UNCTAD to the MDG review should include the articulation of new development goals aimed at strengthening the economic fundamentals of developing countries including LDCs.

8. Our processes in UNCTAD should also contribute to the successful conclusion of the current round in the WTO especially the satisfactory resolution of the various provisions that will benefit LDCs.

Thank you Mr. President.