development assistance amounted only to 0.9 per cent. The least developed countries has been increasingly marginalized in the world economy and their share 5 in world exports has decreased to a mere 0.3 per cent in 1988 as compared to 1.4 per cent in 1960. The least developed countries' foreign debt has also increased from $35.8 billion in 1982 to $69.3 billion in 1988. The bottom line is that the economic situation of the developing countries has further deteriorated and that the gap between the rich and the poor has further widened during the last decade. It is now obvious that economic repercussions of the Gulf crisis will seriously exacerbate the unfavourable trends in the world economy, which, of course, will be felt more severely by small nations. The Maldives is already experiencing grim economic hardships with the steep rise in oil prices affecting 1 the key industries in our foreign exchange earnings, fisheries and tourism. If the ' crisis remains unsolved, our fragile balance-of-payments situation will be further strained, We strongly suggest that the international community strengthen the i commitment to assist the developing countries in order to revitalize their economies and improve the quality of such assistance by making it better adapted to the real needs of the recipient countries. The elimination or substantial ( reduction of tariffs to guarantee favourable terms of trade, increasing grant aid to help the diversification of their economies, creating a favourable climate for FMB/5 A/45/PV.l0 12 (President Gavoom) more foreign investment and allowing freer resource flow are measures that are urgently required to correct the situation. The message in fact is that it would be impossible for the developing countries alone to reverse the lingering inertia in their economies no matter how well they determine their priorities. It is true that the second United Nations 
**Analysis**
The text primarily discusses the economic situation of developing countries, specifically the least developed countries, and the impact of the Gulf crisis on their economies. It highlights the need for international assistance and cooperation to revitalize their economies and improve the quality of aid. The text does not mention natural resources, environment, agriculture, forestry, fishing, health, education, employment, humanitarian aid, culture, or science and technology as specific topics.

**Category**
Economic development, International trade