correct these imbalances, thus narrowing the gap between the North and the South, and to help revitalize economic growth and development of the developing countries should long have been top-priority issues to be addressed by the international community. Regrettably, however, over the last decade North-South dialogue JP/jl A/S-18/PV. 3 40 (Mr. Zheng Tuobin, China) stalled, and developing countries were further marginalized in the international economic decision-making process. Protectionist tendencies in the developed countries against the products of developing countries have further intensified. The multilateral trade negotiations of the Uruguay Round are progressing unevenly, with the issues of interest to developing countries moving at a slow pace. Developed countries are increasingly resorting to regional trade blocs and bilateral arrangements. Primary commodity prices were on the decline for most of the time during the last 10 years and the terms of ~rade of the developing countries kept deteriorating. The developing countries continue to suffer from the crippling debt burden and the scarcity of development funds. And for the first time since the end of the Second World War • there occurred a negative net transfer of financial resources from the developing to the developed countries. JSM/ASW A/S-18/PV. 3 41 (Mr. Zheng Tuobin, China) The transfer of technology to developing countries runs up against all kinds of obstacles. Per capita income in many developing countries keeps falling. Years of poverty have trapped them in a vicious circle of underdevelopment and environmental deg·radation. The adjustment programmes imposed upon them often result in deteriorating living standards and social instability. Macroeconomic policy co-ordination among developed countries has been carried out with little reqard for the interests of the developinq countries. All these factors have added to the uncertainties in the prospects of the world economy, particularly the economies of the developing countries. 
**Analysis**
The text primarily focuses on the economic issues faced by developing countries, particularly the North-South economic imbalance, trade negotiations, debt burden, and transfer of technology. It also touches upon the impact of these issues on the living standards and social stability of developing countries. The text does not specifically mention natural resources, agriculture, forestry, fishing, transport, communication, health, education, employment, humanitarian aid, or culture.

**Category**
Economic development, International trade