40/207, paragraphs 2and3;41/165, paragraph 3;41/157; 41/171, annex, paragraphs 12, 13, 27and29;41/182, paragraph l(a)and(b);and41/202, paragraph l(b),(d)and(e);44/444, paragraph 7oftheannex; and44/169, section (Ill),paragraph a(ii)oftheannex; andCommission resolution 157(XIV), paragraphs 2and3(a). 34.66 Themainproblems thatareaddressed bythesubprogramme arethefollowing: (a)ThetradeofESCWAcountries remains hiqhlyconcentrated intermsof commodity composition (exports ofoil,cotton andphosphates) andgeographical distribution (infavourofdeveloped countries). Intraregiona1 tradeisstill modestinrelative termsandbelowpotential andexpectations; (p)Theprotectionist policies applied bymajortrading partners toimports ofmanufactures andagricultural products adversely affectthoseexports inwhich theregionhaveacomparative advantage -newitems, suchaspetrochemicals and fertilizers, andtraditional onessuchastextiles, clothing andfootwear; (c)Thecollapse ofoilprices, associated withr1S1ngimportprices, has tendedtoreduceearnings andthepurchasing powerofexports andhascaused unfavourable movements inthetermsoftrade; (d)Thepursuit ofoverall import-substitution policies hasreduced the incentive toexport, rendered competition arathermarginal concern anddampened thesearchfornewmarkets, whileatthesametimeithaspromoted anincreased reliance onnon-competitive tradechannels, suchastradeagreements andbarter deals. Asaresult, insufficient attention hasbeenpaidtotheimportant determinants ofexports, suchasfinancing, qualified manpower, exchange rate policies, traderegimes andproduct quality andcosts; (e)Tradeintheregionishandicapped bythelackofinformation on potential e~portoutlets andalternative sources ofimports, aswellasinefficient andexcessive formalities andprocedures andweaknesses inthetradedataof countries ofWestern Asia; (f)Asinthecaseofthetradeinmerchandise, intraregional tradein non-factor services stillappears tobemodest, whilethepossibility andpotential ofco-operation havebarely beenexplored; 34.67 Theobjective ofthesubprogramme istoassist membercountries toexpand anddiversify theirtradeingoods(particularly manufactures and se~i-manufactures) andservices, toreducetheirexternal dependence, tocontribute toabetterunderstanding oftheissuesinvolved inexpanding anddiversifyin~ the tradeofmemberStates andtoformulate policies andmeasures atthenational, regional andgloballevelsinanefforttobringaboutfastertradeexpansion and morebalanced tradestructures. Morespecifically, theobjectives include: the identification ofobstacles tointraregional trade,tradewithotherdeveloping -17- Digitized by Dag Hammarskjöld Libraryregions 'andwithdeveloped-market economies andmeasures topromote thistrade, including tradefinancing by1993;theidentification ofthewaysandmeansof strengthening theroleoftheprivate sectorinthepromotion oftradeandregional co-operation by1995andofstrengthening thetradedatabaseandimproving trade facilitation by1997. (b)Course ofactionofthesecretariat 34.68 Thesecretariat willpursuetheobjectives ofthesubprogramme mainly through research (technical studies andreports), theorganization of intergovernmental andexpert groupmeetings andtheinitiation ofoperational activities thatwillemphasize amajorissueineachbiennium inthelightof global andregional developments andguidance frommemberStates. Special attention andpriority willbegiventothepromotion ofintraregional tradein 'goodsandservices andidentification oftheobstacles thatfacespecific categories, together withthepromotion oftradewithdeveloping countries. 34.69 Duringthemedium-term planperiod, thesecretariat willfocusonthe following activities: (a)Identification ofopportunities andmodalities forthepromotion of intraregional tradeingoodsandservices, reviewofeconomic structures, competitiveness andcomplementarity andtheimpactoftheGulfCo-operation Council andtheArabCo-operation Council inthisrespect: (b)Identification ofopportunities andmodalities forthepromotion oftrade andeconomic co-operation withotherdeveloping countries; (c)Analysis ofthetrends, problems andprospects ofexports ofmanufactured goodsfromtheregion, takingintoconsideration thecharacteristics and
**Analysis**
This text appears to focus on the economic development and international trade of a specific region, ESCWA countries, with a focus on expanding and diversifying their trade in goods and services. The text highlights the challenges faced by these countries, such as trade concentration, protectionist policies, and lack of information, and outlines the objectives and course of action of the subprogramme to address these issues.

**Category**
International trade, Economic development