decisive, role in shaping their own constitutional future and they had been encouraged to do so by the the Administering Authority. 138. The United Kingdom representative said that his delegation was particularly concerned about the ability of the four entities, especially those that had opted for free association, to compete economically in the international arena. He noted, however, that infrastructure development continued at a commendable pace and that efforts were being made to establish additional commercial enterprises and to exploit the natural resources of the Trust Territory. The United Kingdom would also welcome any measure that helped the Territory a8 a whole to reduce its dependence on imported food. It believed that priority should be given to agricultural development and the creation of a territory-wide population programme, which was particularly important in a Territory where land was limited. 139. The United Kingdom; which considered improved communications between the Territory ,and the outside world the sine qua non of economic survival for a region so geographically remote, was pleased to learn of the completion of various airport improvements. It also considered the drafting of five-year development plans for the Federated States of Micronesia and the Marshall Islands and the signing of the Saipan Accords in October 1983 to be of major importance. Proper, region-wide harmonization of economic policies which took account of regional needs and existing capacity was crucial to the development of overseas earnings potential. 140. The United Kingdom representative urged the Administering Authority to encourage the establishment of a territorial "economic development board" or Similar body and to promote investment in the area, particularly from the United States and Japan. While the Micronesian States, like some existing South Pacific States, might indeed be dependent upon outside assistance for many years to come, 
**Analysis**
The text appears to focus on the economic development of the Trust Territory, with discussions about infrastructure development, economic competition, agricultural development, and investment. The representative also mentions the importance of communications and the need for a territorial "economic development board". This suggests that the main topic is economic development, with some overlap with transport and communication.

**Category**
Economic development, Transport and communication