be addressed in isolation from the question of external financial flows that are needed to enhance our production capacity and boost exports, if we are to have any access to world markets. "But this has been impossible to achieve because of the fluctuation in the world monetary system, the deterioration in the terms of trade, the decline in various forms of assistance and the qrcwinq protectionist trends. No wonder, then, that in the 1980s the economies of a number of States that were struggling to make ends meet, to feed millions of their poor and hungry and to overcome the consequences of natural disasters, began to shrink in a way they had never experienced before. Development has become an improbable hope for these countries. BCT/PLJ A/S-18/PV. 9 8 (Mr. Abdoun, Sudan ) "Since the economies of most developing nations relv on foreign trade as a major source Cor funds and a mainstay of their balance of payments, any disruption in that sector can lead to a chain of problems: higher inflation, excessive reliance on loans to finance deficits and greater instability in exchange rates. "It has become abundantly clear that the economies of these countries cannot afford further such shocks: they simply cannot absorb them. The lessons drawn from the 1980s demonstrate that the root of the problems affecting the developing economies lies in the very structure of those countries. Hence, the classic economic tools are of no use in tackling such problems. Experience has proved that a long-term strategy focusing on production is needed to cope with the situation. To be successful, this approach should be comprehensive and not partial and centred on certain variables to the exclusion of all others. My delegation holds that the following points should be taken into account when addressing the overall problem:
**Analysis**
The text discusses the challenges faced by developing countries in achieving economic development, specifically in the context of external financial flows, trade, and the impact of economic shocks on their economies. The author highlights the need for a long-term strategy focusing on production to cope with the situation. The text does not mention natural resources, environment, agriculture, forestry, fishing, transport, communication, health, education, employment, humanitarian aid, or culture.

**Category**
Economic development, International trade