There was an appreciable improvement in public finances, the balance of payments strengthened considerably, the rate of increase in foreign indebtedness fell sharply, inflationary pressures tended to diminish and economic activity began to recover, with a favourable result on the level of employment, purchasing power and social welfare. 22. However, towards the end of 1985 and the beginning of 1986 production fell and inflation accelerated, owing in large measure to the fall in international petrol prices. As a result, on 23 June 1986 a programme was announced for expanding and strengthening the economy, aimed at sustained economic recovery, control of inflation, the creation of jobs, satisfaction of the basic social needs, the strengthening of private investment, the promotion of non-petroleum exports and the strengthening of strategic State sectors. 23. At the end of 1987 the main macroeconomic indicators showed a considerable improvement over 1982. Nevertheless, inflationary trends prevailed, together with uncertainty on the financial markets. To meet this situation, on 15 December 1987 the Federal Government and representatives of industrial and rural workers and the employers signed an Economic Solidarity Agreement. 24. The Agreement was the result of a process of social concertation and a determined effort to bring down inflation. It is hoped that this will lead to a new phase in development and to sustained growth. 5. Evolution of the principal economic and employment variables 25. As a result of the programme of economic adjustment, gross domestic product fell by 5.3% in 1983 and began to pick up slightly in the two subsequent years. Employment, for its part, followed the trend in the GDP with a certain time-lag. In fact the number of workers permanently insured by the Mexican State Security Institute showed an increase of only 1.7% in 1983. Nevertheless, in the two subsequent years the increases were of 8.2% and 4.9% 
**Analysis**
The text primarily discusses the economic situation of a country, mentioning indicators such as GDP, employment, and inflation rates. It also mentions a government program aimed at economic recovery and a subsequent agreement to combat inflation. These themes suggest that the text is focused on economic development and employment.

**Category**
Economic development, Employment