multilateral trading system can therefore ward off unilateral trade action taken against smaller and weaker partners. Such a trading sytem will benefit everyone, JP/ASW A/S-18/PV. 4 13 (Mr. Omar, Malaysia) especially the smaller trading nations, whose dependence on international trade to earn sufficient resources to undertake development and service their debt has grown in recent years. Trade negotiations under the Uruguay Round have entered a critical phase. It is imperative that all contracting parties demonstrate the necessary political will to make the Round a success. The perceived imbalance in the progress to date is a serious problem and should be addressed in a manner that will provide the impetus for a favourable negotiating climate. In the final analysis, the outcome of the Round has to be a balanced one, whereby every country may derive benefits. Given the complexities of the new issues and the differing stages of development of developing countries, a sense of equity and fairness must always prevail. Science and technology have a major role in promoting international economic co-operation. Resource constraints and the lack of in-depth understanding of technologies has hampered technological adaptation, technological transfer and technological advance in the developing countries. The increased globalization in the production of goods and services and the expansion of world trade, based to a large extent on the principle of comparative advantage, imply that unless developing countries are able ~ channel greater resources into science and technology development, the disparities in stages of growth between developed and developing countries will persist. For the developing countries, the technological changes under way hold out new promises as well as challenges in the 1990s. The international economic and financial environment and domestic adjustments are crucial determinants. Many of the emerging technologies have genuine potential to address their problems in the fields of agriculture, rural development, food production, cheaper and cleaner 
**Analysis**
The text primarily focuses on the importance of international trade, specifically the Uruguay Round, and its implications for developing countries. It highlights the need for a balanced outcome, technological advancements, and resource allocation to promote economic development and bridge the gap between developed and developing countries. The text also touches on the role of science and technology in international economic cooperation and its potential to address challenges in agriculture, rural development, and food production.

**Category**
International trade, Economic development