ident j.fy and eradica!e, This lack of transparency generates a great deal of uncerlainty about narket access among potential suppliers. fn Cbis regard, the ongoing work of UNCTAD on an inventory of non-lariff rneasures and Ebe eork of the GATT Group on Quanlitative Restrictions and OCher Non-Tariff Measures have shed nert ligh! on this othereise shadony area, have created greater aeareness of the extent of the problen and are laying the foundation for a possible solution. 54. Although the nain irnrnediate cause of the rise in protectionism in countries in recent years nas the recession ltself, i.e. the atlempl toi.ndustrial emplo)4nenE levels fron inpor! competition and the loss of exporE shares' is that in a number of secEor6 trade tensions Dreceded the recession and fron inadequate structural adaptation to changtng competitive condilions. Particularly in labou r -intensive, s tandard -technology t heavy industries. there has been a narked tendency Eo neet lhe chaLlenge posed by the energence of net' Ioh'-cost producers by resorting to rnarket-sharing arrangenents that ain to preserve lhe shar€ of traditional producers at the expense of the nei{ entrants. fn high-technology and other "footloose' induBtries, where labour costs and resource endolrnents are less important. than a propitious invesEment clirnate in deternining comparative advantage. a nunber of means - including subsidies and trade barriers -are being used to consolidate the industries and secure their market share, In recognition of the importance of structural adaptaEion in reducing lrade tensions and inproving the allocation of reaources on a global scale, several United Nations entities are naking additional efforts co identify effecEive policies in this fieldr including GAfIr UNCTAD and the United Nations fndustrial Developnent Organization (UNIDO). 55. Trade friction in agricullure also has a long hisEory, and agriculturaf trade has largely renained outside the franeFork of rnultilaterally agreed Erade rules
**Analysis**
The text appears to be discussing the complexities of international trade, particularly in regards to non-tariff measures, trade tensions, and structural adaptation in various industries. The language used is technical and formal, suggesting a focus on economic and policy-related issues.

**Category**
International trade, Industry