within a framework of free competition with the private sector. The privileges of the Agricultural Marketing Corporation had been abolished and agricultural products would be freely traded. The same would apply to State enterprises trading in industrial and other commodities. In addition to the basic provisions guaranteeing equal rights, equality before the law and equal participation in political, economic, social and cultural affairs, those reforms would further promote the implementation of the provisions of the Convention and would receive adequate coverage in his Government's seventh periodic report. Mr, SONG Shuhua congratulated the representative of Ethiopia on his introduction and on the report, which had been prepared in accordance with the Committee's guidelines. Since Ethiopia was a multi-ethnic country, precise figures giving the population breakdown would be needed in order to assess the situation and treatment of the various nationalities. He welcomed the Government's significant efforts to eliminate disparities in the economic development of nationalities, and hoped that more information would be forthcoming on results and experience in that regard. In connection with article 3 of the Convention, Ethiopia's very active stand in regard to the South African regime was to be commended. The educational situation was not entirely clear from the report, and he requested information about the illiteracy rate and school enrolment rates among the smaller nationalities, and also about any measures taken to deal with such problems. The scope of article 5 of the Convention was very broad, and he would welcome information on the participation of the various nationalities in the country's economic, political and social life. In connection with article 7 of the Convention, he requested further information about the manner in which information on the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination and other international CERD/C/SR.871 page 15 
**Analysis**
The text discusses the economic and social situation of Ethiopia, mentioning the abolition of agricultural marketing corporation, free trade of agricultural products, and the promotion of equal rights and participation of nationalities in economic, political, and social life. These topics suggest that the category should be related to economic and social development.

**Category**
Economic development, Education, Human rights