the exports of the develoPinq countries. Accordinq to some estimates, in aqriculture alone the Governments of the developed countries spend almost $200 billion annually on protection and substitution. That fiqure is two-and-a-half times the t.otal amount of assistance extended to the develoPinQ countries. The multifibre aqreement (MFA) is another qlarinq example of discrimination aqa inst the exports of developinq countries. A World Bank study recently concluded that if all trade barriers were dismantled by the industrialized countries, the rate of qrCMth of the developinq economies would increase by more than 3 per cent. A clear expression of commitment to the principle of free trade with Preferential treatment for the developinq countries should, therefore, be emphasized in our declaration. JB/16 A/S-18/PV. 4 74-75 (Mr. Yaqub-Khan, Pakistan) The 1980s witnessed a tangible slow-down in technology transfer that added yet another dimension to the low-qrowth syndrome of the developinq countries. A forthright commitment on the question of technology transfers would therefore be a major achievement of the special session. The past failure to take into account the environmental costs of economic growth will have to be rectified, primarily by those who contributed to the problem. Environmental degradation in the developing countries is caused and aggravated by poverty and underdevelopment. There is thus a close link between the improvement of the environment and the eradication of poverty in the third world. Economic development is essential for the improvement of the environment. The preparatory process of the United Nations Conference on Environment and Development must establish agreed strategies for haltinq and reversing the deqradation of the environment. BHS/~ A/S-18/PV.4 76 (Mr. Yaqub-Khan, Pakistan) The papulation explosicn is retardinq development efforts in the third world. Unless this rapid qrowth of their POpUlation can be oontrolled, they cannot hoPe to extricate themselves from the morass of poverty and deprivation. To achieve 
**Analysis**
The text primarily discusses the economic and trade issues faced by developing countries, highlighting the significant expenditures by developed countries on protection and substitution, as well as the benefits of free trade and technology transfers. The text also touches on the environmental and population-related challenges faced by developing countries.

**Category**
Economic development, International trade, Natural resources and environment