5. The recession in the OECD countries has resulted in a dras­ tic fall in demand for imports. Practically no growth was recorded in vorld trade in 1981, and growth in 1982 is forecast at on~y 2 per cent. The prices of most primary commodities have dropped, in scme cases to the lowest levels for more than two decades. The price of crude oil increased in 1981, but as a result of low demand in OECD countries it has been under pressure and started tc edge down in 1982. As a consequence developing countries have experienced large falls in export revenues, while the restrictive financial policies followed by industrial countries have narrowed opportunities for investment and in­ creased debt service charges. Flows of development assistance have stagnated, compounding the developing countries' financial problems. In 1981, the qrowth rate of. output in developing countries fell to 0.6 per cent, compared to an averaqe of 5.6 per cent in 1971-1980, and growth in 1982 was forecast at no more than 3 per cent, though present indications are that the actual figure may in fact be negative. 6. Against this background of a general decline in the rate of economic growth in developing countries, there are ho..;ever sig­ nificant differences in performance between reqicns and economic groupings. \'Jhile negative rates of growth have· been recorded in Africa and Latin America, growth momentum has been maintained in Asia because of good results in agriculture and the continuing favourable perf erma nee of the ne\.;ly industrialized countries. These countrie.s have kept their rate of investment at a high level, alonqside a high rate of national saving, while increasing their productivity and keeping their costs comparatively low. Because of efficient use of capital, their economic grcwth has not declined as much as has been the case in other groups of 
**Analysis**
The text primarily discusses the impact of a recession in OECD countries on the global economy, specifically on developing countries. It highlights the decline in demand for imports, drop in primary commodity prices, and the subsequent effects on export revenues, investment, and debt service charges. The text also touches on differences in economic performance between regions, such as Asia, Africa, and Latin America.

**Category**
Economic development, International trade