The second United Nations Conference on the Least Developed Countries, to be held in Paris from 3 to 14 September next, should enable u:; to come up with solutions that might effectivelY transform the economies of the least developed countries and thus enable them to embark upon a process of lasting develoPment. The economic community of West African States, whose a.1rrent president is the Head of State of Burkina Faso, President Blaise Compaore, is a vast grouPing of 16 States with 185 million inhabitants, sPread over an area of 6.2 million square kilometres. In cominq together we have set ourselves the objective of improving co-operation in all spheres of economic activity- agriculture, industry, trade, customs, transport, communications, immigration and social and cultural affairs - with a view to promoting higher living standards for the peoples of our reqion and, in broader terms, the economic independence of the African continent in accordance with the concept of the Lagos Plan of Action, adopted in 1980. JP31/jf A/S-18/PV. 6 147 CPttr • · Vokouma; Burkina· Faso) Everyone knows the trials that have been undermininq our economies: debt, unequal trade, ill-adapted structural adjusbnent proqrammes and so on. There is already consensus about the seriousness of the situation created by the debt crisisr the same applies to the need to find a remedy. Furthermore, many developinq countries have set up structural adjustment proqrammes, in qeneral with the Bretton Woods institutions. Some have themselves undertaken drastic economic steps necessary to imPrOITe their situation. In spite of everythinq, we must recognize that we cannot yet speak of complete success. We must do everythinq possible to face the facts and ensure that there is a POlitical consensus that will enable us to take national and international measures to revitalize the qrowth and develoPment of developinq countries. 
**Analysis**
The text primarily focuses on the economic development of least developed countries, specifically in West Africa, and the challenges they face in achieving lasting development. It mentions the need for cooperation among countries to promote economic independence and higher living standards, as well as the importance of addressing debt and structural adjustment programs. The text also touches on the concept of the Lagos Plan of Action, which suggests that economic development is a key factor in achieving broader goals.

**Category**
Economic development, International trade