For the developinq countries in qeneral and fbr Africa in particular, there is a fundamental lesson to be learned here. We must orqanize our collective autonomY on the bases outlined in the Laqos Plan of Action; this would be complementary to the North-South axis, which is certainly still an indisPensable dimension of international co-operation, for we surely cannot follow an anachronistic POlicy of autarky in th'e liqht of the imperatives of interdependence in today 's world. It is frnm the viewpoint of such interdePendence that we must look at what solutions can be found for the debt crisis, which is indeed a scourqe for the weakened economies of our countries. The evil has spread so far that none of the initiatives offered up to now have been capable of solvinq the problem. JVM/13 A/S-18/PV. 7 59 (Mr. Gayama, Conqo) The Conqo is oppressed by the crushinq weiqht of its debt, which amounts to more than 100 Per cent of today's qross national product, and by the crisis to which this has led, involvinq the weakeninq of our productive sectors and the reduction of investment and Plblic income. In resoonse, the Conqo has established in the framework of its second five-year plan, coverinq the years 1990-1994, an economic and social action proqramme based on five main areas, namely: rebalancinq of Public finances; restructurinq of the productive sector; pronotion of the private sector, the oorrespandinq institutional reforms; and maintenance and rehabilitation of infrastructures. There are several lessons to be learned from that economic and social plan of action, and I should like to mention one to which we attach qreat importance. The re-establishment of a macro-economic balance not only will 110bil ize the State, which will have the task of restructurinq policies, but also will helP private initiative, on an ever-qrowinq scale, to translate into reality the fundamental 
**Analysis**
The text discusses the economic situation of developing countries, particularly in Africa, and the need for collective autonomy and international cooperation to address the debt crisis. It highlights the importance of macro-economic balance, private initiative, and institutional reforms in achieving economic and social development. The text also mentions specific initiatives taken by the Congo to address its economic and social challenges.

**Category**
Economic development, International trade