Similarly, we note with caution the recent inauguration of the Asia-Pacific Economic Co-operation Arrangement in our region. We hope that such arrangements will complement the existing ones in the Pacific and not dismantle them in the interest of individual developed or developing countries. On the question of the present global efforts towards international trade revitalization since the mid-1980s, Papua New Guinea is pleased with the progress made especially in the Uruguay Round of Multilateral Trade Neaotiations. In our view, these negotiations are important and crucial. We are pleased to note that these negotiations are moving in the right direction, because failure to remove non-tariff barriers imposed by the developed market economies will continue to impede the ability of the developing countries to trade competitivelv in the international market. As the Assembly has clearly noted during this debate, the world is undergoing sweeping and very rapid changes. JVM/13 A/S-18/PV. 9 54 (Mr. Lohia, Papua New Guinea ) The unprecedented political, economic and social chances in Eastern Europe undoubtedly offer a real chance for world peace. Developments in Central America, southern Africa, Asia and the Middle East also offer hope for peace and stability. The international economic environment, including world trade, is also underqoinq major changes. The Multilateral Trade Negotiations of the General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade (GATT) and the formation of trading blocs are among the most notable. These changes will have a serious impact on the trade and economic well-being of the developing countries, especially the least developed countries. The plight of the developing countries, and especialy the least developed countries, is made even more difficult by the serious debt problem resulting from the worsening terms of trade. Our sea-locked island countries in the South Pacific are not immune from the 
**Analysis**
The text discusses the recent economic developments in the Asia-Pacific region, the progress of the Uruguay Round of Multilateral Trade Negotiations, and the impact of global changes on international trade and the economy of developing countries. It also mentions the debt problem faced by these countries. The text does not specifically mention any natural resources, agriculture, forestry, fishing, health, education, employment, humanitarian aid, culture, or science and technology.

**Category**
International trade, Economic development