developing countries durinq the 1980s and to chanqe the international economic system to one more balanced, just and conducive, ore from which both developed and developinq countries countries can benefit. RM/23 A/S-18/PV.2 107 (Mr. Velayati, Islamic Republic of Iran) Therefore, this chance should be seized as a first step towards a common Political will and commitment by both developed and developinq nations to fulfil their responsibilities to the betterment of mankind and its prosperity throuqh promotion of international economic co-operation and the revitalization of qrowth and development in the developing countries. The economies of the developing countries in the 1980s experienced a bitter situation. Since 1980 the international economic condition has not only shown no remarkable change beneficial to the developing countries; it has hindered their endeavours to reach a reasonable growth rate and development. At the same time the developed countries have been able to maintain their economic growth and achieve some proqress in controlling inflation. Consequently, the gap between developing and developed countries has been widening, and the role of the former in the world economy has become increasinqly mai:ginal arrl their participation in international trade and finance has severely decreased. Considering the important role of com11Pdities and raw materials as the exclusive source of inoome that furnishes the possibility of developnent in nost developing countries, the reduction in com11Pdity and raw-material prices, especially oil, since 1982 vis-a-vis industrial products has worsened the terms of trade and impeded the development process of developing countries. In spite of the efforts hitherto exerted, the recent development of the problem of indebtedness, in particular, seems to Persist and brakes the growth and development of the debtor developing countries. Not only has the ratio of foreign debt repaymen! to those countries' gross national product and export-earnings 
**Analysis**
The text primarily focuses on the economic situation of developing countries in the 1980s and the need for a more balanced international economic system. It highlights the issues of declining terms of trade, debt, and limited participation in international trade and finance, which affect the economic growth and development of these countries. The text also mentions the importance of commodities and raw materials, particularly oil, for the development of these countries.

**Category**
Economic development, International trade