Given the relatively modest progress achieved so far in the many efforts to proJTOte mutually beneficial economic co-operation, and the neqative forecasts for the economic and social situation of the develoPing countries in the 1990s, this session offers the Assembly an opportunity to redefine the main priorities that will enable international co-operation to adapt better to the needs of the third world. There is no doubt that the many different attempts to proJTOte international economic co-operation, and perseverance in those efforts, derive from a growing awareness of the increasing interdePendence of the world's diverse economies and of the legitimate concerns of the poor countries. ~ JP/td A/S-18/PV. 7 69-70 (Mr. Adodo, Toqo) The staqnation and decline of the economies of the vast majority of develoPinq countries in the past decade can be ascribed less to the drawinq uP and implementation of inadequate national policies and more to an international economic environment that has been extraordinarily unfavourable. Caught in the vicious circle of the constant deterioration in the terms of tJrade, the massive, paralysinq foreiqn debt and the increase in protectionism, the developinq countries have usually had little room to manoeuvre to finance their development and qenerate qrowth. JSM./jg A/S-18/PV. 7 71 (~£ • Ado do , Toqo) While it explains the various kinds of disequilibrium, the unequal world distribution of wealth and the fruits of growth has significantly widened the economic, scientific and technical gaps between rich and poor countries. The inequities of the current economic system negate the indispensable interdependence that must underpin international solidarity and multilateralim. Hence, any effort to revitalize international economic co-operation is roomed to failure if it is not preceded by the elimination of obstacles to the growth and develoJ)IIIen t of the ooun tries of the South. Revitalization of economic growth and development in poor countries must 
**Analysis**
The text primarily discusses the challenges faced by developing countries in achieving economic growth and development, and the need for international cooperation to overcome these challenges. It highlights the obstacles to economic development, such as foreign debt, protectionism, and unequal trade terms, and emphasizes the importance of eliminating these obstacles to achieve sustainable development.

**Category**
Economic development, International trade