development options arelimited: (c)deprivation ofthepoorandofdisadvantaged groups suchaswomen,theelderly andyouth: (d)tradeimbalances and protectionism: (e)susceptibility ofthesocial andeconomic structures of developing countries oftheregiontofluctuating demands andsupplies ofgoods; (f)infrastructural impediments: (g)environmental consequences ofpopUlation and industrial growth: (h)hunger andundernutrition: (i)inadequate provision of socialservices andshelter; (j)absence ofeffective institutional arrangements to facilitate andco-ordinate theflowofskilled labourandcapital investment; (k)newproblems arising fromdemographic changes; (1)highlevelsofinternal migration andurbanization; (m)unevenpatterns ofeconomic growth anddevelopment; (n)risingcostsofproduction anddebts; (0)inadequate linkages between the agricultural andindustrial sectors: (p)inadequate dataforincreasingly complex development decisions; (q)insufficient utilization ofinformation technology; (r)declining pricesofagricultural commodities; (s)critical problems of employment andmeeting basichumanneeds;(t)awidening technology gapbetween the developed anddeveloping countries ofAsiaandthePacific, andbetween themand developed countries asawholeamidcurrent rapidadvances innewandemerging technologies; and(u)thegrimstruggle forsurvival inthewar-torn countries of theregion. -3- Digitized by Dag Hammarskjöld Library2.Overall strategy 31.5Theprogramme willbeimplemented bythesecretariat ofESCAP. The Commission willcontinue toprovide aforuminwhichtheaspirations ofmembers and associate members foreconomic andsocial development arearticulated. andwhere policies andaction~ aredesigned torespond tonewchallenges andopportunities. Efforts willbecontinued togenerate action-oriented technical co-operation projects andtodevelop workable andflexible modalities forstrengthening regional co-operation, inconjunction, asappropriate, withsubregional groupings and intergovernmental organizations., andto'further strengthen theroleofESCAPasthe executing agencyforextrabudgetary-funded operational activities. InaChieving theplan'sobjectives, thesecretariat strategy willemphasize complementarity and effective implementation ofmultidisciplinary development activities, drawing on thestrength ofsectoral specialization invarious substantive fields. 31.6Theongoing efforts toliberalize international andintraregional tradewill beincreasingly promoted inordertofacilitate theflowofgoodsandservices, investment, technology andlabour. Arrangements willbemadetofacilitate information exchange andtechnical andeconomic co-operation amongdeveloping countries. andbetween themanddeveloped countries. Tothisend,existing relationships between ESCAPandotherentities, including non-governmental organizations activeintheregion, willbefurther examined andexpanded. 31.7Co-ordination withotherUnitedNations bodiestakesplacethrough various means, suchastheestablishment offormalarrangements, including special task forcesinspecific fields, andinthatcontext various co-operative andjoint activities areplanned insubstantive areas. Othermeansofco-ordination include participation ininter-agency meetings andcost-sharing injointactivities atthe regional, subregional andcountry levels. 3.Subprogramme structure andpriorities 31.8Inlightofthatorientation, theprogramme willconsist ofthefollowing 15 subprogrammes: Subprogramme 1.Agricultural andruraldevelopment Subprogramme 2.Development issues andpolicies Subprogramme 3.Energy Subprogramme 4.Environment Subprogramme 5.Humanresources development Subprogramme 6.Humansettlements Subprogramme 7.Industrial andtechnological development Subprogramme 8.International tradeanddevelopment finance Subprogramme 9.Natural resources (inclUding marineaffairs) -4-a Digitized by Dag Hammarskjöld LibrarySubprogramme 10.Population Subprogramme 11.Social development
**Analysis**
The text discusses a wide range of development challenges and opportunities in the Asia-Pacific region, including economic, social, and environmental issues. It highlights the limitations and constraints faced by developing countries, such as poverty, trade imbalances, infrastructure gaps, and environmental degradation. The text also mentions the need for cooperation and coordination among countries, organizations, and stakeholders to address these challenges and promote economic and social development.

**Category**
Economic development, Natural resources and environment, Industry, International trade, Employment, Humanitarian aid and relief