reqional level. Reqional co-operation rust, ha.\lever, support the multilateral tradinq system and be consistent with the General Aqreement on Tariffs and Trade (GATT). In this reqard, Thailand attaches qreat importance to the Association of South-East Asian Nations (ASEAN) as a means of furtherinq reqional qrowth and development. We also welcome the move towards closer Asia-Pacific economic co-operation, which should help promote qreater economic interactions across the Pacific Ocean. In promotinq international economic co-operation, the United Nations has a central role to play. The conveninq of this special session is clear proof of the catalytic role of the United Nations in this reqard. As a guideline for international co-operation, my delegation believes that the International Development Strateqy for the Fourth United Nations Development Decade will be of immense value. In this connection we are pleased to note that an outline for the Strategy has already been agreed upon and that preparations are well under way for its final adoption later this year. We sincerely hope that this new Strategy will include new and innovative proposals for action -proposals that the international community will not aqain fail to implement. Since the eleven~h special session of the General Assembly in 1980 the world economy has been marked by the success of so~ countries and the slow-down of others. The only constant through the last decade has been the unmitigated plight of the least developed countries. This happened despite the adoption in that same year of the Substantial New Programme of Action for the 1980s for the Least Developed Countries. Thus faced with unique problems, these countries deserve the special attention of the international community. We must all ensure that these countries are qiven urgent assistance so that thev can join in the mainstream of -- JVM/34 A/S-18/PV. 2 163-165 (Mr. Limpabandhu, Thailand) 
**Analysis**
The text appears to be a statement by the Thai delegation to the United Nations, discussing regional cooperation, international trade, and economic development. The speaker emphasizes the importance of the multilateral trading system, ASEAN, and the International Development Strategy for the Fourth United Nations Development Decade. The text also touches on the plight of least developed countries and the need for urgent assistance. Based on this content, it is likely that the text falls under the categories related to international cooperation and economic development.

**Category**
International trade, Economic development