Committee, whose selfless, coherent work has undoubtedly contributed to our presence here at the special session of the General Assembly devoted to international economic co-operation, in particular to the revitalization of economic growth and development of the developing countries. ~ congratulations also qo to the Secretary-General, Mr. Javier Perez de Cuellar, whose important report quite clearly and concisely informs us of the grave economic situation facing mankind in general and the developing countries in particular. I do not intend to belabour themes that have already been carefully analysed by the speakers who preceded me. However, in addressing the Assembly, I should like to deliberate on some questions that deeply concern us. JB/28 A/S-18/PV. 4 134-135 (Mr. Van Dunem, Anqola) A decade has just ended - a decade we would have wished to be full of success for the world economy and the well-being of mankind. Yet, despite the efforts made in this respect, the goodwill shown by some countries has not always been well received by others. In fact, the deterioratinq economic situation affectinq the international communitv during the 1980s critically hit the developinq countries, preventinq all attempts at qrowth and economic development from succeedinq. The unprecedented fall in comnodi tv prices, especially petroleum prices~ hiqh interest rates; worseninq terms of trade; qrowinq protectionism; and exhorbitant external debt leading to a reversal in the flow of financial resources -all denied the developing countries any pOssibility of achievinq the plans and proqrammes originally foreseen for the decade that has just ended. The relative successes achieved with the entry into force of the Common Commodity Fund, towards which the developing countries qreatly contributed, have not yet reduced the Problems related to trade in that type of product. On the African continent, notwithstandinq the willinqness shown to aPPlY the United Nations Proqramme for African Economic Recovery and Development in full and 
**Analysis**
The text appears to be discussing the economic situation of developing countries, the impact of international economic cooperation, and the challenges they face in achieving economic growth and development. It mentions specific issues such as commodity prices, interest rates, protectionism, and debt, which suggests a strong focus on economic development.

**Category**
Economic development, International trade