directly improve the position of women but will also strengthen the general ecooomic base. RM/11 A/S-18/PV.7 49-50 (Dame Ann Hercus; New Zealand) As I have said, however, far-reachinq economic reforms at the national level can only be successful if they take place aqainst the background of a more supportive economic environment internationally. International trade is now a powerful factor in the affairs of all oountries, developed and developing. At the present time major efforts are under way to bri~ about a substantial improvement in the tradinq environment. Yet even now, protectionist pressures are in evidence in much of the world. Expressions of commitment to freer and fairer trade must, in New Zealand's view, be backed by comprehensive action. States must demonstrate their commitment to the opening up of the multilateral trading system. Without substantial progress, scope for ;;ustained and sustainable economic development is limited. New viable and efficient market economies will not have the fertile qround necessary to take root and flourish. Equally, sustained economic qrowth has a vital role to play in the process of democratic evolution. It is for such reasons that New Zealand from the beginning has been totally committed to a successful outco!R;.! for the current Uruquay Round of multilateral trade negotiations. We are determined that agricultural and tropical products will be a key part of the comprehensive agreement due to be finalized by the end of this year. For too long these key sectors of economic activitY have been excluded from such negotiations, yet so many nations -particularly developing nations -stand to benefit greatly from substantial progress in these areas. BCT/ASW A/S-18/PV. 7 51 (Dame Ann Hercus; New·zealand) Against a qrowinq ranqe of demands for official develo'PIIent assistance resources, there is little room fbr optimism that in the immediate future major increases will be possible on the part of most developed countries. It is 
**Analysis**
The text discusses the importance of international trade and economic development, specifically highlighting the need for a supportive economic environment and the role of agricultural and tropical products in the negotiations. It also touches on the challenges of increasing official development assistance resources. These themes suggest that the text is primarily focused on economic development and international trade.

**Category**
International trade, Economic development