freer trade. Statistics show that one third of the exports of developing countries to developed markets are affected, and in some important groups of items the proportion goes as high as three quarters. In this endless dialogue between North and South the rhetoric is not being matched by reality. In this situation the island developing countries, which are among the most fragile and vulnerable of the developing countries, find themselves literally caught between the devil and the deep blue sea. There are over 20 island developing countries and territories in the island Pacific subregion, widely scattered, most of them small, and some tiny. Four are classified as least developed. Their links to the outside world are poorly developed and extremely expensive to maintain. Yet they are highly dependent on outside sources of supply, themselves having very little productive capacity and resource endowment. Many still have dominant subsistence sectors. Their small size and remoteness make them highly vulnerable to the forces of nature, and hurricanes occur frequently. A recent report of the Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific has confirmed little or no growth in 1989 and 1990 for many Pacific States because of devastation caused bv hurricanes over the past year. The small island nations and territories of the island Pacific, as indeed the island developing countries world-wide as a group, need an innovative approach to their special situation. RH/6 A/S-18/PV. 9 18 (Mr. Thompson, Fiji ) Drawing on their sense of community and shared values, the nations of the island Pacific have found it more useful and effective to come together and deal with many issues on a regional basis. We have therefore established regional institutions such as a regional university, a telecommunications training centre, the Forum Fisheries Agency, the Forum Shipping Line, the South Pacific Applied 
**Analysis**
The text discusses the challenges faced by small island developing countries in the Pacific region, including their vulnerability to natural disasters, limited productive capacity, and dependence on outside sources of supply. It also highlights the importance of regional cooperation and the need for an innovative approach to address their specific situation. The text primarily focuses on the economic and trade implications of their situation, but also touches on the natural environment and humanitarian aspects.

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