expensive reform Policies that were adopted by African countries. The uncertainties of the world economy unfortunately do not encourage anv optimism in the developinq countries, particularly in the most vulnerable of them. And vet changes in the political picture in the world todav do give grounds for some hope and encourage us to continue to believe in the creativi tv of man and in human sol idar i tv. The virtually SPOntaneous establishment of a ooherent and concerted 'POlicy for assistance to Eastern Europe, along with considerable financial input, esPecially through the European Reconstruction and Development Bank, whose caPital is assessed at about 10 billion ECUs, is something to which we should give attention. This JVM/13 A/S-18/PV.7 58 (Mr. Gayama, Conqo) initiative, a perfect example of international co-operation and solidarity, should quide the actions of the industrialized countries vis-a-vis the developinq countries as a whole, especially the poorest amonq them. Unfortunately, we must aclknowledqe that direct investment in Africa by its partners never attained a massive level in the last 30 years; on the contrarv, it has always been less than the capital that left the African countries. Everythinq that has happened thus far suqqests that the developinq countries have qiven nore help to those who claimed to have been helpinq them than they have received. As a French socialist minister of co-operation said, aid was a means of perpetuatinq sPheres of influence and of secur inq the POlitical, commercial and strateqic Positions of the former colonizers. Paradoxical as it may seem, Africa has con tr ibu ted much to the economic prosperity of its principal partners, whidl enjoyed the benefit of a privileqed framework for expandinq their businesses in Africa without makinq investments commensurate with the profit:q drawn from it. 
**Analysis**
The text discusses the economic situation of African countries, the role of international cooperation and solidarity, and the imbalance in the flow of resources between Africa and its partners. It highlights the need for more significant investment in Africa and the perpetuation of spheres of influence by former colonizers. The text does not touch on specific sectors like agriculture, industry, or transport, but focuses on the broader context of economic development and international relations.

**Category**
Economic development, International trade