106. Replying to the questions asked by members of the Committee, the representative of the State party said that his Government's basic aim was to ensure the development of the country's economic and social structures. Despite the considerable burden of its foreign debt, which amounted to $11 billion for a population of 10 million inhabitants, Ecuador had set up in 1954 a National COunCil for Economic and Social Planning, Particular efforts were also being made to ensure the advancement of women and, on 18 August 1989, the National Congress had adopted 81 pieces of legislation guaranteeing the absolute equality of spouses. 107. Replying to the many questions that had been asked concerning the indigenous populations, the representative of the State party stressed the vital support given by the Indian element to the development of Ecuadorian culture. Both the 1964 Agrarian Reform Act and the subsequent migration had contributed to the blending Of -3o- the populations, although the country's low population density had delayed the integration of isolated groups and raised certain problems. Wishing to avoid a return to the paternalism of the colonial period, the Government had made the strengthening of local autonomy one of its priorities. It was thus endeavouring, through the work of the National Office of Indigenous Affairs, to help the indigenous populations to develop within their own environment. Those groups accounted for 18.5 per cent of the total population and a census planned for 1990 should provide data relating to each of the ethnic groups. 108, The Government's literacy campaign aimed to contribute to the development of the indigenous populations and only 10 per cent of the population were now illiterate. Regarding land policy, the representative said that the Government had sought to establish a wide-ranging dialogue with the indigenous population in order 
**Analysis**
The text discusses the development of Ecuador's economic and social structures, including the Government's efforts to advance women's rights, promote indigenous populations, and improve literacy rates. It also mentions the country's foreign debt, agrarian reform, and land policy. These topics suggest that the text is focused on the social and economic development of the country.

**Category**
Economic development, Education, Culture