Because the annual increases in domestic financial resources in many developingcountries were insufflcient in the r9?os to ma tch their groiring investment levelsand because export revenue faired to keep pace with import needs, the dependence ofthe developing countries on inflows of ext.ernal capital increased significantlyduring the second Development Decade. From anne{ table g can be seen ttre adversenature of s'rdden shlfts in the direction of these florrs brought about. by a changein the internationar economic environment. such a shift occurred in the early1980s. As the downturn j.n the world economy took place in the early years of ther980s. some deveroping counlries found the growth of their export revenues sloringdown at the very time lrhen increased payments were required to service theiraccumulated external debt.A/ 40/sLg Engli sh Page I43 4. rnternational trade and payments 304. The imPortance attached to export grouth is reflected in the fact that special emphasis is given in each ceneral Assembly resolution on the development decades to policy measures designed to promote and diversify the export trade of the developing countries, particularlt in nanufactures and semi-manu factures. Policy measures in the programmes for the development decades stress a commitment to an open and exPanding trade system, one that would promote structural adjustment within the context of a dynanic pattern of comparative advantage. The programmes recognize, however, that in order to gain full benefit from the possibilities for mutually advantageous exchange, stability and equity in the international economic arrangemencs are essential. Through ies resolutions establishing the developnent decades, the Assenbly has urged that the flow of concessional assistance and developmeht capital to the developing countrleg be increased substantially., so as lo amount to I per cent of the combined gross national products of the developed economies. In the Strategies for the Second and Third Development Decades the tarqet for the annual net flow of financial resources to the developing countriesto be provided in tbe form of officlal development assistance has been given as 0.7 Per cent of the aggregate gross national product of the developed economies.
**Analysis**
The text appears to be discussing the economic development of developing countries, specifically their dependence on external capital, export revenue, and debt, as well as the importance of international trade and financial assistance. It also touches on the topic of structural adjustment and the need for stability and equity in international economic arrangements.

**Category**
Economic development, International trade