small IDCs incurred and to the overall higher cost of most consumer goods because of the heavy dependence on imports. He also referred to the absence of low-cost housing and frequent natural disasters which often wiped out as much as 90 per cent of GNP in many small IDCs. He also mentioned the danger of earthquakes and volcanic eruptions. With respect to the support by the international community, he noted that although organizations such as UNDP and the World Bank had made special concessions to small IDCs, what had been lacking was an internationally endorsed action programme or specific recommendations which outlined particular areas on which the donor community could focus their efforts to assist the IDCs. In that connection, he said that the Meeting must prepare a final document containing such a recommendation to be submitted to the General Assembly and where necessary to the respective governing bodies of donor organizations for adoption and follow-up action. 9. The representative of Japan said that his country gave special consideration to least developed countries in the implementation of the official development assistance and endeavoured to respond to requests for aid from as many countries as possible, including the IDCs. He noted, however, that Japan did not subscribe to the idea of giving special consideration to IDCs merely because they were IDCs. He pointed out that developing countries should make every effort to fully utilize development assistance from donor countries and that international support measures should be complementary to such efforts. In that connection, he emphasized that such measures should be determined on a case-by-case basis, taking into account the specific situation of each recipient country. In reference to Japan's assistance to the Pacific island countries, he pointed out that in fiscal year 1988, $93 million had 
**Analysis**
The text primarily discusses the challenges faced by small island developing countries (IDCs) in terms of economic development, natural disasters, and international support. The representative of Japan also mentions the importance of recipient countries utilizing development assistance effectively. These themes suggest that the text is focused on economic development and international cooperation.

**Category**
Economic development, International trade, Humanitarian aid and relief