10. Several developed countries had recently reduced their bilateral assistance for either political or economic reasons, and it was therefore probable that the Department of Technical Co-operation for Development, UNDP and UNIDO would be receiving a larger number of requests for assistance from the developing countries in future. Those technical institutions must therefore be strengthened urgently so as to enable them to provide the necessary services. 11. A recent study had shown that the sub-Saharan region was receiving less capital and technical assistance from the developed countries than in the past. However, the technical assistance of the United Nations, like that of the World Bank, was of crucial importance to the African subregion. That was one more reason to strengthen the capacity of the United Nations system in the field of technical co-operation. His delegation therefore urged the Committee not to accept any proposal directed towards reducing that capacity and unreservedly to approve the funds requested by the Secretary-General under section 7. 12. The CHAIRMAN said that if he heard no objection, he would take it that the Commission wished to endorse the conclusions and recommendations made by the Committee for Programme and Co-ordination in paragraphs 154 to 160 of its report (A/38/38 (part II)). 13. It was so decided. 14. The CHAIRMAN suggested, bearing in mind the recommendations of the Advisory Committee, that the Committee should approve in first reading an appropriation of $17,596,500 reduced by $89,300 under the revised estimates, resulting in a net appropriation of $17,507,200 under section 7 for the biennium 1984-1985. In connection with the revised estimates, he also suggested that the Commission should approve a reduction of $17,800 under section 31 (staff assessment) to be offset by an equivalent reduction under income section 1 (income from staff assessment). 15. It was so decided. 
**Analysis**
The text discusses the strengthening of technical institutions, such as UNDP and UNIDO, to provide assistance to developing countries. It also mentions the importance of technical assistance from the United Nations and the World Bank to the African subregion. These institutions are likely involved in projects related to economic development, which is a key aspect of the United Nations' work.

**Category**
Economic development