protectionist sentiments and tendencies in the developed countries, we do provide each other with potential alternative markets. The recent and continuing fall in the prices of primary commodities has brought down our export earnings. We need to engage in collaborative efforts through effective and deliberate programmes of South-South co-operation in the context of what I have described as collective self-reliance. The establishment of large economic blocs in Europe and North America, which have been referred to, and the integration of Eastern European countries into the capitalist economic system, are developments whose consequences and implications have yet to be fully comprehended, but the implications are obviously very wide and far reaching. One aspect that has been referred to by other speakers is the reduction of aid flows to the countries of the South, while increasing foreign investment and aid to Eastern Europe. Another aspect is the obvious one of establishing larger markets for manufactured goods in the so-called European home in Europe and the Americas, again at the expense of the South, especially Africa and Latin America. These trends are quite obvious and have been documented in many publications recently, more importantly in the South-South publications coming out of Geneva. Although it is difficult at this point in time to provide a clear prognosis of the future, there is no denying that difficult times lie ahead of us. Consequently, JSM/td A/S-18/PV.S 78 (Mr. Shamuyarira, Zimbabwe) this special session should, in our view, propose concrete measures to restore growth and development to the developing countries. Those measures should have a built-in mechanism for review and implementation. One such mechanism would be a requirement that the Secretary-General set up a task force to monitor the current economic situation and report to the General Assembly from time to time. Past and recent experience has shown only too starkly the disaster that has 
**Analysis**
The text discusses the economic situation of developing countries, specifically the impact of protectionist sentiments, trade agreements, and aid flows on their development. It also touches on the need for collective self-reliance and proposes measures to restore growth and development. The text appears to be focused on the economic aspects of development, with a global perspective.

**Category**
International trade, Economic development