full use of internal resources, particularly in agriculture, whic 1 has been neglected hitherto. It is also necessary to dive··sify Africa's economic structure so that the impact of ex­ tern"il factors and in particular the economic cycle in in­ dustrialized countries -will be minimized in the future. 15. However, none of this will be possible . without the strengthening of economic co-operation betvJeen African countries. And it is in this realization that ECA, in its second ~phere of action, has been giving and will continue to give its full sup­ port to all initiatives aimed at opening up African economies to each other, by eliminating tariff and non-tariff barriers. 16. ECA has been in the forefront in dravling up new schemes for co-operation amonq African countries. The Preferential Trade Area for Eastern and Southern African Countries created on 21 December 1981 is fast becoming a 1 i vinq reality. Its membership has increased during the year from 9 to 13. And the summit meet­ ing of the Heads of State and Government of the countries con­ cerned, held in Lusaka on 16 and 17 December 1982, prepared the ground for the launchinq of the organization into its operational phase as from January 1983. 6 E/Ecr ... /ct-1. 9/5 17. Substantial progress has been made towards the establish­ ment an Economic Community of Central African Countries in pur­ suance of the Libreville Declaration of 19 December 1981. Negotiations on the treaty and the protocols to be annexed to it have reached an adva need stage. It is expected that the Heads of State and Goverr.rne nt of the countries of Central Africa will meet scrne time in 1983 to sign the. treaty and launch the Community. 18. Meanwhile ECA, both directly and through its Multination­
**Analysis**
The text appears to be focused on economic development in Africa, highlighting the importance of utilizing internal resources, diversifying the economic structure, and strengthening economic cooperation among African countries. It also mentions specific initiatives and organizations, such as the Preferential Trade Area and the Economic Community of Central African Countries, which are aimed at promoting economic integration and cooperation.

**Category**
Economic development, International trade