policy which, after the eradication of illiteracy 29 years ago, has yielded 970 times more graduates of universities and technical schools than we had before1 our rate in this respect is comparable to that in the developed countries. A sizeable number of these graduates are in the scientific and technological fields. BCT/jg A/S-18/PV. 6 123 (Mr. Malmierca Peol i, Cuba) Aqriculture and industry have been diversified. Branches which were virtuallY unknown 30 years aqo have been developed. We have worked to ensure an infrastructure that can assimilate efforts to ensure industrialization and development. Thus, the qeneration of power has increased six times; the tonnaqe of our merchant fleet, 24 times; and our water reservoir capacity, 147 times. Major progress has been achieved in qenetics and animal health. Cuba today is amonq the leadinq countries of the world in research and achievements in biotechnoloqy and genetic engineering. This has made possible important strides not only directly in health, but also in agriculture and industry. This effort has been conducted in a manner completely consistent with a policy of equitable distribution of wealth. One of the first tasks of this process was the eradication of poverty. This economic progress has brought direct and equitably distributed benefits to the people. Thus, the development effort is a labour of the people, in which all social sectors participate as direct beneficiaries. However, my country, like the rest of the developinq world, is faced with an adverse and disadvantaqeous system of international relations. The efforts that a qiven country may exert in one direction or another will necessarily be limited in a world where we see the persistence of protectionism, unequal terms of trade, and a lonq-term trend towards a reduction in the prices of the basic commodities that are the main source of income of the developinq countries; a world with an 
**Analysis**
The text describes the economic and technological progress of a country, highlighting achievements in education, agriculture, industry, and science and technology. It also touches on the international context and the challenges faced by developing countries. The text emphasizes the equitable distribution of wealth and the involvement of all social sectors in the development process.

**Category**
Economic development, Science and technology, Education