Sweden. With respect to this item I should mention in particular the meeting CD/PV.560 18 (The President ) taking place currently with representatives of the chemical industry which is due to end tomorrow and which, I think, will be very useful in ascertaining the views of the private sector on the various aspects of the draft convention, for example the question of confidentiality. Another subject which should be highlighted in these first few weeks of this second part of the 1990 session concerns the beginning of informal consultations on the question of the improved functioning of the Conference on Disarmament , under the chairmanship of my good friend and colleague, Ambassador Ahmad Kamal of Pakistan. This is a major first step, the outcome of the clearly expressed wish and determination of all the members of this Conference, and it should therefore be followed by other steps to finalize gradually the agreements reached starting in 1991. I think it is a positive sign of convergence that the programme of consultations submitted by Ambassador Kamal for our consideration has been accepted without objections. Thus in the first working session there was extensive analysis and exchange of ideas on various positions concerning expansion of the membership of the Conference. Interesting initiatives emerged which could serve as a basis for exploring new models or formulae that would lead us to a solution allowing for expansion, as all wish. Last but not least, I am pleased to transfer the presidency of this Conference to the experienced hands of Ambassador Bogumil Sujka, who will be succeeding me. I wish him every success as he carries out his duties. I wish to thank the secretariat for its important and ongoing work in support of the President. In particular I wish to express my appreciation to the Secretary-General of the Conference, Ambassador Komatina, and to Ambassador Berasategui.
**Analysis**
The text appears to be discussing international diplomacy and negotiations, specifically related to the Conference on Disarmament and the chemical industry. While it doesn't directly mention economic development, natural resources, or industry, it does touch on the topic of confidentiality and the expansion of the Conference's membership, which could be related to broader economic or environmental issues.

**Category**
International relations, Science and technology