Apr 12, 1985

THIRD WORLD CALLS FOR DISMANTLING OF PROTECTIONIST BARRIERS.

BANDUNG, INDONESIA, 25 APRIL 85 (OPECNA)— Representatives of more than 80 Third World nations attending the 30th anniversary of the Bandung Conference here today called for the dismantling of protectionist trade barriers in advanced countries and a long-term solution to the debt problems of developing nations.

These measures would ensure a durable global economic recovery, a declaration issued on the second day of the commemorative event stated.

The Third World countries also pressed for an increase in concessional aid, with special provisions to help the least developed regions.

Of the declaration's 19 points, five were devoted to economic matters. The full text of these is as follows:

- It is a matter of deep concern that three decades after the Bandung Conference, the just demand of developing countries for the eradication of economic backwardness, domination and exploitation and for the achievement of equitable development and progress is yet to be fulfilled.

The global economy is still embroiled in crisis and economic relations are still characterised by inequity and structural balances.

The world has experienced the most prolonged recession in the post-war period, accompanied by stagnation in the transfer of resources to the developing countries, deterioration in their exports and the accumulation of a staggering debt burden.

Despite their best efforts, the pace of development has been seriously set back in many developing countries and, indeed, reversed in the least developed and poorest among then, where deprivation and abject poverty remain the daily plight of hundreds of millions of people.

The participating countries expressed strong concern at the critical economic situation in Africa, particularly in countries affected by drought, desertification, refugees and other external factors.

They urged the International Community to take urgent effective measures through bilateral and multilateral assistance to support the considerable efforts of the African countries to alleviate the situation.

- In the face of the global nature of the challenges confronting mankind, an equally global response is called for.

The Asian and African countries called for a new vision in international economic cooperation which recognises that global economic recovery will be sustained and durable only if it is accompanied by urgent measures to reactivate the development of the developing countries, inter-alia through the enlargement of the transfer of concessional resources to the developing countries and a long-term solution of the debt problem.

They also stressed the need for the urgent implementation of special measures in favour of the least developed countries.

The participating countries further urged all developed countries to join in the early resumption of negotiations to evolve new structures in international finance, trade and industry that are more equitable and responsive to the needs and interests of the developing countries and would usher in the New International Economic Order (NIEO).

- By the same token, and in conformity with the spirit of Bandung, it is of paramount importance that the developing countries strengthen their mutual cooperation and intensify their efforts for achieving collective self-reliance.

Only through the effective implementation of the Buenos Aires plan of action of 1978 and the Caracas programme of action of 1981 can they begin to reduce the vulnerability of their economies, enhance genuine interdependence and thus contribute towards the establishment of the NIEO.

- To deal with the multitude of formidable issues before the International Community, the Asian and African countries stressed that the principles contained in the final communique of the Bandung Conference and subsequently amplified in the declarations of the non-aligned movement are central to their peaceful and just solution as well as to the foundation of the NIEO.