A/RES/48/55
Page 2
particular Agenda 21, 6/ that provide an overall framework for developing
cooperative action to address the development challenges of the 1990s,
Recalling its resolutions 1995 (XIX) of 30 December 1964, as amended, 7/
on the establishment of the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development
as an organ of the General Assembly and 47/183 of 22 December 1992 on the
eighth session of the Conference,
Noting the progress made by the United Nations Conference on Trade and
Development in the implementation of the outcome of its eighth session, in
particular its contribution, within its mandate, to trade and environmental
issues,
Noting with concern that, although a number of developing countries have
experienced higher rates of growth and an expansion of their trade, the
current international economic situation, characterized by slow growth and a
fragile economic recovery, has adversely affected the growth and development
of all countries, in particular the developing countries,
Emphasizing the importance of an open, equitable, secure,
non-discriminatory and predictable multilateral trading system that is
consistent with the goals of sustainable development and that leads to the
optimal distribution of global production in accordance with comparative
advantage, and of a stable international financial environment for economic
recovery and growth in all parts of the world economy, in particular in the
developing countries,
Noting with serious concern the intensification of pressures for
protectionism and unilateralism, in particular in many developed countries,
and stressing in this regard the need for all countries to halt and reverse
protectionism and respect multilaterally agreed trade rules,
Emphasizing that the high economic cost of protectionist policies has a
negative impact on the economic growth and sustainable development of all
countries, in particular the developing countries, and emphasizing further
that within this context such policies in no case constitute an appropriate
means of addressing the serious problems of unemployment,
Recognizing that improved access to external markets and further
multilateral trade liberalization are very important prerequisites for the
reactivation of growth in all parts of the world economy, in particular in the
developing countries,
Recognizing with satisfaction that major structural economic reforms, as
well as trade policy liberalization and regional economic integration efforts,
are being undertaken by many developing countries, as well as by a number of
other countries, and that such policies have contributed to the
___________
6/
Report of the United Nations Conference on Environment and
Development, Rio de Janeiro, 3-14 June 1992 (A/CONF.151/26/Rev.1 (Vol. I and
Vol I/Corr.1, Vol. II, Vol. III and Vol. III/Corr.1)) (United Nations
publication, Sales No. E.93.I.8 and corrigenda), vol. I: Resolutions adopted
by the Conference, resolution 1, annex II.
7/
See resolutions 2904 (XXVII), 31/2 A and B and 34/3.