UN General Assembly
2001

effectively. The issue of meaningful market access, particularly for agricultural products, must be resolved quickly. Protectionist policies are in no country's interest and definitely contradict the principles of free trade and the process of liberalization. In addition, resources must be made available to the World Trade Organization by our partners to enable it to provide technical assistance and capacity-building to developing countries. Solutions in the form of better terms of trade and market access must go hand-in-hand with the flow of foreign direct investment to developing countries. Many African countries have taken bold initiatives to provide a conducive environment for investors. These efforts need to be supported by clear policies of developed countries to encourage private sector investment in Africa. We urgently need to be freed from the burdens that are diverting vital resources from our economic development. Debt relief is necessary. It is in our 5 common interest that our economies be restored to health in a meaningful time frame. My concluding remarks relate to the desire for