UN General Assembly
2011

countries that subsidize their agricultural production. The artificially low prices of agriculture exports, sustained for decades by some countries through subsidies and other trade-distorting measures and limitations on market access, are mainly responsible of the food security problems. Stimulating investment to increase production and improve productivity, a successful conclusion of the Doha Round, as well as the transfer of adequate technology to developing countries, capable of achieving efficient agricultural economies, are fundamental to obtaining food security. As a middle-income country, Uruguay still faces serious development challenges, particularly in eradicating poverty, diversifying production, introducing technological innovation and promoting renewable energy, to name but a few. The progress achieved must be consolidated, and to that end it is vital for us to be able to count on the support of the international community, and of the United Nations system in particular. I must reiterate the urgent need to consider in depth a new cooperation modality or scheme that takes into account the specific development needs of middle-income countries like Uruguay. Uruguay is committed to the reform process of