64th Ordinary Session of the Council of Ministers

"With the liberalization process, there is the reinforcement of major economic and trading blocs which are emerging as dominant forces that influence world economic trends and development. New frameworks of cooperation and new networks of relations and information are being established. In other words, we are witnessing a transformation in international economic relations with new approaches and technological innovations. Under our very eyes, the world is making gigantic progress in various fields - information, science and technology, engineering, transport and communications. The world is caught in the throes of dramatic changes. The world of tomorrow is being prepared actively and intensively today. Unfortunately, we in Africa are not fully involved in this process despite the strenuous efforts made by our countries in effecting bold and courageous reforms. Indeed, in carrying out these reforms, the expectation was that they would enable Africa to become a full participant in the process of change. But the anticipated benefits from the reforms are yet to materialize." - Dr. Salim, July 4, 1996