multilateral trading system. Fifth, market access for developing countries, as well as quota-free and duty-free market access for all products from least developed countries, needed to be assured. Last, but not least, developing countries needed assistance to overcome supply-side constraints, increase productive capacities, add value to their products, develop human capacity and build infrastructure, among other things.

YENDJA YENTCHABRE, Minister of Development, Town and Country Planning of Togo, said a national committee to follow up the Millennium Goals had been set up in his country, as well as an office to draft and implement a poverty strategy reduction paper. An interim paper had been transmitted to the IMF and World Bank to initiate negotiations for various programmes to bolster financial programmes. It had been discovered that only three ofthe eight Millennium Goals could be achieved in Namibia -- those of achieving universal primary education, eliminating HIV/AIDS, and reducing maternal mortality rates.

He said Togo had not received any specific assistance as a result of the Monterrey commitments, and its domestic resources were barely enough to cover current expenditures. The drastic reduction in external financial assistance had led to a grave deterioration in living conditions for the country’s people. Togo’s political situation was now stable and the country was committed to democratising its institutions. The country was attempting to improve its macroeconomic situation to create a favourable environment for investment, which was considered vital for development.

NENEH MACDOUALL-GAYE, Secretary of State for Trade, Industry and Employment of the Gambia, emphasized the special needs of Africa in achieving development. The