UNIDO's 10th General Conference will focus on a new development agenda based on productivity enhancement in areas including trade, the efficiency of small enterprises, cleaner methods of production, post-conflict reconstruction, and poverty eradication. These are issues that make a real and tangible difference in social development. Principles such as market access, technology transfer, fiscal reforms and democracy building constitute the necessary conditions for development, but these ideals cannot succeed unless the standard of living in the developing world is markedly raised. 

UNIDO has received considerable recognition for its pragmatic approach to specific areas of development and intervention. UNIDO's modus operandi is aligned with the Global Compact, a plan put forward by the UN Secretary-General, to involve private entrepreneurs in the process of development. As one of the UN's key agencies, UNIDO has been successful in implementing the concept of sustainable development in concrete viable terms. In trade matters UNIDO helps developing countries to implement WTO agreements providing technical assistance for the reduction of trade barriers and for the establishment of a universal quality standard. 

The Group of 77 and China, which brings together the developing countries of the world, is looking forward to UNIDO's 10th General Conference as an opportunity to continue the effort of promoting sustainable industrial development in our countries. In this moment in which new technologies are coming to light it is especially important for the developing countries to keep abreast of these technologies, and in this regard UNIDO has already proven invaluable. The Group of 77 and China also welcomes the introduction of new themes relating to international trade and facilitating market access to industrial goods from the developing world. 

For Japan and many Asian countries, UNIDO is indispensable as a global forum. UNIDO provides a platform for the exchange of ideas, and fosters programs that promote trade and investment in the developing countries and the strengthening of their industrial capacities. Perhaps the best example is the Third Tokyo International Conference for Development of Africa (TICAD III), which was held in September 2003 and attended by 24 African Heads of State. UNIDO's Director-General chaired the discussion on methods to promote investment and the private sector in Africa. UNIDO established the Hippalo's Centre in Kuala Lumpur, which stimulates investment and technology transfer from Asia to Africa. UNIDO also facilitates developing countries taking advantage of increased market access opportunities through the modernization of production capacities.

Among international organizations, UNIDO is one of the most important for African development. The majority of African countries still have a weak industrial sector characterized by a limited presence of modern technology. UNIDO has both the expertise and the experience to create programmes that improve industry, specifically in areas of essential needs such as agro-food, leather, textile and wood. The UN agency also plays an important role as a mediator between the developing countries of Africa and the donor countries. We must encourage UNIDO and the work it does in Africa; in the last few years Africa has become a priority for UNIDO, not only on paper, but most importantly, in concrete, measurable terms.