Mr Chairman, thank you for giving me the floor to speak on behalf of the Group of 77 and China. Let me thank you and your bureau on your election and assure you of the group’s confidence in your chairmanship and our full cooperation during the session. Allow me to thank all the regional groups and their members who have come to give their support to this day. I also wish to thank the Secretary General of UNCTAD and the Secretariat for providing us with the relevant documentations.

Mr Chairman the Group of 77 and China notes with satisfaction UNCTAD’s contribution to Africa’s development through its various activities and assistance. We call upon UNCTAD to continue its work in and with Africa. We propose now to cede ground to Africa’s coordinator to address Africa’s issues and in that regard, Mr Chair I will not pre-empty my colleague from the Africa group who will give us more details on this. Lastly, Mr Chairman the Group of 77 and China looks forward to the successful completion of this session and to hear the inputs and solidarity of all the regional groups.

Thank you