1. In my capacity as Chair of the Group of 77, I wish to share with you some views on "Building Productive Capacities of Least Developed Countries through South-South, Triangular and Public-Private Partnerships", in the context of the Fourth United Nations Conference on Least Developed Countries (LDCs).

I also wish to extend my sincere thanks to the Special Unit for South South Cooperation for convening this important Roundtable and for its ongoing efforts in promoting South-South initiatives supportive of the LDCs.

2. The achievements and great potential of South-South cooperation, which complements North-South cooperation as an effective contribution to development, is well recognized. Considering the challenges faced by LDCs in the wake of a multiple and mutually exacerbating global crises these past years, South-South and triangular cooperation will certainly contribute to achieving more stable, prosperous, and sustainable economies in these countries.

3. There is an urgent need for enhanced productive capacity of LDCs, particularly in the agriculture sector, and for greater investment in physical infrastructure and technological development. In this regard, the united effort of other developing countries could bring solutions to some of the great challenges LDCs are facing.

4. The G77 attaches high political importance to South-South initiatives. We believe that the South must be adequately supported by more inclusive and innovative public and private partnership mechanisms in order for developing countries, and in particular the LDCs, to effectively participate in the world economy and have a just share of the benefits of globalization.

5. As you are aware, in their Plan of Action, adopted in Doha during the Second South Summit in June 2005, the Heads of State and Government of the Member States of the Group of 77 have expressed their concern for the special case of the LDCs. They encouraged all South-Ssouth initiatives aimed at reducing the special challenges of these countries and achieving their development priorities.

6. In this regard, diverse activities have been undertaken to fulfill these recommendations but there is still much work to be done to support LDCs development efforts. Gatherings such as these provide a concrete occasion for exploring opportunities for business partnerships among the stakeholders. What makes this Roundtable attractive is the opportunity to bring together public and private sector top leaders from both international business organizations and LDCs enterprises to engage in high-level dialogue with government fields around the world.

7. The concept of building partnerships between governments and private business has proven to be successful since it allows the contribution to South-South trade and economic growth. Successful development requires sufficient private sector investment to enable broad-based sustainable growth. Therefore, participants could play a crucial role in identifying and financing concrete projects to address LDCs' specific challenges. Particularly in the LDCs, responsible business and investment can assure the longevity and robustness of interventions.

8. I encourage all participants to take advantage of this Roundtable which will contribute to the building of stronger networks and ultimately increase new partnerships for LDCs. I believe that the public and private partnership for development offers the opportunity to mobilize significant investments to address some of the problems faced by LDCs, and promote economic growth.

9. But again, it is important to underline that these South-South initiatives should come as a complement and not a substitute to North-South cooperation. South-South cooperation is a collective endeavor of developing countries based on premises, conditions and, objectives that are specific to their historic and political context and to their needs and expectations. As such, South-South cooperation, critical for the G77 and China, deserves its own separate and independent promotion as reaffirmed in the Nairobi outcome document and the Development Platform for the South of the G-77.

I wish you all success in your deliberations.

I thank you.