Briefing the meeting, the Executive Secretary of the Conference, Anna Kajumulo, said country-level preparatory processes had been launched in 46 least developed countries with country visits by members of the United Nations Conference Trade and Development (UNCTAD) secretariat.

UN: [21 Jul 2000] DEV/2253 : LAYING GROUNDWORK FOR THIRD UN CONFERENCE ON LEAST DEVELOPED COUNTRIES, PREPARATORY COMMITTEE TO MEET AT HEADQUARTERS, 24 - 28 JULY

The areas where the Maoists are most active are some of the least developed in the country and in desperate need of infrastructure.

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The PKK war further stunted what had already been one of the least economically developed parts of the country.

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Of the eight member countries, Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, Nepal and the Maldives come under the Least Developed Countries bloc while India, Pakistan and Sri Lanka are in the Developing Country group.

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