§ The world recession, coupled with increasing economic difficulties faced by East European countries, has continued to hamper the development of trade relations. East European countries have increasingly resolved to counter-trade as a means of easing some of their problems. There has been little overall improvement in business contacts and facilities, although the situation continues to vary both between and within countries. In the Soviet Union the withdrawal of certain privileges has made more difficult the day-to-day life of the resident western business community. In Hungary, however, there have been signs of increased flexibility in dealings with foreign business representatives. There has been no significant improvement in the availability or quality of economic and commercial information published by the Soviet Union and other East European countries.