§ There has again been little progress in the field of economics, science and technology with the shortage of foreign exchange in most East European countries continuing to restrict economic and trade relations.
§ In Poland and Hungary, however, restrictions on the numbers of firms authorised to conduct their own overseas trade negotiations were eased slightly. Difficulties persist in living and working conditions for foreign business men in the USSR.
§ Statistical data on the Soviet Union and most East European countries remains poor while the GDR has maintained its refusal to provide information on its balance of payments and external debt position.