| 1999 is likely to be another difficult
year. Despite signs of improvement in the external environment,
the outlook remains uncertain.
The CSC has set out the key thrusts
to help Singapore overcome the crisis and prepare for
competition beyond. We must work together to implement
them vigorously, but retain the flexibility to adjust
our tactics if the external environment changes again.
The benefits of the cost cuts will flow through to the
Singapore economy and businesses this year. The key
now is to grow our business revenues by expanding our
export markets and sustaining investments. To underpin
these key thrusts, we need to build up our economic
capabilities, both in terms of infrastructure and manpower
skills.
To achieve this, the workers, management
and Government must all work together. Then, we will
weather this difficult period, and realise our vision
for Singapore as an advanced and globally competitive
knowledge economy. |
