| 53. |
Mr Speaker, Sir,
barring any major external shocks, the recovery
momentum is expected to continue in 2000 and beyond.
We have come through the economic crisis well
because of our strong fundamentals and sound principles
of governance. We are well placed for future growth,
provided we do not become complacent. The economic
crisis has also taught us valuable lessons on
the post crisis economic environment and strategies
needed for future growth. We have to face up to
the challenges of a globalised economic system
and keep pace with changes in technology to remain
relevant and useful. We need to accelerate the
pace of economic restructuring. Our costs must
remain competitive. We must have world-class infrastructure
and strong reserves and our workforce must be
continually upgraded. Most important of all, we
have to work on preserving our social cohesion,
without which we will be much weaker as a nation
in weathering a future crisis. |
