KUCHING: The unveiling of the Post Covid-19 Development Strategy 2030 (PCDS) along with the setting up of Sarawak Economic Action Council (SEAC) showed that the state government is serious in ensuring economic recovery after the pandemic.
Universiti Malaysia Sarawak (Unimas) economic lecturer Dr Afiza Abu Bakar said optimal use of the state’s natural resources along with investments and human capital development would ensure the people’s wellbeing.
“The first few years of the PCDS might be challenging to be executed as most of the countries in the world are battling to rebuild their economy.
“In order to rebuild the economy, it is critical that the countries recognise this as an unprecedented opportunity to lay the groundwork for a more sustainable, resilient, and inclusive future,” she added.
As Covid-19 pandemic has resulted in a slowdown of the economy as a whole, she said that its recuperation would be challenging.
“But as countries are rebuilding their economies, leaders around the world realise the importance of building a resilient and inclusive labour market. These are significant issues.
“But this is a once-in-a-lifetime chance to construct more robust labour markets by tackling long-standing structural flaws aggravated by the Covid-19 catastrophe.
“Failure to address inequality and exclusion now is likely to have a detrimental impact on productivity and economic recovery.”
Afiza noted that the PCDS was tailored to address these challenges via the illustration of the interdependence between the six economic sectors and how the enablers contribute to environmental sustainability.
She said in order to achieve the main agendas of the PCDS in 2030 requires not only data and innovation, but continuous collective efforts from all levels of parties in the economy.
“A responsible society is needed to achieve a thriving society, where all must act in a manner that brings benefits to the society.
“Investors and consumers are increasingly concerned with responsible society as they seek investments that are not only lucrative but also contribute to the wellbeing of society and the environment.
“Although it has been a hard struggle for all, there is always an indication that a long period of difficulty is nearing its end.
“It may take several years to return to pre-pandemic employment levels and economic growth. But we can always make hay while the sun shines,” she said.
