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As Asia continues to grapple with the impacts of COVID-19, how is the region expected to fare in the new year?
Following is an interview I gave to Unravel, a digital platform focused on international politics, economics and technology, and how they influence human life and endeavor.
Unravel: As we enter 2022, what must be priority areas for governments in developing countries in Asia?
Me: Without a doubt, vaccinating their populations against COVID-19 and implementing other measures to contain the spread of the virus, like contact tracing, rapid testing and targeted quarantines. This will allow a responsible lifting of restrictions on mobility and commerce, boosting the economy and job creation, and rejuvenating hard-hit sectors like tourism.
Unravel: COVID-19 has left deep scars on Asian economies. Do you expect Asian economies and societies to bounce back in 2022?
Me: The quick spread of Omicron has clouded Asia’s economic fortunes for 2022. The possible emergence of other variants could further delay a sustained recovery. That said, I am cautiously optimistic that the region’s economies will be in a better place in the last quarter of 2022 than today. If China manages some of its major domestic challenges well this coming year, that will bode well for the rest of the region, which…
