Collective effort will defeat Covid, revive economy: President

President Thongloun Sisoulith has told the International Conference on the Future of Asia that a joint global effort will eventually defeat Covid-19 and restore the global economy, which has been severely impacted by the pandemic.
The president delivered his speech on Friday at the conference titled “Shaping the post-Covid era: Asia’s role in the global recovery”, which was organised by Nikkei via teleconference.

“If we regard the suppression of the fierce enemy (Covid-19) as the collective obligation of every nation, organisation and every person, we will be able to jointly gain victory,” the president said.
He added that cooperation to revive the economy in the post-Covid era requires a similar collective effort.
“Therefore, getting back on the road of globalisation, peace building, and building shared prosperity and happiness must avoid any action that could lead to war or violence against one another in international relations,” the president said.
The state leader was optimistic that there will be opportunities for economic recovery during the post-Covid era.
The post-Covid era would be one that utilises the scientific and technological advancements of Industry 4.0. The world will experience a digital and AI (artificial intelligent) economy, e-commerce, and online media utilisation for information access, he added.
“These will be the driving forces in the post-Covid era,” President Thongloun said.
Asia, which has the largest population and advanced technology, will contribute significantly to the global recovery, especially through contributions from emerging economies, he added.
The president said he agreed with what some have dubbed the 21st Century as the Century of Asia, implying that Asia will drive the global economy.
“Therefore, I believe Asia will be able to adapt rapidly by creating and utilising new and modern innovations,” the president said. “Asia will play an important role in post-Covid recovery.”
Importantly, Asia needs to focus on constructive relations towards the path of globalisation, co-existence in peace, mutual assistance and win-win cooperation, the president added. He was of the view that Asean - the 10-member regional bloc of which Laos is a member will more strongly promote thue tourism industry, and a digital and green economy or smart economy.  
“Asia must ensure peace and security within Asia and with outsiders. Only enjoying peace will enable development, only enjoying security will provide conditions for effective recovery after Covid-19,” the Lao president said. President Thongloun said Laos would do all it could to contribute a small part to the global and Asian collective task for peace and sustainable development. 

By Times Reporters
(Latest Update May 24, 2021)