The problem of diversification

THE EDITOR: If we accept that diversification is a long-term process which requires policies and programmes coordinated over long periods — beyond five years — then given our political planning cycle, where it seems projects are conceived after an election has been won, and must be completed before the five-year term of office is complete, then we understand that we are dead in the water.

The five-year period is definitely not sufficient to facilitate the process from gestation to implementation. And this is true whether we are considering the triple helix approach, community-based industries or specially chosen sectors.

The “scorched earth” policy adopted by both of our political parties here do not allow for continuity of projects or programmes. Victorious parties aim to mash up what they meet. We have seen it repeatedly.

When we refer to Silicon Valley, Nehru’s technical institutes or whatever model for diversification and transformation we are usually referring to some example that involved generations of continuous effort.

There are two reasons why this short-term outlook has prevailed. First is the domination of ethnic politics and second is the nature of party finance.

Ethnic politics allows for a kind of “intellectual amnesia” in political life. There is a kind of irrationality it allows political parties to engage in, when it is “we time” in office. Mere occupation of office with hopes of preferred treatment satisfies the base.

The financiers have to be fed bigger mouthfuls and so big projects have to be conceptualised which allow them to feed at the trough. And they have to feed quickly within the five years — so much for continuous coordinated plans and programmes across the society to promote transformation and diversification.

Since ethnic politics is endemic to the society, how can we move to the kind of policy environment that promotes a sustainable future?

We have a lifeline now with the Economic Development Advisory Board (EDAB). It is important that the board be constituted in such a way that it continues to be a permanent organisation not dependent and beholden to whichever government is in office.

Professional organisations like chambers of commerce, trade unions, universities, NGOs etc should support the work of the EDAB so that some economic roadmaps can be developed through collaboration and dialogue. Even at the level of the school system students can be engaged in the issues of transformation and diversification.

We need to find rational spaces for the promotion of thought and dialogue that will constrain and inform those who take political office and so subvert the perils of ethnic politics.

SAMUEL LOCHAN via e-mail