Fostering balanced economic growth

THE EDITOR: Economic growth is driven by a combination of new investment, employment, small business activity, and consumer spending.

Observing local markets, we can see that supermarkets, vegetable vendors and street food sellers like doubles vendors experience steady business, indicating a healthy level of consumer spending in these areas.

However, a walk through the malls reveals a different story: clothing stores and shops selling household items face significant challenges.

This disparity highlights a broader economic issue where certain sectors thrive while others struggle. Factors contributing to this include shifts in consumer preferences, varying disposable incomes, and perhaps the impact of e-commerce on traditional retail.

To foster balanced economic growth it is crucial to support all sectors by encouraging diverse investments, enhancing employment opportunities, and promoting small businesses across the board.

This holistic approach can help ensure that both essential goods and discretionary items see robust demand, leading to a more resilient and inclusive economy.

GORDON LAUGHLIN

via e-mail