An enduring gift

here are no surprise gifts from the goYernment to workers as abor ay is marked today, according to officials. Any increase in the minimum wage must consider the capacity of employers to comply without leading to downsi ing or closure of enterprises.

As important as preserYing Mobs, howeYer, is creating them. espite sustained economic improYement, growth has not translated into Mobs, and there has been no letup in the e odus of workers for employment oYerseas. he country lags behind most of its neighbors in leYels of Mob- generating foreign direct inYestment, resulting in what has been described as Mobless growth.

2n this day dedicated to workers, the goYernment can commit to do more to create an enYironment more conduciYe to inYestment. his includes offering incentiYes and cutting red tape particularly at the local goYernment leYel not only to attract ) , but also to encourage the establishment of small, medium and micro enterprises. Access to credit, skills training as well as technical and marketing support are as useful as ta breaks for encouraging entrepreneurship. he goYernment can inYest in research and deYelopment that local entrepreneurs can tap to compete in the global economy.

ertain sectors can also be deYeloped to proYide liYelihood opportunities particularly in the countryside. ourism still has a lot of room for growth, with the potential to create millions of Mobs directly and through downstream industries. he country that loYes ollywood and :estern pop music can also position itself as a regional hub for the moYie industry and performing arts.

here are many ways of promoting workers welfare, apart from announcing a wage increase or wage-related benefits in time for abor ay. A more enduring gift is the creation of decent employment opportunities.