2017 needs to be ‘year of implementation’
dubai — “The year 2017 needs to be the year of implementation. That will transform Arab countries and will see economic growth and new jobs,” said Natalia Timirisa of the International Monetary Fund, UAE.
Speaking at the opening of the 2016 Arab Strategy Forum, Timirisa said the global outlook for 2017 and beyond presents “many challenges for Arab countries” but it also poses opportunities to change the paradigm of economic growth.
“Weening economies off the reliance of oil is a must. A number of countries, including the UAE, have announced impressive goals in healthcare, education, and tourism sectors and these structural reforms need to remain.”
And the cost of inaction for Arab countries will be high, she said, if they don’t. “Without further reforms, as many as one million young people expected to join the labour force over the next six years will likely become unemployed.”
Speaking to Khaleej Times, Tamirisa identified a number of specific performance criteria and milestones needed for the UAE to achieve its 2021 goals, and it was the youth and education that came under the spotlight.
“A very important part is making sure that the skills of young Emirati citizens fit the needs of the private sector (and) the needs of the global economy. Efforts to strengthen curriculum and to have a holistic approach to education are very important in this regard.”
kelly@khaleejtimes.com
A number of countries, including the UAE, have announced impressive goals in healthcare, education.” Natalia Timirisa, IMF, UAE