Global Challenges: Experts' Assessment

NUR-SULTAN,Kazakhstan,May 30,2019 -- What is the future of the global economy? What is the decisive competitive advantage for states? How to ensure competitiveness and achieve progress in the globalized world? These issues were discussed by leading politicians,economists,scientists and investors at the XII Astana Economic Forum on May 16-17 in Nur-Sultan,the capital of Kazakhstan,with the theme: "Inspiring growth: people,cities,economies".

The "Economic Research Institute" published specifically for AEF an analytical review "Kazakhstan and the global world: challenges and opportunities". It includes recommendations and practical measures to help confront modern challenges.

The following institute's partners were involved in the preparation of this publication: the Kazakhstan Fund for Economic Initiatives,the Boston Consulting Group,PwC,European Bank of Reconstruction and Development,Asian Development Bank,and the Reinventing Bretton Woods Committee. Valuable recommendations were given by guests,speakers and international participants of the AEF.

The publication includes suggestions and practical measures to help the global community confront modern challenges. Almost all experts agreed that the world is experiencing difficult times due to trade wars,climate change,and transformation of labor markets caused by technological development. Despite political and economic risks,it is necessary to find points of growth and look for solutions to these crisis situations.

Global risks,including trade wars,technological race,threats of cyber-dependence,increasing inequality,and other issues,require states to be prepared for joint and targeted efforts.

Almost all experts agreed that the world is experiencing challenging times due to trade wars,and transformation of labor markets caused by technological development. It's necessary for states to look for jointed and targeted solutions to these crises.

Maurice Obstfeld,professor of economics at the University of California and former IMF Chief Economist,said: "The current political dynamic creates a vicious circle. Without joint action,economic and social conditions will deteriorate."

However the new economy carries not only risks,but also many opportunities for growth.

Experts stressed that people,human capital and developed modern cities create growth in these conditions.

Experts also noted that well-planned and managed cities can take advantage of urbanization to generate and maintain growth.

Christine Lagarde,Managing Director of IMF,stated: "Technological change and integration bring benefits by boosting productivity and economic growth,but also generate difficult changes and crowd out workers."

Rae Kwon Chung,Nobel Peace Prize laureate,noted: "The growing gaps between economic growth and sustainable development goals,including environmental protection,social cohesion and a transition to low-carbon energy,are serious problems that we never faced before."

To solve this problem,there is a unanimous opinion that it's necessary to implement a more inclusive and sustainable growth model that contributes to raising global living standard. Inclusive entrepreneurship is a powerful tool for socio-economic progress,enabling new growth opportunities for businesses,and improving people's lives.

The publication can be found on the Economic Research Institute's website: www.eri.kz.

http://astanaeconomicforum.org/en