India and China can teach us [Archives:2005/816/Viewpoint]

Editor
Yesterday, I was watching a business program talking about the two fastest growing economies in the world, China and India. The report was in-depth and tackled the various elements of the two countries and tried to pinpoint the factors behind the success of the two nations in achieving a growth rate between 7 to 10 per cent. That is impressive.

In the analysis, the issue of 'good governance' was highlighted. The two countries have very well set laws that are enforced smoothly. Citizens of the two countries believe that it is compulsory to go by the law. The bureaucracy in both governments is quite strong and efficient and this has contributed to the level of security of investments and businesses.

Furthermore, there is the issue of forward-thinking and planning ahead. China for example has already planned for the upcoming 50 years. Government officials have already drawn the lines and are following up with those plans to achieve the highest expectations.

Meanwhile, the issue of leading by example was also quite fascinating in both countries. Officials at the top of the pyramid in the two countries look like employees who are working harder than average and setting an example for others to follow.

We in the Arab world tend to have this belief that the ones at the lowest rank of office are the ones working the hardest. In many cases, this is true. Hence, this drives many to frustration, as low-paying jobs require extraordinary work, while those at the top do almost nothing.

In China and India, it is the other way around. Low-ranking officials have to work hard because they see their bosses working hard as well. They conclude easily that if their employers are so dedicated and hard-working, being lazy would drive them out of work almost instantly.

But when it came to the real question of 'why do those nations succeed in developing their countries so rapidly?' the ultimate answer is 'human resource development'. The two countries were able to create highly qualified and skilled people. Those people are the ones who build, who govern, who teach, and who make miracles possible.

With such high emphasis on education, and public services offered to the people, no one can prevent a nation from growing and prospering. Those nations that value their people and ensure that they get all they deserve, are the ones who give humanity the top priority and hence are the nations that succeed in their mission in life.

I believe we can learn a lot from those two nations, which will no doubt one day grow and have a leading role in world politics.

If we can only learn from them, their love to their citizens, and care they provide to each and every individual, we can start applying those methods and end the ongoing stagnancy in our countries' development.

Will it ever happen?

Let's wait and see.
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