Chairman of the Free Trade and Processing Zone, Senator Lamin Newton, has underscored the importance of technology as countries strive to achieve economic growth and social development.
Sen. Newton made the point in an address to the China-CELAC Internet Development and Cooperation Forum in Xi’an, People’s Republic of China.
During his speech, Senator Newton encouraged the audience to embrace the benefits associated with the digital economy, as this would be critical for economic development and social progress. He stated that “As we find ourselves in the midst of a digital revolution, it is essential to understand just how we can harness technology to create innovative solutions that benefit all members of society”.
The Senator mentioned the need for the sharing of technology from developed countries to developing countries, to ensure that they were not left behind, and assess to digital marketplaces remain a reality for entrepreneurs to spur economic growth and further empower communities. He further mentioned the importance of digital transformation in areas such as education and healthcare, where technology was being implemented to improve lives.
Additionally, Senator Newton called for collaboration between governments, businesses, and civil society to create the necessary frameworks to support digital economic growth. However, he advised that investments must be made in programmes for workers to equip them with the necessary skills to thrive in the evolving global marketplace.
In closing, Senator Newton encouraged the audience to continue to share insights and ideas that would be utilized to realize the full potential of the digital economy.
