We need to encourage regional trade and integration. The advantages of such diversification and expansion are obvious. But we must also heed the lessons of the Eurozone and not focus on monetary union. The focus should be on trade, investment and infrastructure. Finally, we come full circle from where we began earlier. Skills development and education are key.
Although this is a long term issue where formal schooling is concerned, skills development is not confined to the formal school or academic environment. We need skilled artisans, yet we have far too little by way of apprenticeship training. There remain a significant number of vacancies which, if they were filled, could contribute to economic growth and job creation.