Initially, I had thought it to be just another New Year. But my mindset had started changing for better perspectives immediately after watching some New Year eve programmes live on CNN. And a lot of laugh, plenty of wishes and a plethora of love had then been exchanged between the CNN anchormen and a few other people including certain New Yorkers during that beautiful TV programme on the Times Square ball drop. On the whole, it seemed like they were all laughing away that bloody pandemic. What a good start to 2021 just born! This could be a positive call to everyone out there.
On the other hand, the universe has been facing a lot of business and trade challenges straight from time immemorial. Additionally, the current COVID-19 crisis has just added to the trade issues across the globe. However, continents like Asia, America and Europe have started taking steps to reconcile the current fiasco. More to the point, the intercontinental business/trade activities are the need of the hour in the current context.
Economically speaking, the current business statements from the Asian region have been pretty encouraging. Furthermore, sincere efforts and mutual business cooperation are badly needed to expand the potential trade platforms like APEC-Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation, RCEP-Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership all aimed at encouraging regional business activities through free trade.
Free trade has been deemed to be the best way out of economic slump in contrast to the trade war intended to harm other countries. My first-ever job was in fact into export and import activities through the Tuticorin Port in Tamil Nadu. Any attempt to place an embargo on trade activities will only entail a strong backlash. My native areas like Korkai, Tiruchendur, Tuticorin, Nagercoil, Kanyakumari, Tirunelveli have been thriving on easy and free trade, selling the locally procured farm produce like paddy, bananas, betels within the region and to outside areas too.
Plus, the idea of protectionism will never go down well with the people and countries. Getting down to free trade is the way forward and well ahead. Countries from the East and the West should come forward to strengthen the global economic status through bold business steps like multilateral negotiations and transboundary free trade.
P Senthil Saravana Durai
Mumbai
