Renowned U.S. economist Larry Summers said last October that
"we've got the most complex, disparate, and cross-cutting
set of challenges that I think I can remember in the 40 years
I've been following this stuff." This will make many of us
feel better about having lots of questions. At the same time, as
answers await, we have to make decisions daily and decide on the
investments that will be the best response to change.
No doubt, the global context is gloomy. And there is much
uncertainty and risk. But it is difficult to think of a country
that, given its geography, resources, human capital and
institutions, is better placed than ours to capture the upside, and
to guard against the downside, of a changing world. Perhaps this is
why in my interactions with clients and partners, I feel a sense of
optimism, a sentiment that if we get our act together—and
frankly even if we don't all the time—we can get things
done. There is also a widespread view that with appropriate