SOPK Chairman Peter Mihók on several aspects of coronavirus impact
When we forecast the development of the Slovak economy, European and global economy for 2020, no one at home or abroad expected such a small thing as a small invisible virus, which in within a few weeks he changed practically everything. Coronavirus is certainly the most inflected word in the world today. This is because even though no one sees it, its consequences are fatal and will be long-lasting. It affects society, the economy and also individuals. Even today, we can say without exaggeration and emotion that the world after the coronavirus will no longer be the world it was before. We in particular must be aware of this in Europe, where we are today of this disease is found. Suddenly we walk the half-empty streets, the fun and also the empty life in the shopping malls are over. There is a period of awareness of one's own weakness, but also of interdependence and perhaps the need to reconsider the value categories of the world in which we live.
What awaits us?
Today, it is difficult to give a clear answer to a seemingly simple question. In Europe, it will depend on the intensity of the infection. In the world since other continents are affected, especially Africa, Latin America and the Indian subcontinent. All this will depend on the enormous responsibility of governments, but in particular of us. However, what is clear is that the problems will not go away with the first warm rays of the sun. In the economy, a long and slow recession awaits us even after the end of the contagion, with an impact especially on the social sphere and personal consumption. Many will rethink their business plans and investments, and the new situation will certainly bring new opportunities. Government policies in the area of public finances and public investment, as well as support for the business environment, will play an important role. All this can accelerate the process of economic recovery and the transition to standard conditions of economic activity. A solution in which it does not dominate will be extremely important or party approach, but the interest of individual states and communities, and thus the interest of citizens regardless of political or religious orientation. Only by the joint efforts of all those who have human, intellectual or financial capacity can this process be successful.
What about coronavirus?
Both the company and the individual will need to change. If we perceive this disease as just one of the episodes of human development, then other diseases will come, and certainly much worse, with much more drastic consequences. In the economy, we must realize that is already at its peak both in the area of control of individual economic activities by several multinational companies, as well as in the area of global supply networks. This wonderful connection also has its negative effect in that it also creates global channels for the spread of diseases, epidemics or economic problems from continent to continent. Support for the creation of smaller and more compact economic entities creates greater economic and social stability and also better preconditions for solving the problems that have arisen. It also creates better conditions for the application of people's talents and abilities and their innovative action. Strengthening concentration of capital and power destroys not only the market economy but also a democratic society. An important factor for the future will also be food self-sufficiency and security, which must be addressed at the level of individual state units. These must also guarantee the quality of the food cells and their impact on the health of the population.
Conclusion
The period we are going through is very special. Many suddenly have a lot of time because they can't do what they're used to, while others don't have that time at all because they care about the survival of the company or family. However, we should each take the time to think about it how to continue living or doing business. We have fallen victim to the boundless consumption that determines our behavior, to which we subject our lives. We explain civil liberties as an opportunity to do anything, regardless of the environment and environment in which we live. We have become individualists ruthlessly exercising their rights, which we define ourselves, at the expense of others. We take much more of this world than we give it, no matter what the future. Suddenly an invisible virus comes and we are surprised because it takes away the joys of our lives. We need to realize that our way of life today robs our children of their future. Therefore, during these special days, let us think about ourselves, the environment and society, we live, and over what we leave behind. Life is not just about material values, it is also about spirituality, our inner self and our ability to speak to ourselves.
Peter Mihók
President of the Slovak Chamber of Commerce and Industry
Source: Slovak Chamber of Commerce and Industry
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