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There is no surprise in the 4.2-percent contraction in the economy during the first quarter of 2021. The lockdown measures in the first three months stifled economic activities, in stark contrast with most of the first quarter of 2020, when there were no restrictions yet until mid-March.

There has always been a debate whether successful entrepreneurs are born or made. It’s the classic nature versus nurture debate. Some argue that successful entrepreneurs were born with certain personality and aptitude traits that made them the success that they are. Others reject this and contend that entrepreneurial greatness can be shaped through education both at home and in society — schools, media, etc. As always, I think the truth lies somewhere in the middle.

We saw a decline in new Covid-19 cases in the last couple of weeks, as the reproduction rate fell below 1.0 again. This is good news for the country and the economy, thanks to the preventive efforts of the government. We need to sustain this gain by strengthening our health-related measures, while safely reopening the economy so that workers can return to their jobs.