I am convinced that there is a basis for a fruitful exchange of views at this conference, considering similar experiences in Asia, and the Asian tradition for entrepreneurship. We are up against a trend towards concentration of economic power within relatively few countries and powerful international corporations. Expansion of employment in small and medium enterprises, or in the informal sector, can be an important instrument in counterbalancing this trend. They should take the lead in ensuring appropriate training and education in the labour market. What we need is lifelong learning for all people of our societies.
Competition is equal to changes and people's capability to cope with changes.
Social security and lifelong learning are some of the most important keys to entrust and make people capable to function during permanent changes. We cannot stop the global changes, but we can increase people's capability to cope with the changes and create new jobs. The whole issue here is about empowering people to cope with the changes of a globalized world. This brings me to theme no. 3 and the overriding question of combatting poverty. Market economies have a double face - they have a tendency to increase inequalities if the corrective measures are not sufficient.