Two biggest economic challenges facing estonia
The European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) (Wikipedia) published their strategy for Estonia. It lists the two biggest transitional challenges for Estonia as:
+ the privatization of Eesti energy in a economic and environmentally responsible manner
+ to further stimulating enterprise development in the poorer regions of the country
Why would you want to privatize the energy industry and open up the possibility of an irresponsble multinational corporation to move in, to harvest all of the resources of a country with a focus on profits rather than environmental impact. Should it not be the responsibility of the government to look after its people and ensure that the country remains powered while keeping it environmentally sound? Wouldn't we want the country to be able to invest in itself in and its own alternative energy sources?
Secondly, would modernizing the countryside improve the quality of life there? Much of that land has been used for farming for over 700 years. Why rush to change it? One of the charms of Estonian life is the quiet country house. How all types of folks working in Tallinn can go to the countryside and live simply. Sauna. Eat fresh foods. Life without plumbing. These lands are self sufficient and do not need internet access or strip malls. Since the country is so small and its already easy enough to move between country and city- Why not continue to focus development within the major cities and leave the countryside alone?
3 comments:
Eh, there are some abysmal living conditions in the country side. Some of the roads are just gravel, and many of the elderly people living in the countryside are basically making due with 1960s-era plumbing, appliances, etc.
There's also a higher level of unemployment and, thus, alcoholism in the countryside. Encouraging some investment in some underdeveloped regions - particularly in South Estonia - could be quite beneficial to the local population.
You make some good points about the conditions in southern estonia, but I don't feel that it is ready for much investment yet.
I think it would make more sense to invest in the roads and transportation to Parnu, Polva and Tartu. I would assume adding a third lane to these roads would greatly increase the commercial flow between these citys. Once the smaller cities start to grow, then I think one can begin investing in the countryside.
I still feel that the countryside is a strong part of estonian identity, and to open it up greatly to investment would enable outsiders to come up and purchase all the land for very cheap. I'd rather see the younger estonians continue their success in the cities, and then slowly by up their country land and modernize it.
I wish I knew of a better approach on how to address the current problems that you mention in the countryside, without upsetting the balance the success of the future or slowing the growth of Tallinn.
Absolutselt. People can always commute (to Põlva, Võru etc.) too :)
Post a Comment