[Photo/Agencies]
If the world wants to beat back COVID-19 and ensure no one is left behind in the recovery, two issues thrown into sharp relief by the pandemic need attention: digitalization and regional cooperation.
Ensuring the digital transformation reaches all in the Asia-Pacific region is one of the greatest challenges we face.
Even before COVID-19, the digital revolution was transforming how people and businesses work. As the pandemic unfolded, the accelerated adoption of digital technologies helped governments, the education sector, private enterprises and the people to keep activities going amid social distancing, lockdowns and other containment measures. High-speed internet connectivity and financial technology hold immense promise for deepening financial inclusion, and keeping local economies alive, even in times of crisis.