Real focus should be on indigenous exporters

The golden years of the economy were characterised by favourable international competitiveness, formidable foreign direct investment, and strong export growth.

Between 1994 and 2000 for example, the growth in the volume of exports of goods and services averaged 17.8% per annum, with the merchandise component or the export of physical goods experiencing annual average growth of 17.1%.

For a small open economy that should be focused on export potential, this was a golden period.