The proposed independent national council of economic advisors will play crucial role in creating a fertile ground for the government in terms of implementing policies and strategies through entertaining various scientific thoughts amid the ongoing economic reforms, scholars so remarked.
They also say the council would come up with tested ideas, scientific explanations and practical solutions for the possible economic hurdles. According to the statement issued from the Prime Minister Office on Monday, the incumbent called on economic professionals to apply for the establishment of an independent national council of economic advisors which supposed to contain 15 members with the objective of realizing successful implementation of the ongoing home-grown economic reform. The council will offer independent, objective and evidence-based economic policy advice, it says.
St. Mary University Assistant Professor and Manager of PRIN International Consultancy Tilaye Kassahun (Ph.D told The Ethiopian Herald that the idea is interesting and timely. In developed countries, there are caretaker groups to produce ideas for the government without taking side to any personal interest, he says adding that, members of such independent counsels or associations argue as selfless groups, only thinking about their country.
Tilaye says the proposed independent economic advisory council will feed the government like those in developed countries, if it established properly without any intervention. “The government will profit a lot from the coordination of professionals working as an independent advisory body in the manner it generates valuable suggestions related to the economic sector.”
“Strong, vibrant, holistic and selfless resourceful professional group can contribute for the development of their country and maintaining the transformation track from poverty to prosperity,” he states. This will also play significant role in utilizing additional human capital and minimize extravagance through maintaining long term solutions during smooth political transition, Tilaye adds.
Addis Ababa University Department of Economics Dean Atilaw Alemu (Ph.D) also tells The Ethiopian Herald that as planned, if government creates an independent council with experienced professionals, it will help as a pillar to guide the government’s economic activities in the right way.
For Atilaw, the focus of the council must be selecting the economic challenges, defining the comparative advantages and providing guidance to policy makers predicting the scientific economic trends intending to bring fundamental changes.
According to the dean , if it is established properly, it can make a difference in generating diverse idea, and forwarding recommendation for the proper implementation of government’s endeavor. It will also play significant role in showcasing the way for proper translation of theories into practices, he notes.
The council would curtail limitations in generating ideas and lack of professional guidelines while the government prompts to implement its policies at the grassroots level, he adds.
On the contrary, he also argues that, for the proper functioning of professional advices, it’s better to use professional associations like the Ethiopian Economic Associations and the Ethiopian Management Experts Association other than calling for new application. Because, using professional associations is common in different countries of the world
In this regard, Tilaye states that since the idea of an independent economic advisory council has brought new experience in Ethiopian history, it should have clear criteria to establish a truly independent, confidential and professional-centered council that would keep national interest.
He also said that the advisory council has to professionally evaluate the government’s perfo rmance and policy achievements other than remained only to give advice and produce convincing ideas.
In sum, both scholars agreed that the council will play crucial role in creating fertile ground for the government to implement its policies and strategies confidently since they would come up with tested ideas, scientific explanations and practical solutions for the possible economic hurdles.
The Ethiopian Herald, January 4/2020
BY DARGIE KAHSAY
