Transforming a developing nation into a developed one -Part II

• Public expectations from a national Government 

Following the diverse feedback received on Part 1 of this article, I have expanded on key areas to reinforce my impartiality. My analysis remains strictly non-partisan, guided solely by the objective standards expected of a developed nation.

A clear, long-term national vision

Why it matters

Developed nations are built on long-term planning that transcends election cycles. Citizens should expect their Government to articulate a national vision that is:

I. Ambitious yet realistic

II. Inclusive and non-partisan

III. Aligned with global economic trends

IV. Supported by measurable milestones

Global examples

I. Singapore’s Vision under Lee Kuan Yew: A 30-year plan transformed a resource-poor island into a global financial hub.

II. South Korea’s Five-Year Economic Plans: Consistent industrial policy helped the country leap from post-war poverty to high-tech prosperity.

III. Rwanda’s Vision 2050: A stable, long-term roadmap focusing on innovation, infrastructure, and human development.

Expectation for Sri Lanka

Citizens should expect a national development blueprint that remains stable regardless of which party is in power. This requires political maturity and decisive use of power given by people. NPP Government must enact a new low preventing national development policies without 2/3 majority. However national policies must be developed through thorough stakeholder consultations and using input from national and international independent experts. Lack of bipartisan commitment must be revealed to public.

Strong, independent institutions

Why it matters

Developed countries rely on institutions, not personalities. Citizens should expect:

I. Independent judiciary

II. Professional civil service

III. Transparent procurement systems

IV. Effective anti-corruption bodies

V. Stable regulatory frameworks

Global examples

i. Finland and Denmark: Strong institutions and low corruption correlate directly with high development.

ii. Botswana: Africa’s most stable democracy, built on strong institutions and prudent resource management.

iii. New Zealand: Transparent governance and rule of law underpin economic competitiveness.

iv. Australia: Australian Public Service is governed by the Public Service Act 1999. It operates under the APS Values which mandate political neutrality, merit-based employment, and the provision of frank, fearless advice to whichever Government is in power.

v. Australia: The National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC) operates alongside the state-level bodies like the NSW Independent Commission Against Corruption (ICAC), the NACC investigates and exposes serious or systemic corrupt conduct across the entire Commonwealth public sector.

Expectation for public

Citizens should demand depoliticised institutions that enforce rules fairly, protect public resources, and ensure continuity of policy.

Economic stability and sound fiscal management

Why it matters

No country can develop while trapped in cycles of debt, inflation, and fiscal instability. 

Citizens should expect:

i. Prudent borrowing

ii. Efficient tax systems

iii. Transparent public spending

iv. Policies that encourage investment and exports

Global examples

i. Australia: The Charter of Budget Honesty Act 1998 legally requires the Government to outline its fiscal strategy in every budget. This Act mandates publishing long-term economic forecasts, ensuring sustainable debt levels, and subjecting public finances to rigorous scrutiny.

ii. Australia: Goods and Services Tax (GST) and the Dividend Imputation System. The GST shifts the tax burden more efficiently toward broad-based consumption rather than just income, while the imputation system eliminates "double taxation" by allowing shareholders to claim tax credits for taxes already paid by their companies.

iii. Germany: Fiscal discipline and export-driven growth.

iv. Vietnam: Stable macroeconomic management attracted massive foreign investment.

v. Chile: Long-term fiscal rules helped it become Latin America’s most stable economy.

Expectation for publicc

Citizens should expect responsible economic management that avoids unsustainable debt and prioritises long-term growth over short-term political gains.

Investment in education and human capital

Why it matters

A nation’s most valuable resource is its people. Citizens should expect:

i. Modernised education systems

ii. STEM and digital skills development

iii. Vocational training aligned with industry needs

iv. Policies that retain talent and reduce brain drain

Global examples

i. Australia: National Skills Agreement (NSA) is a 5-year joint funding agreement between the Commonwealth, states, and territories that strictly aligns vocational education and training with industry demands.

ii. Australia: The Australian Universities Accord is a sweeping higher education reform that creates an integrated, seamless tertiary system. It introduces an Australian Tertiary Education Commission (ATEC) to oversee long-term planning, funding, and demand-driven access for underrepresented students

iii. South Korea: Education-driven development created a high-tech economy.

iv. Ireland: Investment in education attracted global tech giants.

v. Estonia: Digital literacy and e-governance transformed a small nation into a tech powerhouse.

Expectation for public

Citizens should expect reforms that prepare youth for the global economy, not just for traditional public-sector jobs.

Infrastructure that enables growth

Why it matters

Modern infrastructure is the backbone of development. Citizens should expect:

i. Reliable electricity and water

ii. Efficient transport networks

iii. Digital infrastructure

iv. Urban planning and sustainable development

Global examples

i. Australia: Energy Transition: The national grid is undergoing rapid decarbonization through the Australian Renewable Energy Agency which funds commercial-scale hydrogen, solar, and battery storage projects. A major example is the Waratah Super Battery in New South Wales, designed to secure grid reliability as older coal plants are retired.

ii. China: Massive infrastructure investment accelerated industrialisation.

iii. United Arab Emirates: World-class infrastructure attracted global business and tourism.

iv. Malaysia: Strategic infrastructure projects supported manufacturing and services growth.

Expectation for public

Citizens should expect infrastructure that supports economic activity, not vanity projects or politically motivated construction.

A competitive, innovation-driven economy

Why it matters

Developed countries thrive on innovation, entrepreneurship, and competitiveness. Citizens should expect:

i. Policies that support startups

ii. Research and development incentives

iii. Ease of doing business reforms

iv. Integration

v. into global value chains

Global examples

i. Israel: “Startup Nation” built on innovation and R&D.

ii. Japan: Technology and manufacturing excellence.

iii. Singapore: Business-friendly environment attracts global companies.

Expectation for public

Citizens should expect a shift from a consumption-driven economy to a production- and innovation-driven one.

Social welfare and inclusive growth

Why it matters

Development must benefit all citizens. Citizens should expect:

i. Universal healthcare

ii. Social safety nets

iii. Affordable housing

iv. Policies that reduce inequality

Global examples

i. Scandinavian countries: Strong welfare systems with high quality of life.

ii. Canada: Universal healthcare and inclusive policies.

iii. Costa Rica: High human development despite modest income levels.

Expectation for public

Citizens should expect a Government that prioritises human well-being, not just GDP growth.

Environmental sustainability and climate resilience

Why it matters

Climate change disproportionately affects developing nations. Citizens should expect:

i. Sustainable energy policies

ii. Protection of natural resources

iii. Climate-resilient agriculture

iv. Disaster preparedness

Global examples

i. Costa Rica: Nearly 100% renewable energy.

ii. Netherlands: World leader in climate adaptation.

iii. Bhutan: Carbon-negative development model.

Expectation for public

Citizens should expect policies that protect the island’s biodiversity and ensure long-term environmental security.

Part III of this article to follow.

(The author is an engineer currently working in the Australian NSW Local Government sector. He aims to share his perspectives on various social development issues alongside his professional expertise to inspire others to think critically and differently. He can be reached at [email protected])