Story of Black Cat and White Cat

By Dr. Wha Soo Park  

I would like to thank KOICA and INESAD for the opportunity to write this essay. I came to Bolivia last December, as a World Friend Advisor, and it is a pleasure to introduce my thoughts and experiences from my stay in Bolivia.

The former great Chinese leader, Deng Xiaoping, told us a very meaningful story about basic ideology to build the national development plan and strategy. He said, ‘whether black or white, the best cat is the one that catches more rats.  Which one is the best cat?  I put this question to participants in a meeting of the Ministry of Planning and Development in Bolivia (MPD).  Why did I introduce this story about the black cat and white cat?

One of the interesting things I have noticed since arriving here is that the Bolivian government often contrasts capitalism and socialism. I found a lot of material comparing these two ideologies, when I was looking for information about the Bolivian economy, and most of this material used this comparison in their headings. I have always considered that the most important thing is how to implement realistic economic policy, appropriate for the economic and social situation in that country.

I have tried to emphasize the usefulness of realistic policy, rather than ideology based policy, when implementing economic policy. I have been thinking seriously about how to explain to the Bolivian government the importance of realistic economic policy.

Mr. Chung, the Korean representative of KOICA to Bolivia, suggested a good idea. The story of the black cat and white cat was introduced to the MPD during a power point presentation. The audience enjoyed the story, and seemed to understand the real meaning implied by it. They were very interested in the government led economy, which was the main economic strategy in the first stage of Korean economic development. Bolivian government now favors a state led economy, which is similar to Korean economic policy in the beginning.

A meaningful comparison of economic policy between Korea and Bolivia was introduced at the meeting last April. The Government led economy in Korea seemed to be similar to the Bolivian state led economy. However economic circumstances were different. There wasn’t any gas or oil in Korea, unlike Bolivia, which is rich in natural resources. As a result, the Bolivian economy depends heavily on extractive industries.

One of the big differences between Korea and Bolivia is educated man power, and technological training. Bolivia lacks skilled workers and technology, which can cause a critical bottle neck for economic development. When I arrived here, I was surprised to see so many taxi drivers. I would recommend that the Bolivian government send them to engineering schools to learn new skills.

It was hard for me to come up with a plan for improving technology and skills in the medium to long term public investment plan in Bolivia. They were focusing mainly on developing hydrocarbon and mineral industries. This plan is going to be good, of course, but how can a refinery plant be operated without technology?  Can black cats or white cats make them operate it?  The road to economic growth is rooting the need for technology in the minds of the Bolivian people and erasing ideology.

Recently I visited the salt lakes in Uyuni, which is a unique spot in the world for tourism and a fantastic place. The entire lake was totally covered by white salt flats attracting curiosity and surprise from all the tourists.  My surprise was the total lack of modern hotels and services. I had no idea why there would be no services here. It is obvious that good hotels and services are needed for economic development, rather than thinking about the color of the cat.

In the 21^st century society, developed countries are strongly required to focus on poverty reduction in developing countries. Korea is considered a unique country, because it has gone from being a recipient to a donor country during a short period of time, due to rapid economic growth. The Official Development Assistance program in Korea needs to focus on building self-capacity in each developing country, rather than providing their economic experiences the same way.

Therefore in my view, training and technological education and skills for young Bolivians is essential in the future. I think it would be a good program for KOICA to give grants to set up technology centers and vocational schools in Bolivia. KOICA would seemingly be glad to provide programs to train young people in the field of technology and new skills in Bolivia. Whether black or white, the best cat might be the one that catches more rats with technology and skills.

What do you think Bolivia’s next step should be towards development? Share your thoughts below.

*World Friend Advisor, KOICA. The author happily receives comments at the following address: hwasoo.park@vipfe.gob.bo