Migrants on the Move: The New Pathway to Economic Harmony

In the interconnected world of today, work and travel aren’t just opportunities—they’re pathways to shared prosperity, cultural exchange, and a future where borders blur and economies thrive together

How Countries Can Work Together and Empower Their Citizens

The economic models of popular countries vary, yet many integrate elements of capitalism, welfare policies, and globalization. Developed nations, such as the United States, Germany, and Japan, often operate under market-driven capitalist systems, with varying degrees of state intervention to provide social safety nets. The U.S. adheres to a more laissez-faire economic model, emphasizing individual entrepreneurship and market competition, although it has social programs like Social Security and healthcare subsidies for the poor.

In contrast, European countries like Germany and those in Scandinavia follow a social market economy, combining free-market principles with robust welfare systems that ensure citizens' access to healthcare, education, and unemployment benefits.

Migrant workers play a crucial role in these economies, especially in countries with aging populations or labor shortages, such as Japan and many Gulf States. Migrants fill low-wage, labor-intensive jobs in industries such as agriculture, construction, and hospitality, which are vital for the functioning of these economies. In the U.S. and parts of Europe, migrant workers also contribute to high-skill sectors, including technology and healthcare, facilitating innovation and economic growth.

The Role of Education and Entrepreneurship in Economic Growth

In the modern global economy, the role of education and entrepreneurship has become increasingly important in creating sustainable jobs and stimulating economic growth. Countries and organizations around the world are recognizing that empowering individuals, including migrant workers, with the right skills can drive innovation, improve productivity, and foster the development of new businesses. This transformation is not just about creating large corporations; it also includes helping low-profile businesses grow and become successful startups, with the support of larger corporations and international organizations.

Education and entrepreneurship are key drivers of economic progress. The more educated and skilled a population is, the more productive and innovative they can be, which leads to higher economic output and improved standards of living.

1. Education: In many countries, there is a focus on improving educational systems to equip individuals with the skills necessary to compete in a fast-changing global economy. Vocational training, technical education, and specialized programs that teach new skills are increasingly prioritized. By ensuring that people—especially migrant workers—are trained in specific trades and fields, they can contribute more effectively to their host country's economy. These skills can range from basic construction and agriculture to high-tech industries like artificial intelligence or biotechnology.
2. Entrepreneurship: Entrepreneurship is another powerful tool for economic growth. Encouraging people to start their own businesses not only helps diversify the economy but also creates jobs. In many countries, including emerging markets, there is a growing emphasis on fostering a startup culture. Training individuals, especially those in underdeveloped or low-profile businesses, on how to scale and grow their ventures is becoming a key strategy. Entrepreneurship training programs help individuals acquire the necessary skills to start their own businesses, such as marketing, business management, and finance.

Supporting Low-Profile Businesses to Become Startups

One of the most exciting trends is the empowerment of low-profile businesses to transform into startups. Low-profile businesses often operate in local markets and provide services such as small-scale retail, food production, or manual labor. However, with the right training, support, and mentorship, these businesses can scale into successful startups that contribute significantly to the economy. Here’s how large corporations and international organizations are stepping in to assist:

1. Training and Skill Development: Large corporations and international organizations are increasingly investing in training programs for entrepreneurs, especially in developing regions. These programs often focus on business development, innovation, and scaling up operations. Migrant workers, for example, may benefit from these training programs, gaining skills that allow them to transition from low-wage jobs to entrepreneurs who can start their own businesses. This not only improves their personal livelihoods but also contributes to the economic vitality of their host country.
2. Mentorship and Networking: Through partnerships with larger corporations or international bodies, smaller businesses can gain access to valuable mentorship and networks. This can help entrepreneurs navigate the challenges of growing their businesses, from understanding market trends to improving production processes and finding funding. Larger corporations, especially multinational companies, are often willing to assist small-scale businesses in these ways because it helps them develop new supply chains, diversify their business models, and create new markets.
3. Access to Funding: Another critical factor in transforming low-profile businesses into successful startups is access to funding. International organizations, development banks, and venture capital firms are increasingly providing financial support to small businesses. For example, they may offer microloans or seed funding for entrepreneurs, which is crucial for scaling up operations. Migrant workers who develop entrepreneurial skills can also tap into these financial resources, further enhancing their ability to contribute to the economy.

The Role of Migrant Workers in this Economic Ecosystem

Migrant workers are essential to this process, both as a skilled labor force and as potential entrepreneurs themselves. Their role in economic systems extends beyond filling jobs—they can become key participants in entrepreneurial ecosystems, helping to transform industries and businesses in their host countries.

: Migrant workers bring diverse perspectives and cultural insights that can spark new ideas for businesses. This diversity can be particularly beneficial in entrepreneurial ventures, as it opens up new market opportunities, consumer preferences, and creative approaches to problem-solving. By integrating into the local economy, migrant workers not only help grow their own businesses but also foster a more diverse and resilient economic system.

Collaboration Between Large Corporations, International Bodies, and Small Businesses

The collaboration between large corporations, international organizations, and small businesses is a crucial element in this ecosystem. Here’s how this collaboration supports economic growth:

1. Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR): Many large corporations today recognize the value of helping small businesses and entrepreneurs. Through their CSR programs, companies often provide financial support, mentorship, and resources to help nurture and grow small startups. This can involve offering business advice, marketing expertise, or even purchasing products from these small enterprises to help them scale.
2. International Development Agencies: Organizations such as the World Bank, United Nations, and various NGOs work to promote economic development by funding training programs, offering micro-loans, and helping local entrepreneurs create business plans. These agencies recognize that supporting entrepreneurship and small businesses—especially those involving migrant workers—can have long-term positive effects on global poverty reduction and economic development.
3. Public-Private Partnerships: In many cases, governments collaborate with private sector companies and international bodies to create incubators and accelerators for startups. These partnerships allow small businesses to gain the resources, expertise, and funding needed to grow, and they provide a platform for migrant workers to transition into entrepreneurial roles.

Ethical Considerations in Empowering Migrant Workers

While the empowerment of migrant workers through education and entrepreneurship is vital for economic growth, there are ethical considerations to keep in mind:

1. Fair Wages and Working Conditions: It’s essential that migrant workers are not exploited in the process of becoming entrepreneurs. Ensuring fair wages, safe working conditions, and access to healthcare is critical. Migrants should not be pushed into entrepreneurship out of necessity, but should be empowered with skills and opportunities.
2. Inclusion and Social Integration: As migrant workers are trained to develop new businesses, it’s essential that they are also integrated into the social and cultural fabric of their host countries. Ensuring access to social services, education, and cultural inclusion programs helps reduce the risk of alienation and fosters a more cohesive society.
3. Sustainable Growth: Training programs and entrepreneurial ventures must focus on sustainable growth, both for businesses and the environment. Encouraging ethical business practices, environmentally friendly methods, and corporate responsibility ensures that the benefits of entrepreneurship are shared equitably.

Empowering migrant workers through education and entrepreneurship is a powerful strategy for boosting GDP and fostering economic growth. By providing training, resources, and support from larger corporations and international organizations, low-profile businesses can evolve into successful startups, creating jobs and diversifying the economy. Migrant workers, with their unique skills and perspectives, can play a crucial role in this transformation, contributing both as skilled laborers and as entrepreneurs themselves. With careful attention to ethical practices, this model can lead to a more inclusive, sustainable, and prosperous global economy.

The political leverage of migrant workers is complex. In some countries, migrants represent a significant voting block or labor force, influencing policy, especially regarding labor laws, immigration reform, and social services. However, their political power is often diluted due to limited political rights, such as the inability to vote in national elections. In many cases, migrants' contributions to GDP are not fully recognized in policymaking, despite their essential role. Countries that fail to protect migrant workers' rights or offer pathways to citizenship may face ethical challenges, as their economic benefits come at the cost of vulnerable labor conditions.

Ethical Ways to Boost GDP

In today’s interconnected world, countries are constantly seeking ways to increase their GDP (Gross Domestic Product) and foster economic growth. However, it’s vital that these efforts are ethical and sustainable, benefiting not only the economy but also the citizens and the environment.

The first step to boosting GDP ethically involves balancing growth with social and environmental responsibility. Countries need to prioritize:

• Sustainability: Economic growth should not come at the expense of the environment. By adopting green technologies and sustainable practices, countries can foster growth without depleting natural resources.
• Innovation: Investment in technology, research, and development (R&D) can drive new industries and higher productivity. Encouraging entrepreneurship also helps create jobs and fosters economic dynamism.
• Inclusive Growth: It's essential to ensure that all segments of the population benefit from economic growth. This means addressing issues like income inequality and ensuring everyone has access to education, healthcare, and good jobs.
• Strong Institutions: Transparent, accountable governance is crucial for creating an environment where businesses and investments can thrive, leading to increased economic activity.

Political Leverage of Migrant Workers

Migrant workers may not always have a political voice, but their contribution to the economy cannot be ignored. In countries with large migrant populations, such as the U.S. or the Gulf States, migrant workers represent a significant portion of the workforce. Their economic contribution can influence policies, especially related to labor laws, immigration, and social services.

In some countries, migrant workers are able to exert political leverage through collective action. Unions and worker organizations often advocate for better wages, better working conditions, and legal protections. For example, farmworkers in the U.S. have organized for better pay and labor rights. However, in many cases, migrant workers have limited political rights, such as the inability to vote or participate in national elections. This weakens their influence over major policy decisions, even though they are vital to the economy.

Ethical Issues in Migrant Labor Systems

While migrant labor brings many benefits, it also raises several ethical issues that must be addressed:

1. Exploitation and Poor Working Conditions: Migrant workers, especially those in low-wage jobs or without legal protections, are vulnerable to exploitation. They may face poor working conditions, long hours, and low pay. This is particularly concerning when workers lack legal recourse to address abuse or discrimination.
2. Human Trafficking: In some cases, migrant workers may become victims of human trafficking, being forced into exploitative labor conditions. This is a grave violation of human rights and often goes unnoticed in global supply chains.
3. Brain Drain: When skilled workers leave their home countries for better opportunities abroad, it can create a "brain drain," where the country of origin loses valuable talent that could have contributed to its own economic growth. This is particularly problematic in developing countries that rely on skilled workers to build infrastructure and services.
4. Social Tensions and Inequality: Large numbers of migrants can sometimes create social tensions, especially if they are perceived as taking jobs from native workers or receiving more social benefits. This can lead to political unrest and fuel anti-immigrant sentiments, as seen in parts of Europe and the U.S.

The question of how many migrant workers a country can afford is multifaceted, involving not just economic factors but also social, political, and ethical considerations. The number of migrant workers a country can sustainably integrate into its economy depends on a variety of factors, including the country’s economic capacity, labor market needs, social infrastructure, and public sentiment toward migration.

While the economic benefits of migrant workers are clear, there are practical limits to how many migrants a country can afford based on its existing infrastructure and social systems. If the country does not have the capacity to create jobs, provide education, healthcare, and housing, or ensure that migrants are treated fairly, the economic advantages may be diminished.

There are also political and social limits. Migration can create social strains if the local population feels that migrants are competing for jobs, driving down wages, or putting a strain on public services. In some countries, public opinion about immigration may not align with the need for migrant labor, leading to backlash against migration policies. In such cases, governments may limit migration even if there is an economic need.

The Cycle of Low-Wage Migration and Its Impact on Native Citizens

The displacement or marginalization of native workers, and the political and economic structures that drive and sustain this system. Let's break it down and examine the implications for native citizens, the cycle of migration, and the role of politicians in shaping this system.

1. Dependence on Migrant Labor

When businesses, particularly those in industries like agriculture, construction, manufacturing, and services, rely on low-wage migrant workers, it often creates an economic structure where businesses thrive on the availability of cheap labor. These industries may not be able to maintain profitability or competitiveness without this workforce. This reliance creates a scenario where:

• Migrant workers fill jobs that many native citizens may not want to do because the wages are too low or the conditions are unfavorable.
• Native workers might be pushed out of certain sectors due to lower wages, lack of job opportunities, or competition with migrant workers.

2. Job Displacement for Native Citizens

As businesses continue to rely on cheap migrant labor, there is a risk that certain sectors of the economy will become predominantly dependent on this workforce, pushing native citizens out of these jobs. For instance, in hospitality, agriculture, or construction, migrant workers may be willing to work for lower wages than native citizens, making it difficult for the latter to compete.

• Job Polarization: This leads to job polarization, where low-wage jobs (which may be filled by migrants) and high-skill, high-wage jobs (which may be filled by native workers) are abundant, but there is a significant reduction in the availability of mid-wage jobs.
• Underemployment of Natives: Native citizens may end up in jobs that don’t require high levels of skill or education, or worse, face underemployment—working part-time or in jobs below their skill level—because they cannot access the opportunities that rely on migrant labor.

3. Cultural and Social Tensions

Large-scale migration can also create social and cultural tensions between native citizens and migrant workers. Concerns can include:

• Perceived Job Insecurity: Native workers may feel that migrant workers are "taking away" their jobs, especially if wages for these jobs are pushed down due to the availability of cheap labor.
• Cultural Resistance: In some societies, large influxes of migrants can lead to cultural and social friction. People may feel that their national identity is being diluted or that public resources (e.g., housing, healthcare, education) are stretched thin due to the arrival of large numbers of migrant workers.

The "Never-Ending" Migration Loop

The cycle of migration can become self-perpetuating for several reasons:

1. Economic Incentives for Businesses

Businesses often argue that they need migrant workers because they help reduce costs, increase efficiency, and provide workers for sectors that are struggling to attract native labor. The fact that wages are low and working conditions are poor means that:

• Businesses benefit by cutting labor costs, maintaining profitability, and keeping product prices low.
• Migrant workers benefit by sending money back home (remittances), even if their living and working conditions are subpar.

This creates an economic incentive for businesses and governments to maintain or even increase reliance on migrant labor, perpetuating the cycle.

2. Political Structures and Immigration Policy

Politicians, especially those in positions of power, may find themselves in a delicate balance.

On one hand, business interests often lobby for policies that ensure a steady flow of cheap labor.

On the other hand, native citizens, particularly those who feel marginalized or displaced by migrants, may demand stricter immigration controls.

• Political Leverage: Politicians may support policies that encourage migration to boost certain industries, ensuring the economic growth of the country. This can lead to policies that favor large-scale immigration while offering few pathways for integration or fair treatment of migrants.
• Divisive Politics: Politicians often use migration as a political tool, using it to garner support from various voting blocs. While some might argue for more lenient immigration policies to benefit businesses, others may adopt more restrictive measures to appease voters concerned about job security and cultural change.

This political jockeying can keep the cycle of migration going, while doing little to address the underlying issues of job displacement for native workers or the poor working conditions of migrants.

What Happens to Native Citizens in This System?

1. Shift Towards Higher-Skill Jobs

As the economy becomes more reliant on migrant labor for low-wage jobs, native workers may be pushed into more specialized sectors or industries that require higher skill levels. This could lead to the creation of a more highly skilled labor force, with greater emphasis on education and training in advanced fields.

However, this requires systemic investment in education and upskilling programs for native workers.

The country must ensure that there are opportunities for workers to move into better-paying, more secure jobs that require different skill sets.

This will only happen if the labor market evolves to demand higher-level skills, particularly in technology, healthcare, and engineering fields.

2. Automation and Technological Advances

Over time, businesses may turn to automation as a solution to labor shortages, especially in low-wage sectors.

This could displace both migrant and native workers but may also offer opportunities for a more skilled workforce to take over roles in industries like technology, AI, and robotics. The challenge, however, is in balancing automation with the social costs of displaced workers.

3. Social and Political Resistance

Over time, as migration continues, the concerns of native citizens—especially those in lower-income sectors—may escalate. Political movements advocating for nationalist or protectionist policies may gain traction, as more citizens feel left behind or threatened by the large influx of migrant labor. This can manifest in:

• Populist movements demanding restrictions on immigration to protect local jobs.
• Social unrest and rising tensions between native citizens and migrants.

Where Does the System Fail?

1. Lack of Integration for Migrants

The system fails when it does not provide adequate support for migrant workers to integrate into the economy. Simply relying on migrant workers for cheap labor without investing in their training, social inclusion, or rights can lead to exploitation, inequality, and social tensions.

• Migrant workers should have access to language programs, legal rights, fair wages, and opportunities for career advancement.
• There should be a focus on upskilling migrant workers, allowing them to contribute more than just cheap labor and enabling them to fill higher-skilled positions as they integrate into the workforce.

2. Failure to Address Native Worker Needs

A system that only focuses on the exploitation of migrant labor risks ignoring the needs of native workers who are left behind. The solution isn’t just to bring in cheap labor but to ensure that native workers have access to training and support to transition into sectors with better opportunities.

• Job retraining programs, vocational education, and support for those displaced by migration or technological change are necessary to ensure native workers aren’t left out of the economy.

3. Short-Term Economic Focus

The cycle of migration is often sustained by a short-term economic focus—businesses want cheap labor now, and governments focus on the immediate economic gains from migration. This short-sighted approach fails to account for the long-term social, economic, and political costs.

Breaking the Cycle

To break the cycle of migration-driven dependence on cheap labor, there needs to be a comprehensive approach that addresses both the needs of native workers and the treatment of migrant workers:

• Long-term investment in education, job training, and upskilling programs for native citizens is essential.
• Migrant workers should be treated fairly, with pathways for integration into the economy and society, rather than being seen as disposable labor.
• Immigration policies should balance economic needs with social inclusion, ensuring that migration benefits both the economy and society as a whole.
• Automation and technological investment can help reduce the reliance on cheap labor, but only if it is paired with a strong social safety net for displaced workers.

Ultimately, it’s about finding a sustainable, ethical balance that ensures both native and migrant populations can contribute to and benefit from the economy in a fair and inclusive manner.

Clubbed together, Travel, Tourism, and Work can be a powerful strategy in addressing the challenges posed by low-wage migrant labor, job displacement for native citizens, and even the social dynamics of migration.

This approach, often referred to as "work and travel" programs or "digital nomad" visas, is increasingly being explored by countries around the world.

Creating a Work-Travel Ecosystem:

What It Could Look Like Work + Travel Programs

• Work and Travel for Migrant Workers: Migrant workers could be given more flexible options that allow them to work in different parts of the country (or even abroad) while contributing to the economy. This could include temporary work permits or digital nomad visas that allow workers to take on short-term roles in different sectors or regions, helping to fill labor shortages in specific industries like hospitality, agriculture, or construction.
• Tourism as a Revenue Stream: The tourism sector could benefit by providing travelers (including workers) with opportunities to explore different parts of the country, spend money in local economies, and contribute to the tourism industry, which is often a major economic driver.
• Virtual Work Opportunities: With the rise of remote work, many people—native citizens and migrants alike—could balance traveling with working. Countries could develop systems to allow foreign workers to come in for temporary jobs or internships, while also encouraging them to explore tourism in the country during their stay. This could also apply to digital nomads who work remotely but want to live and travel in a foreign country for an extended period.

B. Combination of Migration and Tourism for Economic Diversification

• Attracting Digital Nomads: Some countries have already developed digital nomad visa programs that allow remote workers (from any nationality) to live and work in the country for extended periods. These workers often contribute to the economy through spending on housing, food, local services, and tourism, without competing directly with native workers in low-wage sectors. This model has worked in countries like Estonia, Portugal, and Thailand.
• Multinational Workforces in Tourism: By integrating tourism with work, countries can create vibrant, multinational communities where migrants can work temporarily in hospitality or tourism while enjoying the cultural and social benefits of travel. Countries can ensure these workers have fair pay and benefits while also making it easier for native citizens to engage with them in tourism-driven activities.

Benefits of Clubbing Travel, Tourism, and Work

A. Economic Growth through Multidimensional Contribution

• Diverse Revenue Streams: Migrants working temporarily in tourism-heavy areas can contribute to the economy in multiple ways. They can bring direct economic benefits (as workers in tourism or hospitality sectors) and indirect benefits (through spending money on tourism-related activities, transportation, and accommodations).
• Local Community Engagement: Allowing migrant workers to engage in tourism activities not only helps local businesses but also promotes cultural exchange and understanding, creating a richer experience for both tourists and native residents.

B. Improved Work-Life Balance and Worker Satisfaction

• Flexible Work Opportunities: Combining travel with work offers a more attractive proposition for both migrants and native citizens. For example, a migrant worker could spend a few months working in a particular region of a country and then take some time off to explore and travel around. This would reduce burnout and improve job satisfaction.
• Encouraging Entrepreneurship: Migrants who participate in this work-travel system could also be encouraged to start their own businesses or contribute to local entrepreneurship. For instance, they could set up small travel-related businesses, such as guiding, tours, or cultural exchanges, which would allow them to create job opportunities for others.

C. Boosting Tourism Through Diverse Visitors

• Increased Tourism Spending: With workers traveling and staying in a country for extended periods, there would likely be an increase in spending on local experiences, food, entertainment, and accommodations. These long-term tourists (who are also working) contribute to the local economy more sustainably than short-term tourists who come only for vacation.
• Off-Peak Tourism: Seasonal workers, who stay in a country for extended periods, can also help even out tourism trends by visiting during off-peak times. This ensures that the tourism industry doesn't only rely on a few months of high season but can benefit year-round.

D. Talent Pool and Knowledge Exchange

• Cultural Exchange and Skills Transfer: Migrant workers who come for temporary positions in tourism or other industries bring their own experiences and skills, which can foster knowledge exchange. Both migrant workers and native citizens can benefit from exposure to different cultures and work practices, which helps improve the labor force’s diversity and capability.
• Training and Upskilling Opportunities: Tourism and travel can also serve as avenues for upskilling. Many countries offer training programs for workers in the tourism sector, which could be a significant asset to migrants and native workers alike. These programs could offer pathways for career progression that would allow migrants to shift from low-wage, entry-level roles to higher-skilled, more lucrative positions within the tourism and hospitality industries.

Challenges of Integrating Travel, Tourism, and Work

A. Over-reliance on Tourism

• Vulnerability of the Economy: Countries that heavily rely on tourism for revenue can be vulnerable to global shocks—like pandemics, natural disasters, or economic downturns—that impact travel. The COVID-19 pandemic, for example, devastated the global tourism industry, highlighting the risks of being overly dependent on a single sector. A system where migration and tourism are heavily intertwined could create a fragile economy if not balanced with other industries.
• Seasonality and Instability: Tourism, particularly in certain destinations, can be highly seasonal. While work-travel models can mitigate this to some extent, businesses in tourist-heavy regions may still struggle with job instability during off-seasons.

B. Immigration and Legal Barriers

• Visa and Work Permit Complexities: Navigating immigration laws and visa requirements can be difficult for both migrant workers and the countries attempting to create work-and-travel systems. For instance, countries need to create streamlined visa systems that allow workers to legally work and travel while ensuring they don’t abuse the system or take away opportunities from native citizens.
• Immigration Control: Over-reliance on migrant workers, even within tourism and temporary work, could exacerbate concerns among native populations about job security and cultural identity. Policies need to be carefully crafted to ensure that migration serves both the economy and the community while mitigating concerns about overpopulation, competition for jobs, or cultural friction.

C. Social Integration

• Cultural and Social Tensions: While tourism and travel can promote cultural exchange, there is the risk that the influx of migrants (especially in lower-wage sectors) could strain social cohesion. Migrants, if not adequately integrated into the local culture, could face exclusion or discrimination, which could lead to social tensions.
• Housing and Infrastructure Strain: Rapid increases in both tourist numbers and migrant workers could put significant pressure on housing, public services, and local infrastructure. If not managed well, this could lead to overcrowded cities, rising rent prices, and dissatisfaction among local residents.

4. Solutions to Overcome Challenges

• Regulated Immigration Systems: Countries could implement managed migration policies that allow for flexible movement of migrant workers but also set limits to avoid overburdening the economy and social systems. This could include setting caps on the number of workers in certain sectors or offering incentives for long-term integration.
• Building Resilience through Economic Diversification: To avoid the trap of over-reliance on tourism, countries can diversify their economies and provide robust support for industries like tech, manufacturing, and healthcare, alongside tourism. This way, they can create a more stable foundation that does not depend solely on the ebbs and flows of the tourist economy.
• Community Engagement: Ensuring the integration of migrant workers and their families into the local culture can be achieved through social programs, cultural exchange initiatives, and community-building activities. By fostering an environment of inclusivity, countries can avoid cultural clashes and tensions.

A Balanced Approach

Incorporating work, travel, and tourism into a cohesive system could benefit both migrant workers and native citizens, helping to create a more dynamic and inclusive economy. By allowing migrants to work while traveling and contributing to the tourism sector, countries can generate economic growth, encourage cultural exchange, and foster job opportunities. However, careful management and policies are required to avoid the pitfalls of over-reliance on tourism, social tensions, and challenges related to migration laws.

In essence, the key is balance: integrating work and travel must be done thoughtfully, ensuring that both the local population and migrant workers benefit, and that the economy remains resilient, diverse, and sustainable in the long term.