South Africa responded swiftly to the COVID-19 pandemic, but the sharp drop in activity adds to long-standing challenges and raises the urgency of structural reforms, according to the Economic Survey of South Africa. The survey recommends a wide range of measures to improve the quality of and access to health care and support businesses and people.

Greece has responded swiftly and effectively to the Covid-19 pandemic and has managed to contain the spread of infections but the economy has been hit hard, adding to long-standing challenges. Government measures to strengthen the health system, support businesses and people’s incomes need to continue, according to latest Economic Survey of Greece.

After five years of robust growth, Slovenia’s economy has been hit hard by the Covid-19 crisis. Further support to businesses and households may be needed to reinforce the recovery and avoid lasting scars, particularly given the underlying pressures of an ageing population, according to the OECD Economic Survey of Slovenia.

According to OECD-FAO Agricultural Outlook 2023-2029, the pandemic is expected to depress demand in the next few years and could further undermine food security. It is causing unprecedented uncertainties in global food supply chains as well as shifts in demand for food and food services.

Costa Rica is focusing on combating the Covid-19 pandemic, with timely confinement measures and well-targeted, innovative economic support. Once the worst is past, it will be critical to stabilise public finances and improve spending efficiency to invigorate the recovery and maintain recent economic and social gains.