In all seriousness, who gains? Who? I'm all ears. Tell me one country that is better off.
The politicians are no better off, they don't get paid any more or gain any more power. Most companies are worse off, shutdowns affected their bottom line big time.
So no, there is no ulterior motive. Even the Pharma companies, they had to invest billions with no guarantee of a return on investment. Three were over 60 candidates for the vaccine, only 5 in the end made it. These companies diverted resources away from cancer, Alzheimer's, diabetes that would make them way more money. Anyone in the Pharma industry will tell you there is no money in vaccines.
So no, I see no economic benefit or ulterior motive.