Citizens and stakeholders urged to submit proposals

The priorities of the 2019/2020 Budget focus on expanding and modernising the infrastructure; dealing with the challenges facing the sugar and manufacturing sectors, including textiles; investing in new pillars of growth, in particular, AI technologies; and encouraging a new culture of entrepreneurship. 

The forthcoming Budget also aims at further opening up and integrating the economy with the rest of the world; investing in the education, training and other skills needed by the youth; addressing the impact of demographic change; promoting gender equality; promoting a more inclusive and equitable society and further addressing the problem of poverty; and building greater resilience to the impact of climate change.

In its communiqué, the Ministry of Finance and Economic Development highlights that the country and the population at large are enjoying the fruits of strong, effective and appropriate economic, social and environmental policies. It is noted that economic growth is resilient, the unemployment rate is falling, inflation is under control, poverty is declining, income inequality is being reduced and the country’s infrastructure is being modernised. According to the Ministry, these achievements have been possible due to the cooperation and dedication of the population and all stakeholders.