Interactive session between the Finance Minister and members of the press

During the session, Dr Padayachy highlighted that key the words for this budget, which focuses on the economy of life, are creativity and solidarity, and that all measures being taken by Government aim at ensuring the economic stability of the country. In this vein, priority will be given to the local workforce for construction projects of around Rs 40 billion, as announced in Budget 2020-2021, which will be overseen by the Project Development Fund. He stressed that the construction sector will play a key role in rebuilding the country’s economy.

Furthermore, the Finance Minister dwelt on the one-off grant of Rs 60 billion received by Government from the Bank of Mauritius, pointing out that half of the amount will be used to support enterprises in key sectors, such as tourism and manufacturing sectors. The other Rs 30 billion, he pointed out, will be used for current expenses, out of which Rs 8 billion for the workfare programme and to support the unemployed.

With regards to the aid to be granted to Air Mauritius, currently under voluntary administration, Dr Padayachy underscored that Rs 7 to 9 billion have been earmarked in Budget 2020-2021. Other subjects discussed during the interactive session include: the solidarity levy, which will be payable on a Pay As You Earn basis; the pension system and the Contribution Sociale Généralisée; inflation; the development of ocean economy; and social housing.