Gov’t consults with private sector, labour reps. on Budget 2021

As work continues on preparation of the 2021 National Budget, Vice-President, Dr Bharrat Jagdeo; Senior Minister in the Office of the President with responsibility for Finance, Dr Ashni Singh and Minister of Parliamentary Affairs, Gail Teixeira met with Private Sector and Labour representatives on Saturday at the Arthur Chung Conference Centre where discussions were held on the main issues of interests to those stakeholders.

At the engagement, the Vice-President emphasised the government’s commitment to delivering its manifesto promises, several of which have already been initiated in Budget 2020. He indicated that Budget 2021 and the budgets for subsequent years will continue to build on these.

Minister Singh emphasised that the government’s approach to development is one of continuous engagement. He elaborated that the PPP/C manifesto has outlined the vision for the country and the key interventions to be implemented, which includes significant investment in physical infrastructure to improve connectivity and unlock economic potential; substantial investment in social services, including a well-educated and skilled workforce to take advantage of the economic opportunities that are arising.

He also added that it is important that the physical transformation is accompanied with improved delivery of quality services both at the level of the Government and the private sector.

Meanwhile, Teixeira spoke about the government’s consultative and inclusive approach to policymaking as illustrated by this and many other engagements. The stakeholders present expressed strong appreciation of the opportunity to meet and discuss issues of interest and advanced several recommendations to the government team for consideration.

Minister Singh thanked the stakeholders for their suggestions and noted that many were closely aligned with priorities previously identified by the government. (Modified press release from the Ministry of Finance)