critical that the government produces a credible budget for next year that
will work as an instrument to buttress the nascent economic recovery and
ensure Zimbabwe is on course to meeting its development targets.
Biti, who has pursued frugal policies since taking over the finance
portfolio at the formation of the unity government last year, is due to
present the 2001 budget to Parliament next November.
He said his ministry will consult all stakeholders over the budget to ensure
the financial blueprint for the next year will have the backing of every
Zimbabwean.
"It is my sincere hope that all stakeholders will use this consultative
platform to engage with the government on key policy interventions for the
2011 national budget," said Biti, who doubles up as secretary general of
Prime Minister Morgan Tsvangirai's MDC-T party.
Biti said his office would by next week issue a circular to all accounting
officers in government ministries to assist them in the formulation of
expenditure proposals.
"The Budget proposals by ministries should be submitted by October 1, 2010.
The expenditure proposals by line ministries will undergo scrutiny by
government at Ministry of Finance level as well as other structures of
government, including the budget committee, ministerial cabinet committees
and Cabinet itself," said Biti.
Zimbabwe's economy has shown signs of recovery since the coalition
government came into office last year.
The economy grew by 5.1 percent in 2009 - the first time in 10 years that it
was expanding - and is expected to grow by 4.5 percent this year.
However analysts say economic recovery remains fragile because of Zimbabwe's
heavy dependence on imports at a time the country does not have access to
balance-of-payments support.
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