HARARE Finance Minister Tendai Biti 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 Tsvangirais 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.
Zimbabwes 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 Zimbabwes heavy dependence on imports at a time the country does not have access to balance-of-payments support.
Post published in: Agriculture