| Related Links: | Articles on budget 2004 |
| Letters Menu | Archival Menu |
Minister Kowlessar was at the time giving a brief comment to the media even as the Consultative Association of Guyanese Industries (CAGI) was awaiting its round of budget discussions with him.
Minister Kowlessar said that consultations, in certain ways, help to channel policy decisions in each national budget.
So far, officials from the Ministry held decisions with the Trades Union Congress, the Guyana Manufacturers Association and the Georgetown Chamber of Commerce and Industry.
Minister Kowlessar disclosed that generally discussions during the consultations have centred on tax exemptions and holidays for the private sector.
Budget consultations are conducted annually to garner inputs from the private sector and civil society.
Budget 2004 is expected to be presented to the National Assembly by mid March. Government last year, presented a $72.9 billion Budget under the theme 'the Challenges: Staying on Course for a Prosperous Guyana".
Some of the provisions for the private sector included Government's introduction of several tax reform initiatives aimed at broadening the tax base and reducing revenue leakage, $7.2 billion for crime-fighting and national security, US$1.5 million, three-year UNDP/Private Sector initiative, specialist training for 250 entrepreneurs and $900 million worth of heavy earth moving equipment to accelerate the Drainage and Irrigation (D&I) programme.