GEORGETOWN, Guyana (GINA, February 3, 2009) - The 2009 National Budget aimed at restarting and sustaining growth in ways that are achievable and attainable in the context of the global challenges is in its final stages of preparation.

In light of the difficult global environment, the budget is strategically planned to encompass and help mitigate implications of the global economic downturn, Finance Minister Dr. Ashni Singh said.

Pointing out that the period will be a challenging one, Minister Singh said that the budget is crafted to take cognizance of global developments while at the same time it is taken in the context of peculiarities of the domestic economy.
 

He noted that, because of the nature of the Guyanese economy, some of the local sectors have been showing encouraging resilience to the global issues.
Despite this, the Minister said that policies will remain firmly focused on engendering economic growth. He said that the administration will continue to ensure that critical investments are made to lay the foundation not only for continued growth, but for modest growth in both the medium to long-term.
 

What is important at times like these, Minister Singh said, is the need to be careful, not only in Guyana, but in the world to ensure that short-term responses that are required do not compromise long-term goals and objectives.

In this regard, he reaffirmed Government's policy objectives to remain firmly focused on achieving and maintaining growth and preserving stability.