Finance Minister says Budget 2023 to spur investment, further enhance livelihoods

Georgetown: With a continued focus on improving lives and creating opportunities for all Guyanese, the nation will again witness the People’s Progressive Party/ Civic (PPP/C) Government unveiling a host of well-thought-out measures to transform the country aggressively.

Senior Minister within the Office of the President with Responsibility for Finance, Dr. Ashni Singh

Senior Minister in the Office of the President with responsibility for Finance, Dr Ashni Singh is expected to present the 2023 fiscal package to the National Assembly on Monday.

Speaking with the Department of Public Information (DPI) Friday, Minister Singh said the budget will be implemented through various direct and indirect initiatives, with key emphasis on promoting private investment, job creation, and skills training.

He said the budget is in line with President, Dr Mohamed Irfaan Ali’s philosophy of ‘One Guyana’, which emphasises the need for unity and for citizens to benefit equitably from Guyana’s ongoing transformation.

“As has always been the case with budgets presented by the People’s Progressive Party/ Civic Government, budget 2023 will continue to do the things and to deliver the things that are necessary to improve the lives of all Guyanese people.”

Moreover, measures were strategically inserted which will see significant investments in infrastructure, education, and healthcare, among other areas.

The senior minister stated that the budget is part of a broader plan to create a more prosperous and inclusive society, where all citizens have the opportunity to succeed and thrive.

“The fact that we are all united around the common cause of advancing and developing our country, and the fact that we must all participate in and benefit from the exciting and incredibly exciting transformation that is taking place, and that even more so will continue to take place in the future in this beautiful country of ours,” he added.

Minister Singh noted that the 2023 budget will also ensure that non-oil growth remains strong, while laying the foundation for a robust oil sector.

Upon assuming office in August 2020, President Ali had set out to restore Guyana’s reputation as a favourable destination for private investment and business.

Dr. Singh reminded that Guyana’s private sector faced significant challenges during the 2015 to 2020 period.

And despite the country preparing for the start of oil production then, the economy grew at a sluggish rate, and the non-oil sectors, such as agriculture, were neglected and negatively impacted by political decisions.

He said the PPP/C Administration made major efforts to restart several projects and attract private investment, leading to a recovery of private sector-led growth in the non-oil economy.

The government also made it clear that it values the role of the private sector in creating jobs and generating income for households.

The strong growth seen in the economy since the government’s return to office is a reflection of this, as private companies are investing, expanding, and creating jobs. Minister Singh said the administration is committed to working with the private sector to create more opportunities for Guyanese and improve the overall economic well-being of the country.