BUDGET 2011: Govt to wrap up talks with focus groups end-July

The government will wrap up its discussions with 10 focus groups by end-July as it prepares the Budget 2011 proposals to drive private sector investments and accelerate growth in the various areas of the economy.

Second Finance Minister Datuk Seri Ahmad Husni Mohamad Hanadzlah said on Wednesday, July 7 the government had formed 10 focus groups to help draw up the Budget 2011 proposals. The discussions with three such groups were completed on Tuesday.

He said the government would hold discussions with the remaining seven focus groups this month. It was also mulling the possibility to invite other groups in the next two months to o give their views especially on accelerating private investments.

"The focus is to enhance the government's vision of a high income economy. That is the basically the basis of Budget 2011," Ahmad Husni said after opening the "National Tax Conference 2010" organised by the Inland Revenue Board of Malaysia (LHDNM) and Chartered Tax Institute of Malaysia (CTIM).

The three focus groups that have completed their discussions are: Accelerating Services Sector Development; Innovation for a High Income Economy; and Accelerating Private Investment.

The remaining seven are: Human Capital for the New Economy; Enhancing Quality of Private and Public Service Delivery; Green TECHNOLOGY [] for Sustainable Growth; Income Generation for the Poor; Addressing Social Issues through Gender Budgeting; Inclusive Development; and Strengthening Small, Medium and Micro Enterprises.


Written by Yong Min Wei
The Edge Malaysia