Cabinet approves draft state budget for 2021
Main sections of the budget project and draft law referred to Shura Council
THE Cabinet has approved the draft state budget for the fiscal year 2021 and a draft law approving the budget.
The Cabinet, chaired by Prime Minister and Minister of Interior HE Sheikh Khalid bin Khalifa bin Abdulaziz Al Thani on Wednesday, referred all the main sections and sectors of the budget project and the draft law to the Shura Council.
The draft budget has been prepared based on the following principles:
Adopting the principle of medium-term planning for the general budget and setting financial ceilings for the years 2021-2023 after reviewing the projects and programmes of all sectors.
All ministries and government agencies are required to set financial ceilings for the medium term 2021-2023 and direct them to arrange their priorities, including programmes and projects included in the Second National Development Strategy of 2018-2022, according to the allocated budgets and specific financial ceilings. Continuing to allocate financial resources to complete the implementation of strategic projects in accordance with Qatar National Vision 2030, especially those related to hosting the 2022 FIFA World Cup and the health and
education sectors. Allocating the necessary financial resources to develop new citizens’ lands and infrastructure for existing areas.
Supporting business environment development initiatives to enhance the role of the private sector and its participation in various economic activities. Work to maintain the credit rating of the State.
At the beginning of the meeting, the Cabinet listened to the explanation provided by HE Minister of Public Health on the latest developments to limit the spread of the coronavirus (COVID-19).
The Cabinet then affirmed the continuation of work with regard to the precautionary measures that have been taken in order to combat the pandemic.
THE Cabinet also approved a proposal to include a representative of the Ministry of Endowments (Awqaf) and Islamic Affairs in the membership of the executive office of the Qatar National Commission for Education, Culture and Science.
The executive office will be formed under the chairmanship of Minister of Education and Higher Education and the membership of representatives of the authorities concerned.
Its functions are:
Discussing the draft reports submitted by the state delegations to the general conferences of UNESCO, the
Arab League Educational, Cultural and Scientific Organisation (ALECSO) and the Arab Bureau of Education for the Gulf States (ABEGS).
Approval of draft regulations for the National Commission.
Approval of the annual report issued by the Secretary-General on the work of the National Commission.
Follow up on what was stated in international, regional and Arab treaties and agreements related to international and Arab organisations.
The Cabinet also approved a draft memorandum of understanding for cooperation in the field of water management between Qatar and Turkey.
It approved a joint declaration to establish joint economic and trade committee between the Ministry of Commerce and Industry of Qatar and the Ministry of Trade of Turkey.
The Cabinet then approved a draft memorandum of understanding to enhance integrity and transparency between the Administrative Control and Transparency Authority in Qatar and the Anti-Corruption Agency in Kazakhstan.
The Cabinet reviewed report No. 47 of the work of the National Committee for the Prohibition of Weapons during the period January 5 to Aug 31, 2020 and took appropriate decision in this regard.