Chidzero to present Budget in Parliament today

The Herald, July 28, 1988 AMID mixed economic signals, the Senior Minister of Finance, Economic and Planning Development, Dr Bernard Chidzero, will present his 1988/89 Budget in the House of Assembly this afternoon.

Most Zimbabweans will be keen to hear what revenue proposals Dr Chidzero has decided on and whether or not sales tax, personal tax, excise duties and the like have been increased or kept as they are.

Businessmen and economists will also be interested in whether or not the budget deficit issue has been tackled and what subsidies are planned for parastatals at a time when the Government has vowed to keep these under control.

All Zimbabweans will, however, be looking for indications of how the Government plans to make the best use of the forecast 6 percent growth this year, control inflation and take positive steps to deal with the growing unemployment problems facing the nation.

LESSONS FOR TODAY

◆ As the Minister of Finance and Economic Development Professor Mthuli Ncube presents the midterm budget tomorrow, the budget must put more emphasis on production, exports and employment creation.

◆ The mid-term budget must also say how Government will grow the economy in the face of the Covid-19 pandemic.

◆ The budget must reflect the aspi

rations of the nation in its quest to address the socio-economic challenges it is faced with.

◆ Dr Chidzero was one of the most affable Ministers of Finance from the First Republic.

◆ While he presented the budget before both houses of Parliament (in the House of Assembly), Prof Ncube is likely to present the budget virtually, in the National Assembly, due to the Covid-19 pandemic.

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