A joint executive-legislative meeting was held today to discuss a draft law approving the state’s general budget for the fiscal years 2023-2024, attached to Decree No. (34) of 2023.
The session was co-chaired by Speaker Ahmed bin Salman Al Musallam, Shura Council Chairman Ali bin Saleh Al Saleh and Finance and National Economy Minister Shaikh Salman bin Khalifa Al Khalifa.
Addressing the session, the Speaker noted that the legislative authority gives full priority to improving citizens’ standard of living, in line with the directives of His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, with support of His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, the Crown Prince and Prime Minister.
He reiterated the commitment of the legislative branch of government to achieve the royal directives to improve citizens’ standard of living and optimize development programmes towards meeting Bahrainis’ basic needs.
He commended the efforts of the financial and economic affairs committees in the Council of Representatives and the Shura Council and the Government’s team, announcing that further meetings will be held to reach the shared goal.
Al Saleh said that the legislative-executive agreement on details of the state budget project embodies HM the King’s directives and deepens consultation with the Government, chaired by HRH the Crown Prince and Prime Minister.
He noted continued discussion of constructive proposals in tandem with the Government, which reflects shared commitment to support initiatives and plans aimed to bolster Bahrain’s financial and economic stability and reach fiscal balance.
He commended the efforts of the financial and economic affairs committees in the Council of Representatives and the Shura Council,expressed thanks to Finance and National Economy Minister Shaikh Salman bin Khalifa Al Khalifa and the Government’s team for their keenness to provide all data and responding to queries about the state budget project.
Finance and National Economy Minister Shaikh Salman bin Khalifa Al Khalifa said that all efforts and resources would be harnessed to achieve national interests, pledging to continue one-team work with the legislature.
He noted that the 2023-2024 draft state budget takes into account the need to maintain financial stability and sustainable economic growth, create promising opportunities for citizens, adhere to the fiscal balance program, improve the efficiency of government service and develop performance.
“These foundations will be a starting point for achieving the desired goals in preserving economic stability and the purchasing power of the citizen”, he said, pointing to continued efforts to adopt policies that raise the standard of living and in a way that preserves the purchasing power of retirees.
Source: Bahrain News Agency