Zambian government starts 2014 budget preps
BY Nawa Mutumweno – The Ministry of Finance has commenced preparations for the 2014 national budget and the 2014 – 16 medium-term expenditure framework (MTEF).
Although steady progress has been made, the ministry has invited members of the public to submit proposals for tax and non-tax revenue policy for the 2014 budget.
According to a statement issued by the ministry’s public relations officer Chileshe Kandeta, the consultation period, ending July 31, 2013, has been set to ensure that all citizens and other interest groups participate in the formulation of the 2014 budget and the 2014 – 16 medium term expenditure framework.
‘’The ministry is steadfast in its resolve to ensure citizen ownership of the 2014 national budget. In this regard, all interested parties, especially those representing interest groups, are encouraged to ensure that internal peer consultations (with the people/institutions which they represent) are conducted,’’ he stated.
The peer-level, internal and open consultations among stakeholders such as the Zambia National Farmers’ Union (ZNFU), Zambia Association of Manufacturers (ZAM), Zambia Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ZACCI), Zambia Institute of Chartered Accountants (ZICA), Jesuit Centre for Theological Reflection (JCTR), Civil Society for Poverty Reduction (CSPR) and Economics Association of Zambia (EAZ) should be conducted as they were an important ingredient of institutional and corporate governance, the statement adds.
Secretary to the Treasury Fredson Yamba has assured that the process was a non-partisan but pragmatic search for tax and non-tax policy proposals which would foster sustainable revenue generation, accelerated economic development, widespread employment creation, promote the greater well-being of the people of Zambia, and reinforce Zambia’s attractiveness as a preferred destination for long-term investment.
Tax and non-tax policies formed the basis on which revenue projections for the budget were formulated.
‘’In turn, upon determination of projected revenues, government then formulates expenditure proposals for the national budget. It is critical for government to invest in sustainable development, there must be a strong and sustainable revenue base, hence the importance of this invitation,’’ Yamba elaborated.
The proposals should meet the following criteria:-
- Clearly outlined proposed measure, justification and expected impact;
- All proposals on improvement of tax administration must clearly outline anomalies/challenges in current statuses which are proposed to be corrected and justify expected improved outcomes, especially in revenue collection
- Contact details (phone, email, fax, and postal address of the proposer.
