Acting Finance Minister Dr. Mohammad Humayon Qayoumi on Sunday presented next financial year’s draft budget with a total outlay of 399 billion Afghanis to the Meshrano Jirga for approval.
Accompanied by Deputy Minister for Parliamentary Affairs Dr. Mohammad Karim Baz, Qayoumi, who is also Chief Advisor on Infrastructure to the president, presented the FY-1398 National Budget to the upper house as required by Article 98 of Afghanistan Constitution.
Of the 399 billion Afghanis budget, 275 billion AFN is set aside as ordinary budget and 124 billion AFN is allocated for development purposes – 12 percent up compared to the previous budget.
Most of the development budget is allocated for five sectors respectively — 52 billion AFN for infrastructure, 23 billion AFN for agriculture and rural development, 13 billion AFN for health, 8.8 billion AFN for governance and 6.8 billion AFN for education.
The acting finance minister told the senators that the domestic revenue had increased by 30 percent compared to FY-1393 and successful Review of Government’s financial and economic reforms by IM.
He gave information to senators about improvement in national budget use indicators, cooperation in area of regional transit and economic, development of private sector, agriculture, transport and energy as well as FY-1398 National Budget Draft.
Qayoumi assured the senators that their views on the national budget would be considered in accordance with the laws of the country and available facilities.
He asked the lawmakers to confirm the national budget for implementation of development budget on scheduled time and government working process as soon as possible to be submitted to the Wolesi Jirga for approval.
