Mr. Speaker, all sectors of the economy have achieved varying degrees of success and the combined effect of this effort has culminated in a strong and thriving economy which has been able to withstand numerous domestic and external pressures. An analysis of the key economic indicators points to a stable, resilient and growing economy.
Mr. Speaker, this positive state of affairs can be attributed to government’s strict adherence to a number of measures, including strong fiscal discipline, prudent monetary stance and the implementation of well focused policies even during the previous election year. Admittedly, some of these policies have not been politically favourable but we have been resolute in our conviction that we should not trade a better economy and improved livelihood for political gains.
Mr. Speaker, the Medium Term Strategy as spelt out in the Growth and Poverty Reduction Strategy (GPRS II) is to achieve middle income country status by 2015. Within this framework, government has harnessed efforts in all sectors towards accelerated growth and reducing poverty. In this, the focus has been wealth creation through developing our human resources, promoting the private sector and ensuring good governance.