Accra, Oct. 20, GNA - Government is in consultation with key stakeholders in industry, labour and the private sector as part of the national budget process towards the presentation of the 2010 budget. The meeting is to enable the Minister of Finance, Dr Kwabena Duffuor, and his team to share and explain to the stakeholders underlying factors shaping up the 2010 budget and build consensus on critical national priority issues on the development agenda of the country. Discussions have already been held with all ministries, departments and agencies in preparation towards the government medium term expenditure framework and budget.

Speaking at the opening session Dr Duffuor called for frank discussions on the priorities to help government fashion out a budget that would meet the aspirations of the people.

He said government's focus was to make agriculture and private sector development key pillars of the development agenda. Besides, government will also focus on the stability of the cedi, wage adjustments and reduced borrowing from the central bank to reduce the cost of borrowing and raise the private sector's confidence. Dr Duffuor expressed the hope that the 2010 Budget would reflect and deliver on the aspirations of all stakeholders. The 2010 budget will be presented to cabinet for approval and for onward presentation to parliament next month.