The Advisory Council held on Monday its regular meeting at its 46th ordinary session under the chairmanship of HE Speaker of the Council Ahmed bin Abdullah bin Zaid Al Mahmoud.
The council discussed the draft state budget for the fiscal year 2018 and the draft law annexed to the draft budget, in the presence of HE Minister of Finance Ali Shareef Al Emadi and a number of high-ranking officials from the ministry. His Excellency explained the government's point of view regarding the draft budget and responded to the questions and inquiries raised by the Council members.
In remarks during the meeting, HE the council speaker expressed his gratitude and appreciation to HH the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani, who under his wise leadership, the country was able to overcome the exceptional circumstances of the unjust siege. His Excellency said the directives of HH the Amir has the utmost impact on the progress of a normal life in the country, where the implementation of major economic development projects are taking place in compliance with the set plan, as well as the increase in production rates and the expansion and diversification of investment fields. HE Al-Mahmoud confirmed that the vital projects in the draft budget for the next year strengthened the sense of confidence, and the continuity of balanced development that ensures economic progress and meets the aspirations of citizens.
HE the council president said the budget is one of the results of proper planning and strategic vision, which reflects in the importance given to finishing major projects in main sectors, continuing to increase non-oil revenues, continuing to focus on increasing the efficiency of public expenditure, developing the public and private services in the fields of health and educations, allocating financial resources for the development of housing plots for citizens, supporting food security projects, small and medium-sized industries, the tourism sector and developing infrastructure in the economic and free zones, all inspired by the Qatar National Vision 2030.
During his speech, HE Al Mahmoud confirmed that the country, thanks to God, the directives of the leadership and the awareness of the people is moving towards the future with confidence and optimism. His Excellency added that the pending challenges will only increase the country's strength, stability, attachment to its sovereignty, independent decisiveness and free will.
HE the council speaker, on his behalf and the council members, thanked HE the Finance Minister and his accompanying team for attending the meeting and giving extensive responses to the inquiries of the members as well as their appreciated efforts to prepare the budget.
After wide, honest, deep and patriotic discussion, the council praised the draft state budget for the fiscal year 2018, as it included adequate allocations to the plans and programs of the State, and the role of the government in this field.
