Cabinet discusses 2016 state general budget

DAMASCUS – The Cabinet discussed in its weekly session on Tuesday the draft law for the 2016 state general budget and the government’s financial data about it, in addition to the schedules of the budget which is set at SYP 1,980 billion.

 Prime Minister Wael al-Halaqi asserted the government’s commitment to revitalizing the economic situation of rural areas and improving their service conditions, in addition to securing the requirements of agricultural production, pointing out that the government will not abandon the social support policy, SANA reported.

 He underlined the efforts exerted by the government to improve the exchange rate of the Syrian pound, asserting the importance of fighting smuggling to protect local industry.

After the session, Finance Minister Ismael Ismael said that the 2016 budget is divided into 1,470 billion for the current budget and 510 billion for the investment budget, with an increase of 426 billion Syrian pounds in comparison to the 2015 budget.

He pointed out that funds allocated for social support have been increased from the 2015 budget, as the sum allocated for it is set at SYP 973,250,000,000.