President Luis Abinader Corona said his government closed 2020 with a deficit of 7.7% of gross domestic product (GDP), a figure lower than the budgeted 9.4% and below the average of other countries in the region .
This means, the president said, that the deficit has been reduced by proactive revenue management, economic recovery and better use of public spending. In absolute terms this is a reduction of RD $ 77 billion.
He stated that the collections also closed the year with 3.75% above what was estimated.
“We are committed to efficiency and transparency. Therefore, all non-priority expenses were controlled, such as subsistence, advertising, entertainment expenses, per diems, events and festivities, as well as the acquisition of vehicles and appliances, among others. others, “he said.
He said that in his Government Program it is a priority to achieve a reorganization of state institutions, to eliminate duplication of functions and improve the efficiency of public spending.
He stated that “we have focused from day one on the goal of achieving an exemplary public administration. That is, a government that serves the citizens, that does its job with rationality and a focus on transparency in management. of public resources “.
Finance
Abinader Corona, who was accompanied by the Minister of Finance, José Manuel Vicente and the Director of Budget, José Regeixo, in a press conference held at the Salón Les Cariàtides of the Palau Nacional, said that the country needs to be informed about the main developments achieved in the management of public finances.
He revealed that the prioritization and control of public spending, allowed in 2020 to amount to RD $ 978 billion, for a preliminary reduction in relation to the budgeted amount, of RD $ 54 billion.
He assured that the reduction in spending did not impact the government’s priorities, which were clearly set out in the budget approved in early September.
The President stated that “we were able to increase the items for Health to RD $ 15 billion, Education to RD $ 10 billion, Drinking Water to RD $ 3,200, Housing to RD $ 4.6 billion, Citizen Security to RD $ 2.8 billion and Social Protection at RD $ 100 billion “.
programs
He recalled that support programs for the vulnerable population during the pandemic were extended and schools were prepared for a virtual school year.
Abinader Corona reported that the health sector was also provided with the necessary resources to guarantee health care, an action that includes the investment required to enroll two million people in the national health insurance (SENASA).
reservations
In the foreign exchange area, the stability of the exchange rate has been maintained in the last four months, allowing the Central Bank to increase international reserves from US $ 6,700 to US $ 10.6 billion, which has guaranteed the ‘macroeconomic stability, he said.
“What we have achieved so far has allowed us to boost the country’s economy, without neglecting the needs of vulnerable people, which represents an unprecedented advance in the process of fiscal consolidation of Government.”
They explain savings and expenses
Discipline
Jochi Vicente, Minister of Finance, stressed that “all ministries experienced reductions in their expenditures in relation to the budget and this decrease in the deficit has been the result of this budgetary discipline and the increase in revenues.”
save Edes
President Abinader explained that together the three electricity distribution companies (EDES) have 355 fewer employees and have lowered their operating expenses. They have removed nominillas. A saving of RD $ 100 million in the financial deficit has been achieved and the four boards of directors merged into one.