Inaugural meeting of Financial and Economic Committee agrees action plan to modernise UAE budgetary systems

At the close of the meeting, the 10-member Committee, chaired by HH Sheikh Hamdan Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Deputy Ruler of Dubai and Minister of Finance and Industry, announced it had agreed an action plan for developing the financial system across federal government.

The measures that will be adopted will help to facilitate service provision by federal institutions. Speaking after the meeting, HE Dr. Mohammed Khalfan bin Kharbash, UAE Minister of State for Finance and Industry and an FEC member, revealed: "Three main items were discussed federal resource development, re-engineering government procedures, the way the work of the Committee will be carried out."

Dr. Kharbash said the Committee had looked into alternatives for developing and expanding the financial resources available to the federal government to meet the rising needs of the country. "Our main objective here is to continue developing high quality and cost-effect government services, while keeping economic and social development in perspective," he said.

Dr. Kharbash added that all government procedures, especially those related to service provision are under scrutiny and restructuring will follow in order to create a more effective and user friendly system that eliminates duplication and gives more flexibility and efficiency to both government agencies and the public. He said: "The use of the latest technology through e-government will provide an integrated one-stop-shop for citizens, residents and businesses and an effective tool for government service provision.

"Moreover, we are examining the possibilities of outsourcing some government services to the private sector, if by doing so we will improve their quality, efficiency and effectiveness to the public."

Dr. Kharbash also announced that the Federal Budget would be presented to Cabinet within a fortnight.

The Committee agreed to meet at least once every 21 days to maintain the momentum for driving change across the UAE federal government.