As the life span of the current fiscal period gradually slips, preparations are in the making for next budget. Budget is the focal instrument that drives all functions of the state, especially when it comes to finance.

In furtherance of these preparations, the Ministry of Finance is expected tomorrow, Saturday, February 6, 2010 to close a week-long workshop for 2010/2011 Budget. The workshop is being held at the Samuel Kanyon Doe Sports Complex in Paynesville.

The workshop is aimed at building the capacity of financial officers, Deputy and Assistant Ministers for Administration for budget preparation. About 50 participants were drawn from various line ministries and agencies.

Facilitators have been training participants about the over view of budget preparation process, budget guidelines, chart of account, submission of budget as well as Integrated Financial Management Information System.

The workshop stands to help in the Government's Poverty Reduction Strategy (PRS) as the Joint Budget Formulation Process gears towards working in partnership with international budget experts.

Deputy Finance Minister for Budget, Dr. George Gonpu is expected to address the closing the ceremony.