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PIOJ Growth-Inducement Strategy - Planning Institute of Jamaica

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The GOJ highlighted five strategies that would be the focal point on which a competitive<br />

macroeconomic environment would be pursued. These were:<br />

application <strong>of</strong> a strong, disciplined approach to fiscal and debt management<br />

reform <strong>of</strong> the tax system to allow for improved efficiency and the creation <strong>of</strong> a<br />

business friendly environment<br />

reduction <strong>of</strong> bureaucracy<br />

achieving higher levels <strong>of</strong> local and foreign investment above levels that were<br />

attained in the past 5–10 years<br />

increased energy conservation and development <strong>of</strong> alternative energy sources.<br />

Table 5.4. <strong>Jamaica</strong>: Medium Term Macro-Economic Targets<br />

Unit 2008/09<br />

2009/10 2010/11<br />

Actual Targets*<br />

Outcome<br />

Real GDP <strong>Growth</strong> Rates % -1.7 -2.5 0.6<br />

Inflation<br />

Annual (point-to-point) % 12.4 13.3 7.3<br />

Balance <strong>of</strong> Payments<br />

Current Account/GDP % -18.0 -9.4 -8.8<br />

Net International Reserves US$ million 1,629 1,751.9 1,424<br />

Gross Reserves US$ million 1,664 2,414.4 2,151<br />

Gross Reserves in weeks <strong>of</strong> imports weeks 12.8 17.4 14.6<br />

Fiscal Accounts<br />

Fiscal Balance % -1.3 -10.9 -6.5<br />

Primary Balance % 4.8 6.5 7.0<br />

Source: Compiled by the <strong>PIOJ</strong> from data provided by BOJ, STATIN & MOFP.<br />

Fiscal Accounts<br />

For the period April – November 2010, Central Government operations generated a fiscal<br />

deficit <strong>of</strong> $50,682.7 million, which was $15,199.3 million better than budgeted. The<br />

fiscal deficit for the period resulted from Revenue & Grants being $572.3 million higher<br />

than expected while spending was $15,199.3 million lower than planned.<br />

The higher than programmed Revenue & Grants was due to improved intake from Tax<br />

Revenue (up $1,727.5 million) and Non-Tax Revenue (up $618.0 million) which<br />

outweighed shortfalls by Bauxite Levy, Capital Revenue and Grants.<br />

Central Government spending at $247,605.1 million was 5.8 per cent lower than planned<br />

and was due to shortfalls <strong>of</strong> $10,570.3 million and $4,628.9 million for Capital and<br />

Recurrent Expenditure, respectively. The lower than expected outlay for recurrent<br />

expenditure was due mainly to the categories Interest and Wages & Salaries being<br />

57

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