New finance minister conducts first visits to ministry’s departments |06 November 2020

Photo montage showing Minister Hassan on his visits to the ministry’s various departments

Less than two days since taking over as the new Minister for Finance, Economic Planning and Trade, Naadir Hassan yesterday effected a first visit to all departments of the ministry.

In the finance department at Liberty House, the minister met staff from the administration and human resource, policy, macro forecasting and analysis branch, public debt and the financial planning and control divisions.

The delegation also visited the treasury in its location at Capital City, Independence Avenue as well as the internal audit division, which is based at Le Chantier Mall.

He was also introduced to staff in the economic planning department, as well as staff from the trade department that sits at the Maison L’Esplanade.

The minister and his delegation visited the National Tender Board and procurement oversight unit, which are based in Maison de Mahé.

During his visit, the minister was given a brief overview of the roles and functions of the respective departments as well the opportunity to be advised on certain challenges the various portfolios are facing.

Issues such as the budget process and office space were the main concerns brought up.

The minister encouraged the staff to continue their hard work and said he will need their support in order to deliver on the mandate of the ministry as per the expectations of all stakeholders.

He also reiterated that he will need the support of all staff to ensure the ministry maintains its hard work practices, professionalism and implement new strategies that will modernise the operations of the ministry.

The minister stated that digitalising the government payment process as well as the financial services sector policy are key on his agenda for the coming year.

Minister Hassan was accompanied on his visit by the principal secretary for finance, Damien Thésée and his special advisor, Sitna Cesar.

The minister will continue his visits to other agencies under the ministry’s portfolio in the coming weeks.

Press release from the Ministry of Finance, Economic Planning and Trade