oil sector GDP deflator, which is the most important economic indicator to measure inflation at the level of the economy as a whole, is expected to increase by 1.5% in the year 1431/1432H (2010) over the previous year. The Minister of Finance said that the volume of public debt will decline by the end of the current fiscal year 1431/1432H (2010) to approximately SR 167,000,000,000, representing 10.2% of the projected GDP for 2010 compared to SR 225,000,000,000 at the end of the previous fiscal year 1430/1431H (2009), representing 16% of the GDP for 2009. He pointed out that in accordance with the directives of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, the budget for the next fiscal year 1432/1433H will continue to focus on development projects that enhance the sustainability of growth and long-term development, and increase employment opportunities for citizens. The appropriation of funds was distributed in a way that focuses on the sectors of education; health; security, social and municipal services; water; sanitation; roads; electronic transactions; and scientific research support. The budget includesnew programs and projects as well as additional phases of some projects previously approved with a total value of Saudi Riyals 256,000,000,000. According to regular procedure, coordination has been made between the Ministry of Finance and the Ministry of Economy and Planning as regards the programs and projects included in the Ninth Development Plan which began in the current fiscal year 1431/1432H.
