Lilongwe July 3 2009 

Presenting his K256 billion budget for the first time as Finance Minister, Ken Kandodo said the customs duties removed are aimed at stimulating manufacturing and promoting development projects in the country.  Among other things, duty on construction vehicles and borehole drilling vehicles has been scrapped.  The transport sector allocation has risen by 66% taking up 12 percent of this year's total expenditure.  Among other road projects, government has allocated K3.95 billion for the rehabilitation and maintenance of most existing roads and bridges.