Minister Zacharie Perevet defended the FCFA 13.982 billion envelop on Sunday.
The Ministry of Employment and Vocational Training, MINEFOP, wants to intensify its field activities in 2012 with the goal of boosting vocational training to render more visible the fight against unemployment and underemployment in the country. With a significant increase in its package from FCFA 5.174 billion in 2011 to FCFA 13.982 in 2012, the ministry intends to intensify action within the framework of its programmes for the promotion of decent employment, development of vocational training and capacity building support. MINEFOP Minister, Zacharie Perevet, defended the package in the Budget and Finance Committee of the National Assembly on Sunday November 20.
Answering questions from prying journalists after the in-camera session, Mr Perevet said, “MINEFOP intends to develop projects to reduce unemployment of youth and vulnerable groups, continue to finance micro-projects and identify the types of jobs and profiles required in the major construction projects.” He stressed that with the investment budget of FCFA 11 billion, the ministry will also strive to ensure a proper implementation of the operational action plan of the National Strategy for Integration, fight against illegal foreign workers as well as the promotion of the recruitment of nationals and the establishment of mechanisms for technology transfer validated within the framework of major development projects in the country.
“Measures will also be taken to build the capacities of professionals in guidance counselling, revitalise public occupational integration structures and provide the public with information on promising training and trade sectors,” Mr Perevet reiterated. The Minister said young people entering the labour market have increased by an annual average of 2.2 per cent in recent years and that their profiles are not always consistent with the requirements of business people. Reason why, he said, no effort will be spared to bring the situation under control. “The fight against unemployment and underemployment is our permanent concern and numerous measures are being taken to significantly reduce the rate of unemployment from 75.8 per cent to less than 50 per cent by 2020 as provided for in the Growth and Employment Strategy Paper,” he said.
