Ministry of Finance and Economic Development (Mauritius)

Minister of Finance & Economic Development of Mauritius
Coat of arms of Mauritius
Incumbent Pravind Jugnauth since 25 May 2016
Appointer	President of the Republic
Term length	Five years or earlier, renewable
Formation	12 March 1968
Website	Ministry of Finance & Economic Development

The Ministry of Finance and Economic Development of Mauritius is a ministerial department found in the Cabinet of the government of the republic. It is considered as the most executive and important ministry in the cabinet after the Prime Minister's Office. The minister of finance is the most desirable position in the cabinet of the country except of the prime minister. Most of the times being the Deputy Prime Minister or any other senior member of the cabinet. Created along with the cabinet on 7 July 1968, since then it is found in the cabinet.

There are other departments falling under the aegis of the office such as economic development or empowerment. The department is not to be confused with the minister of economic planning as the minister of finance is the sole person in charge of the yearly budget for governmental and parliamentary works. The incumbent minister is Pravind Jugnauth who took office as from 25 May 2016 previously occupied by Prime Minister Anerood Jugnauth.

The ministry of finance in the country is a very important department. It controls all the economic activities of the country as well as determines major price index of all the staples and all other commodities subsidies and taxes. It also determines the price of petrol and gas.

The Central Bank of Mauritius falls under the department and is accountable to the minister. Often considered as the post of the most eligible future prime minister, the minister of finance plays a rather important role in a government as it may decide if the economics policies brought forward by the political party in power are good or rather futile. This may result in a change in people's vote which may oust a government to a new party for a better economic management.

Many Finance ministers have shaped the economy and brought about significant economic changes and benefits to the country working under the lead and guidance of their prime ministers. Vishnu Lutchminaraidoo was one of these Finance ministers from 1983 to 1991 in the cabinet of [Sir Anerood Jugnauth] where, he introduced ideas and policies developed by Jugnauth.