The Budget cannot achieve its aim of being a programme to generate growth and improve competitiveness unless social partners are actively involved in its implementation, the Chamber of Commerce, Enterprise and Industry said.

It noted that pre-Budget consultation between the ministry and the social partners could have been more interactive.

On the other hand it welcomed the commitment towards fiscal consolidation, the introduction of voluntary third-pillar pensions, measures to increase female participation at work and others to support small and medium enterprises.