The President of the Republic, Daniel Chapo, signed a decree today that defines the duties of Secretaries of State.

The presidential document states that the Secretary of State (SE) is subordinate to the Ministry to which he or she has been appointed. "... and coordinates the performance of the duties and powers of the Ministry in the specific area for which he is appointed."

The same decree clarifies that the SE can still enjoy some autonomy "without prejudice to subordination" in the activities of directing, guiding, supervising and guaranteeing the functioning of the National Directorates, services and organic units in the specific area for which he is appointed.

"In order to carry out his duties, the Secretary of State articulates the technical and operational aspects with the subordinate and supervised institutions with a view to further boosting the sector, production and productivity, without prejudice to the Minister's powers of supervision and oversight," it reads.

Chapo determined that the Minister can delegate other functions to the SE, "within legal and regulatory limits".