Country Profile
From The Report: Jordan2015
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According to the Department of Statistics Jordan’s population, swelled largely by refugees arriving from Syria, reached 6.68m at the end of 2014, with Syrian refugees constituting 20.8% of the total. Jordan, however, continues to be a bulwark of stability in the region. This is largely down to the ongoing process of political reform which has been in motion since King Abdullah II ascended to the throne. Moreover, the kingdom has forged strong partnerships with Western countries over the past few decades, particularly the US. Jordan’s multitude of free trade agreements (FTAs) has created a vehicle for both domestic economic development and greater integration with the global economy, and in 2000 King Abdullah II implemented a series of policies intended to accelerate economic reform that facilitated the kingdom joining the World Trade Organisation in that year.

This chapter contains viewpoints from King Abdullah II and Joe Biden, Vice-President of the United States; and an interview with Abdullah Ensour, Prime Minister of Jordan.

Articles from this Chapter

Overview

Looking ahead: An open and growing economy in the heart of the Middle East
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The Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan is located in the heart of the Middle East, in a region often termed the Levant. Jordan’s bordering countries include Iraq to the east, Saudi Arabia to the south, Israel and Palestine to the west, and Syria to the north. In total, Jordan covers 89,342 sq km of land and shares 1635 km of land border with Palestine, Saudi Arabia and Syria. In the south, Jordan has access to the Red Sea via the Gulf of Aqaba. The kingdom’s topography can be divided into three distinct…

Viewpoint

The path forward: King Abdullah II, on the direction of the nation and its increasingly influential role in the region
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It is time for a new push, engaging all sectors, to create inclusive growth. This is Jordan’s goal: re-launching growth and investment while deepening reform and inclusion. To this end, public-private partnerships are our building blocks. Our 10-year economic blueprint, Jordan 2025, will enable us to move quickly to diversify resources, develop infrastructure and capitalise on strengths. This plan will be delivered through public and private partnerships and to a large extent through projects of…

Interview

Acting with clear vision: OBG talks to Prime Minister Abdullah Ensour
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Interview: Abdullah Ensour What are the objectives of the Jordan 2025 development blueprint, and how will they ensure longer-term economic sustainability? ABDULLAH ENSOUR: Jordan 2025 charts a path for the future of the kingdom and determines the framework that will govern the economic and social policies. Its basic principles include promoting the rule of law and equal opportunities, increasing participatory policymaking, achieving fiscal sustainability and strengthening institutions. The vision…

Analysis

Source of stability: The country plays a key diplomatic role in regional politics
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For decades, various Middle Eastern countries and factions have clashed over land disagreements, religious differences and historical grievances. Against this backdrop, Jordan has emerged as a bulwark of stability. The kingdom has a history of political security and has long acted as a haven for individuals and families seeking refuge from conflict. Moreover, Jordan has forged strong partnerships with Western countries over the past few decades, particularly the US. Jordan’s historically constructive…

Analysis

Focus on free trade: A raft of trade agreements have strengthened global ties
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Jordan’s multitude of free trade agreements (FTAs) has created a vehicle for both domestic economic development and greater integration with the global economy. In 1997 King Hussein signed the Greater Arab Free Trade Agreement (GAFTA), marking the first of a series of trade-related accords. Throughout the 2000s, Jordan signed more than seven FTAs, making its economy one of the most open in the Middle East. These developments are a testament to the kingdom’s commitment to economic liberalisation…

Viewpoint

The path to prosperity: Joe Biden, US Vice-President, on fostering entrepreneurship and fighting corruption
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People everywhere in the world are hungry for economic opportunity. And it’s about a lot more than being able to make money. It’s about your dignity. It’s about respect. It’s about your place in your community. And to be frank, the challenges ahead for all of us are immense, especially in regions with developing economies and rapidly growing populations. In the Middle East and Africa, for example, in a race to create tens of millions of jobs, just to break even, as the demographic wave of…