Country Profile
From The Report: Jordan 2018
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The Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan is widely seen as a pillar of stability in a region that has been disrupted by conflict in recent years. Despite challenging surroundings, Jordan has managed to maintain efficient political workings and positive economic growth. As a country with scarce natural resources but a highly educated population, the kingdom aims to become a regional leader in sectors with significant growth potential, such as renewable energy, ICT, manufacturing and tourism. Jordan 2025, an economic and social framework plan, and the Jordan Economic Growth Plan 2018-22 focus on these key drivers for commercial growth and social development, as the country works to revitalise the national economy and emerge as a powerhouse in the MENA region. This chapter contains a viewpoint from Crown Prince Hussein; and interviews with Prime Minister Hani Al Mulki; and Imad Fakhoury, Minister of Planning and International Cooperation.

Articles from this Chapter

Overview

From the ground up: Traditions continue to shape modern-day Jordan
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The Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan is widely seen as a pillar of stability in a region that has been disrupted by conflict in recent years. Despite challenging surroundings, Jordan has managed to maintain efficient political workings and positive economic growth. As a country with scarce natural resources but a highly educated population, the kingdom aims to become a regional leader in sectors with significant growth potential, such as renewable energy, ICT, manufacturing and tourism. Jordan 2025, an…

Analysis

Legal matters: Reforms focus on improving the judicial branch, addressing corruption and bolstering regional governments
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Since October 2016 Jordan’s King Abdullah II bin Al Hussein has spearheaded a series of reforms aimed at building a more effective and efficient judicial system. Reforms are expected to promote civil rights, boost the efficiency of the courts and strengthen the rule of law, which King Abdullah II described as an “essential requirement for a successful democratic transformation.” Additionally, in a bid to expand managerial capacity to all levels of the administration, the Decentralisation Law…

Viewpoint

Brighter prospects: Crown Prince Hussein, on empowering younger generations, and enabling growth and innovation
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Viewpoint:Crown Prince Hussein For young people everywhere, including those who form the large majority in my region, transformation is the reality we were born into. For us, continual innovation is part of the rhythm of life. We grew up embracing new technologies, apps and processes that give us new ways to connect, learn and work. Constant change is our status quo. Like young people everywhere, the youth of the Middle East are living in a vast sea of change, but our particular waters are…

Interview

Enhanced opportunities: Prime Minister Hani Al Mulki, on the role of the private sector in development and international cooperation
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Interview:Prime Minister Hani Al Mulki How will the Jordan Economic Growth Plan (JEGP) 2018-22 support Jordan Vision 2025? HANI AL MULKI: The JEGP aims to revive economic momentum and expand the country’s development capabilities by creating sector-specific economic and financial programmes to support the policies laid out in Jordan Vision 2025. The plan seeks to place Jordan on the path of sustainable development, to build a strong economy that is able to remain resilient in the face of…

Analysis

Mind the gap: Tax reforms included in plans to bridge the budget deficit
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Jordan has made significant progress in preserving macroeconomic stability and reducing the fiscal deficit in the past few years. However, on the back of continued efforts by the government to fulfil the stipulations of the $723m extended fund facility agreement with the IMF, the government may need to pursue more widespread reforms to increase income tax revenues and limit tax avoidance if it is to commit to achieving financial viability. By the Numbers The country has made progress in key areas.…

Interview

Optimism for recovery: Imad Fakhoury, Minister of Planning and International Cooperation, on transforming challenges into opportunities
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Interview:Imad Fakhoury How are Jordan Vision 2025 and the IMF’s Extended Fund Facility (EFF) programme progressing? IMAD FAKHOURY: The EFF programme was based on a national economic and fiscal reform plan derived from Jordan Vision 2025. The programme aims to improve fiscal self-reliance by increasing tax revenue, redirect subsidies to Jordanians who need it, which will also strengthen our economic resilience and macro-economic stability, reduce the debt-to-GDP ratio and lower the deficit…