A plan to revive Jordan's economy has been delayed because of financing issues, the government's spokesman said, after King Abdullah II urged its implementation.
The plan, to create more jobs, expand the middle class and raise living standards in the kingdom, was announced in June.
Jordan's economy has been stagnant for 12 years and unemployment is officially at about 23 per cent.
“There was delay in putting together the executive programme. Part of it is due to a delay in financing,” spokesman Faisal Al Shboul told state television late on Wednesday.
“The government is putting together a credible executive programme and is checking the figures and forecasts so they can be realistically achieved.”
The 123-page plan forecasts doubling Jordan's gross domestic product to $82 billion over the next 10 years, partly by attracting $41 billion of unspecified funding and investment over the period.
It aims to provide jobs for one million young people expected to enter the workforce in the next decade.
A third of Jordan's 10 million population are under the age of 14 and overall income per head is $4,200. The International Monetary Fund expects the economy to grow 2.4 per cent this year, compared with 2.2 per cent in 2021.
The king presided over a cabinet session on Wednesday and instructed Prime Minister Bisher Al Kasawneh to send him a report every three months on how the plan is being executed, the official news agency reported.
“His majesty directed the government to the need of accelerating the executive programme of the economic modernisation vision as soon as possible,” it reported.
It quoted the king as saying that “there are success stories” in Jordan and that the stability of the country has been a major factor behind attracting investment, but that investors still expect a government responsive to their needs.
All significant powers in Jordan lie with the king, while the role of the 26-member cabinet is an administrative one.
The kingdom has had on average a new government every two years since the king succeeded his father, the late King Hussein, in 1999.
King Abdullah replaced eight ministers at the end of last month, in the fifth reshuffle to the government since it was appointed two years ago.
The main portfolios of finance, foreign affairs and interior were not changed.
Benefits of first-time home buyers' scheme
- Priority access to new homes from participating developers
- Discounts on sales price of off-plan units
- Flexible payment plans from developers
- Mortgages with better interest rates, faster approval times and reduced fees
- DLD registration fee can be paid through banks or credit cards at zero interest rates
UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
How to apply for a drone permit
- Individuals must register on UAE Drone app or website using their UAE Pass
- Add all their personal details, including name, nationality, passport number, Emiratis ID, email and phone number
- Upload the training certificate from a centre accredited by the GCAA
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What are the regulations?
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Common to all models unless otherwise stated
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The specs
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Who's who in Yemen conflict
Houthis: Iran-backed rebels who occupy Sanaa and run unrecognised government
Yemeni government: Exiled government in Aden led by eight-member Presidential Leadership Council
Southern Transitional Council: Faction in Yemeni government that seeks autonomy for the south
Habrish 'rebels': Tribal-backed forces feuding with STC over control of oil in government territory
Desert Warrior
Starring: Anthony Mackie, Aiysha Hart, Ben Kingsley
Director: Rupert Wyatt
Rating: 3/5
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Three trading apps to try
Sharad Nair recommends three investment apps for UAE residents:
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The five pillars of Islam
1. Fasting
2. Prayer
3. Hajj
4. Shahada
5. Zakat
Key findings of Jenkins report
- Founder of the Muslim Brotherhood, Hassan al Banna, "accepted the political utility of violence"
- Views of key Muslim Brotherhood ideologue, Sayyid Qutb, have “consistently been understood” as permitting “the use of extreme violence in the pursuit of the perfect Islamic society” and “never been institutionally disowned” by the movement.
- Muslim Brotherhood at all levels has repeatedly defended Hamas attacks against Israel, including the use of suicide bombers and the killing of civilians.
- Laying out the report in the House of Commons, David Cameron told MPs: "The main findings of the review support the conclusion that membership of, association with, or influence by the Muslim Brotherhood should be considered as a possible indicator of extremism."
