AMMAN — Ron Van Rooden, the head of the International
Monetary Fund (IMF) mission, expressed concern over Jordan's growth rates not
keeping pace with its population hikes.
اضافة اعلان
While acknowledging the Kingdom’s financial progress
achieved through firm macroeconomic policies in a challenging environment, Van
Rooden stressed the need for faster reforms in line with Jordan's vision of
economic modernization, a local media outlet reported.
During a press conference held in Amman on Wednesday with
Finance Minister Mohamad Al-Ississ, Van Rooden commended the Jordanian authorities
for their financial achievements and their commitment to reducing the deficit
while building upon the progress made in recent years.
He emphasized that the Jordanian budget is on the right
path, particularly with the new goals to curb the deficit to less than 80
percent of GDP.
High unemployment rates call for swifter reforms
However, Van Rooden expressed concern over the persistently
high unemployment rates in Jordan, especially among young people and women. He
underscored the necessity of accelerating reforms to address this issue and
align with the Kingdom's economic modernization goals.
Van Rooden highlighted the importance of reducing the cost
of doing business, facilitating business operations, promoting competition, and
minimizing bureaucratic hurdles to attract both local and foreign investments.
Growth rates insufficient for improved living standards
While Jordan has achieved an annual growth rate ranging
between 2 to 3 percent, Van Rooden emphasized that this level of growth is
insufficient to enhance people's standard of living, particularly in light of
the Kingdom’s population growth rate of 2 percent per year.
He reiterated the urgency for economic reforms to stimulate
more robust growth and create opportunities for employment.
Van Rooden also acknowledged the successful management by
Jordan's Central Bank in maintaining the price of the Jordanian dinar's peg to
the dollar.
This stability, he said, contributes to ensuring a favorable
economic environment and investor confidence.
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