Held hostage to the
COVID-19 pandemic, the government
response towards economy and investment is nothing but lagging as evidenced by
the recent report published by
RASED, which unveiled the weaknesses existing
within the governing body of the state, especially in public performance. The
government has received plenty of support from the public towards fighting the
negative stereotypes associated with its predecessor, as an incentive, yet they
preferred to stay the course.
اضافة اعلان
Seven months into its formation, the government is still
incapable of filling vacant top positions within the state. The Department of
Land and Survey director’s chair has been vacant for almost two years,
accompanied with vacancies in the Customs Department, Department of Economic
Projects, and in influential ministries such as the ministry of industry,
trade, and supply, and ministry of planning.
Everyone is still looking towards the fulfillment of the
promise made three months ago by the prime minister regarding revolutionary
investment plans. Yet how could it materialize when the Investment Committee
has no chairman to start the flare of the promised revolution, should the
government want to initiate it?
The government has yet to add monumental projects to its
investment calendar, especially when we are on the verge of starting our second
centennial. Collaboration with the private sector is not progressing either,
and megaprojects like expanding the Petroleum Refinery, ensuring food security,
and self-reliance policies remain in moratorium, with nothing positive or
negative worth declaring, which is alarming given that there are no future
investments on the horizon.
The private sector yearns for collaboration with the
government. A big gap in communication between both sectors can be attributed
to the hurdles that the government in front of the private sector. An economic
reform will not reach fruition if the government keeps shunning the private
sector when it comes to outlining/creating policies regarding future economic
opportunities. The government, unfortunately, does not outline future
short-term plans to combat the status quo. No specific goal is set to be achieved
for the remainder of the year in terms of investment plans. It remains unclear
which sector is the most important and requires attention. One might wonder
what the plans are for the tourism sector. Is there a plan b should the
vaccines not arrive on time?
The government is keeping the waters muddy with uncertainty;
this is a major deterrent to corporations seeking a positive and clear
environment. This is not to mention the increase in public discontent. We shall
not surrender to the strains of the situation. The government should make the
first step towards a positive path, and soon all of society and its
institutions will follow. Seven months are more than enough for the government
to launch its intent, however it should be supplemented with actions; achieving
part of the goal is better than staring at it. Nevertheless
Jordan remains
strong in showing its interest towards providing new opportunities and
attending to new investors.
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