Yesterday witnessed the launch of the National Economic Workshop “Advancing
into the future: unleashing the potential to modernize the economy”, which
brought together around 300 experts. With the commencement of these
efforts, the reform picture has become clear, for many, in terms of vision and
path.
اضافة اعلان
In a recent meeting with economic figures at Al Husseiniya Palace, His
Majesty King Abdullah said "he looks forward to the outcomes of the
workshop to draw a roadmap that leads to action plans to be implemented across
governments".
As we speak, political reform is on track after legislators
endorsed constitutional and legislative reforms proposed by the Royal Committee
to Modernize the Political System, and the country is preparing for municipal councils
and governorate elections next month.
In the meantime, the Cabinet is in the process of coming up with
a comprehensive plan for administrative reform that will entail a once-and-for-all
makeover of how the civil service apparatus operates and delivers services that
make the lives of Jordanians better, among other things.
Economic reform is indispensable, especially as the challenges
average citizens face in making ends meet may clip their enthusiasm for
political reform.
This fact is illustrated by the below-expectation voter turnout
in previous elections, especially in urban centers where voters have been found
by observers to have little trust in candidates.
That is why His Majesty told the economic figures participating
in last weeks' meeting that the outcomes of the workshop should
"contribute to economic growth, job creation, advancement of services, and
enhancement of vital sectors".
What is certain is the strong will, at the level of our
leadership, to realize the reforms and make a difference in the lives of
citizens, regardless of the tough reality and the numerous challenges lurking
everywhere and hindering the process.
Inherent in the Royal vision for reform is a deep belief that
Jordanians, who have helped build countries in the region into modern states,
can do the same at home if they are stimulated and empowered enough to
undertake the job.
... there is a real need for an awareness drive targeting every Jordanian, especially the youth and women, getting them on board.
The economic experts who sat with the King and His Royal
Highness Crown Prince Al Hussein bin Abdullah highlighted "the importance
of drawing an economic roadmap, in partnership between the public and the
private sectors", stressing "the need for sustainability in
implementing plans, in line with specific timeframes, in addition to developing
accountability measures".
They also focused on Jordan’s competitiveness, removing
obstacles facing investment and called for accurate identification of the vital
sectors that need special attention.
The workshop will cover 17 of these sectors, namely
"agriculture and food security, energy, water, mining, ICT, financial
services and markets, healthcare, trade and e-commerce, manufacturing and
industry, tourism, education and labor market, transport and logistics, urban
development and climate change, creative industries, fiscal policy,
employability, and investment and doing business".
However, we know that the devil is always in the details, and
that even one small hole in the boat is too dangerous to overlook. That is why
there is a real need for an awareness drive targeting every Jordanian,
especially the youth and women, getting them on board.
We need to believe that we are able to "unleash the
potential", the term used as the economic remedial plan was launched.
Let us all be part of this timely drive for our own sake, and for
the sake of our nation and future generations.
The writer is a former advisor at the Royal Hashemite Court, a
former director of media and communication at the Office of His Majesty King
Abdullah, and works currently as a senior advisor for business development at
Al-Ghad and Jordan News.
Read more Opinion and Analysis
.jpg)
.jpg)
