EU and key international financial institutions support Jordan’s reform agenda
A Joint High-level mission in Amman
European Commissioner Johannes Hahn today led a high-level mission to Jordan bringing together the EU, 6 partner financial institutions (the French development agency (AFD), the European Investment Bank (EIB), the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD), the International Monetary Fund (IMF), the German Development Bank (KfW), the World Bank Group (WBG) and the UK’s Department for International Development (DFID), which hosted the February 2019 London initiative conference. Together, the EU, DFID and the financial institutions participating in the mission are currently providing over EUR 7 billion of international support to Jordan.
The group met with Jordan Prime Minister Omar Razzaz accompanied by Ministers of the Jordanian Government as well as with representatives of Jordan’s private sector and civil society that have an important role to play in promoting and implementing the reform agenda.
Discussions focused on how best to provide coordinated support to the implementation of the government's reform roadmap (Turning the Corner – Jordan path to growth) and associated 5 year reform Matrix. This matrix includes key economic reforms needed to create inclusive growth and jobs, to protect the poor and vulnerable and make better use of the population's skills, and to ensure Jordan’s macro-economic stability.
Following the recent third Brussels Conference and the London initiative, the High-level Mission confirmed the support of the international community to the Government in implementing key reforms for the period 2019-2023 in the country. This includes reforms to promote growth and job creation, to improve the business climate and reduce business costs, to promote foreign investments and develop Jordanian exports, to deepen access to finance, create more and better jobs, and improve social protection for the poor and most vulnerable. In addition, key sectoral reforms to increase the sustainability of the energy and water sectors were discussed.
Mission participants have agreed on the need to further coordinate and align their financial and technical support behind Jordan’s reforms priorities, in order to enhance impact.
Background
The Brussels III Conference
The Third Conference on "Supporting the Future of Syria and the Region" took place on 12-14 March 2019. It was hosted by the European Union and co-chaired by the United Nations. The conference renewed and strengthened the political, humanitarian and financial commitment of the international community to support the Syrian people, the neighbouring countries and the communities most affected by the conflict. The Conference brought together 78 delegations and mobilized €8.3 billion of pledges over 2019, 2020 and beyond.
More at: https://www.consilium.europa.eu/en/meetings/international-ministerial-meetings/2019/03/12-14/
The London initiative
The London Initiative conference was hosted by Prime Minister Theresa May and King Abdullah in London on 28 February 2019. It launched a 5-year initiative to transition Jordan’s economy through private sector-led growth, implementation of a macroeconomic reform programme and maximising the potential of Jordan’s young and educated workforce. The event convened the international community around Jordan’s reform vision, leveraging financial and non-financial support from international partners.
More at : https://www.londonjordan.co.uk
For More Information
AFD
https://www.afd.fr/en/page-region-pays/jordan
EBRD
https://www.ebrd.com/jordan.html
European Investment Bank
https://www.eib.org/en/projects/regions/med/index.htm
EU
https://ec.europa.eu/neighbourhood-enlargement/neighbourhood/countries/jordan_en
KfW
https://www.kfw.de/kfw.de-2.html
DFID
https://www.gov.uk/world/organisations/dfid-jordan
WB Group