Jordanian planning minister outlines 10-year economic plan

Minister of Planning and International Cooperation Ibrahim Saif said Saturday that Jordan is facing serious challenges posed by external circumstances and crises, including a high energy bill, and the influx of the Syrian refugees, which has stretched Jordan's limited resources.
These challenges, he added, exercise an enormous strain on the infrastructure and all sectors of the national economy.
Minister Saif told a news conference here in Amman that approving a comprehensive economic and social vision until 2025 has become a matter of urgency, as many of the economic and social challenges facing Jordan today have become more urgent. It is all the more important for the future of comprehensive and sustainable development that Jordan is seeking to achieve. The country needs to see a methodology based on dialogue, collective experience and proper planning in order to avoid any negative effect on the development efforts.
During a presser attended by Prime Minister Abdullah Ensour and Minister of State for Media Affairs and Communication Mohammed Al Momani, he added that the government has taken a number of difficult decisions, but there remain many necessary measures to secure the stability of the Kingdom in the medium and long term.
The government, Saif noted, has reacted to the Royal message regarding the need to develop a comprehensive vision and clear parameters for the next ten years that can serve as an action plan for this government and the governments to come.
Addressing the measures taken by the government, the planning minister said that sectoral committees and work teams were set up, comprising all segments of the Jordanian society, the government, the private sector and civil society organizations as well as lawmakers.
The minister also spoke about the main aspects of the ten-year economic plan and its goals.