King stresses importance of upcoming National Economic Workshop

AMMAN — His Majesty King Abdullah on Tuesday stressed the importance of the upcoming National Economic Workshop, which will be launched next Saturday under the title “Advancing into the Future: Unleashing Potential to Modernise the Economy”.

At a meeting with economic figures at Al Husseiniya Palace, attended by HRH Crown Prince Hussein, the King said he looks forward to the outcomes of the workshop to draw a roadmap that leads to action plans to be implemented across governments, according to a Royal Court statement. 

His Majesty stressed the need for the outcomes of the workshop to contribute to economic growth, job creation, advancement of services, and enhancement of vital sectors, calling for regular follow-up and dedication to achieve the task.

The King reiterated the need for all stakeholders to collaborate, and for all state institutions to continue to cooperate and coordinate on implementing projects in vital sectors to alleviate unemployment.

His Majesty also called for capitalising on Jordan’s close ties with countries in the region, in order to enhance the Kingdom’s competitiveness.

For their part, attendees 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, according to the statement. 

Furthermore, they called for training programmes to build the capacities of those employed and rehabilitating the unemployed to facilitate their entry to the labour market.

They also discussed the impact of regional crises on Jordan, which was able, nonetheless, to maintain its development achievements, and carry on with further progress, calling for shedding more light on Jordan’s competitiveness.

Some of the participants addressed challenges facing investments, urging focus on laws that promote investment, and further facilitate doing business in several sectors.

The National Economic Workshop, launched upon the King’s directives in his letter to Jordanians in late January, will be held in the Royal Hashemite Court over five weeks, and will bring together nearly 300 economists and experts.

The workshop, which will include representatives of the private sector, industry and commerce chambers, the government, parliament, academia, public institutions, civil society, the media sector, and other experts, seeks to come up with an economic vision and roadmap to enhance growth, create opportunities, and improve quality of life and services for Jordanians. 

The workshop, which will build on previous efforts, will cover 17 vital sectors: Agriculture and food security, energy, water, mining, ICT, financial services and markets, healthcare, trade and e-commerce, manufacturing and industry, tourism, education and labour market, transport and logistics, urban development and climate change, creative industries, fiscal policy, employability, and investment and doing business.