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Improved ranking on corruption index due to integrity, good governance initiatives — Khawaldeh

By Omar Obeidat - Dec 16,2014 - Last updated at Dec 16,2014

AMMAN – The government considers the recent improvement in Jordan's ranking in the Corruption Perceptions Index (CPI) 2014 as a positive indicator, but also a starting point to achieve better standing in the future, Public Sector Development Minister Khleef Al Khawaldeh said Monday. 

In the annual index, released earlier this month, Jordan ranked 55th among 175 countries, scoring 49 out of 100, while last year, the Kingdom ranked 66th among 177 countries and territories, scoring 45 out of 100.

In an interview with The Jordan Times, Khawaldeh attributed the progress to several factors, such as the formation of the Royal Committee for Enhancing the National Integrity System, which released the National Integrity Charter and the Executive Plan last year. 

He also cited the issuance of guidelines for governance practices in the public sector to boost transparency, accountability, justice and rule of law, and in fighting corruption. 

The minister said the witness protection programme in corruption cases issued by the government this year was also among the factors that resulted in the improved CPI ranking.

In a bid to build on the achievement, Khawaldeh noted that the ministry has included a programme in its 2015 executive plan to enhance good governance in the public sector through holding awareness workshops for government agencies and issuing quarterly assessment reports on governance practices for certain agencies. 

These periodic reports will be referred to the prime minister, he added. 

On efforts to implement the National Integrity Charter and the Executive Plan for enhancing the integrity system, the official said the ministry is following up on the execution of programmes and projects at ministries and government departments by preparing periodic reports that are usually referred to the premier as he heads the steering committee. 

Seeking to achieve a better ranking for Jordan in future reports, Khawaldeh said the ministry is currently speaking with local and international agencies about opportunities Jordan can work on to guarantee continued improvement in the index. 

"It is important to boost the performance of the government in all fields to improve the country's ranking not only in this index but also all international reports," he said.   

"The government sees the improvement Jordan made in the CPI as only a step forward for higher rankings in the future."

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