Jordan’s latest economic plan sets ambitious targets

Significance

The plan set outs ambitious targets that aim to invigorate the economy over the coming decade. The total investment required is projected at JOD41.4bn (USD57.6bn), of which more than two-thirds must come from non-government sources, including a large increase in foreign direct investment.

Impacts

• Many Jordanians will dismiss the plan as a propaganda ploy designed to favour business elites at the expense of public-sector workers.
• The plan will need high-level political support to succeed because of the high turnover of government ministers.
• Gulf sovereign wealth funds are likely to invest for political purposes to maintain Jordanian stability rather than for commercial reasons.