Jordanians should see better economy by year-end or 2019 — King

AMMAN — His Majesty King Abdullah on Monday said that Jordanians should see better economic conditions by the end of the year or 2019, according to a video showing part of a meeting with tribal leaders that was published on local news sites. 

At a meeting with Bani Sakher notables in Muwaqqar, 20km east of Amman, the King said that the economic challenge is “what keeps me awake at night”, but he voiced hope that growth will be achieved and investors lured into the country.

King Abdullah noted that during his visit to India, due to start Tuesday, the issue will be on his agenda as he talks to Indian leaders.

He said India is interested to benefit from Jordan as a gateway to Iraq, which is going through a rebuilding process, and Africa, so they will establish factories and businesses in the country for that purpose, also aware that the Kingdom has free trade deals with the US, the EU and other major world economies. 

The King said that other countries are also interested, including China. 

However, he said such a development necessitates that “government agencies open their doors [to incoming investors]”.

“I have been very tough on officials. I have been giving them deadlines to carry out certain tasks within weeks or months and if they fail, they will be fired,” His Majesty said.

“We are all on the same boat: If we want to improve economy and protect the Middle class... we should change the way we do things,” the King stressed, adding: “We want to see officials in the field and talk to the people.”

The King also underlined the need to change the younger generation’s attitude towards vocational and technical education, and urged parents to help promote the idea among their children, especially since graduate of academic programmes find no jobs and if they do, graduates of technical and vocational institutes make more money than they do.  

He said that authorities have to plan for five years ahead and guide young people to receive training in the trades most wanted in the labour market. 

He said that since a political solution to the Syrian crisis does not seem imminent, the refugee burden will certainly have its toll on young Jordanians, with surging prices of properties as a result of the crisis.