EMV's Executive Programme initiatives to total JD10 billion

AMMAN — Under the Economic Modernisation Vision’s (EMV) executive programme, the government will begin implementing mega-projects and initiating public-private partnerships amounting to approximately JD10 billion.

In addition mega-projects, the programme also involves governmental initiatives to promote the investment sector as to push towards the 2033 vision's goals related to growth, job creation and investment, according to the Jordan News Agency, Petra.

Prime Minister Bisher Khasawneh directed all related ministries and institutions to implement executive programmes according to the set timetables, noting that the programmes are to include a specific timetable, clear performance indicators and an e-system to follow up on achievements.

Under the programme, an estimated JD10.47 billion will be allocated for the implementation of mega-projects and public-private partnerships, including the management and operation of a JD10-million multi-purpose port within the new Aqaba port.

Also covered under the programme is a JD 50-million project entailing the management and operation of King Hussein International Airport in Aqaba, the establishment of a JD 290-million medical university through the Saudi-Jordanian Fund, a JD4-million green hydrogen and green ammonia production project, and the JD3-billion National Water Carrier Project (Aqaba-Amman water desalination and transport project).

The National Water Carrier Project also includes the creation of a national railway network, with the first phase to link Aqaba and Amman, at a cost of JD1.009 billion.

The Jordanian-Iraqi electrical interconnection project, also included under the scheme, is estimated to cost JD30 million, and the Jordanian-Saudi electrical interconnection project is estimated at JD39 million. These projects are intended to raise the capacity of the electricity interconnection line between Jordan and Egypt to 1,100 megawatts.

The programme also provides for the construction of 15 schools in partnership with the private sector at a value of JD46 million, the Amman-Zarqa Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) Project worth JD140 million, and the construction of JD225-million freight and passenger buildings for the new King Hussein Bridge.

Upgrades to the Aqaba Container Terminal (ACT) are also planned, with an estimated cost of JD300 million, in addition to a JD40-million toll road projects.

The programme also aims to upgrade Jordan’s ranking in global reports, develop new financing partnership models with the private sector and create a robust communications strategy with Jordanian and non- Jordanian investors abroad.

The government's executive programme also entails 183 initiatives be implemented by the end of 2025, at a total cost of JD2.3 billion.

Priority initiatives, at a cost of JD670 million, will be implemented in 2023.

The programme includes reviewing, amending and approving 46 items of legislation, in addition to action plans to improve Jordan's ranking in international reports, and initiatives related to women’s economic empowerment.

The executive plan also sets macroeconomic targets for 2025, including a plan to raise GDP growth rate at constant prices to 3 per cent. Other targets include increasing the volume of exports to JD9.713 billion and expanding net foreign direct investments to JD1.092 billion.