Think tank to contribute own plan to improve economy

AMMAN – The Economic Policy Development Forum (EPDF), a leading think tank, on Sunday welcomed the directives of His Majesty King Abdullah to the government to draw up a 10-year blueprint for economic development.  

On Saturday, King Abdullah directed the government to draw up a clear 10-year goal-oriented plan for the economy that should result in a stronger economy, in both macroeconomic and monetary aspects, and ensure consistency, increased competitiveness and productivity, and self-reliance.

The ultimate goal, His Majesty said, is to achieve comprehensive development and ensure Jordanians a “decent living and hope for a better future”.

He added that the success of devising this blueprint hinges on adopting a participatory and consultative approach towards all stakeholders, namely governmental institutions, Parliament, the private sector, civil society organisations and local communities.

The EPDF, initiated by Talal Abu-Ghazaleh Organisation (TAG-Org), commended in a statement to The Jordan Times the King’s directives and prudent vision to boost and strengthen the pillars of the fiscal and monetary policy, promote and improve the competitiveness of the national economy and secure a decent living for Jordanians. 

The EPDF includes former decision makers, parliamentarians, leading economists and businesspeople. 

The forum chairman, Talal Abu-Ghazaleh, founder and president of TAG-Org, said a task force will be working on drafting the Jordan 2022 future economic vision on the occasion of marking the 100th anniversary of the Kingdom’s establishment, adding that the letter of the King to the government will be the core document of the panel work. 

He noted that the forum will form several committees to develop a long-term economic plan based on the issues addressed by King Abdullah. 

Abu-Ghazaleh said his organisation will present a final report on the economy to decision makers to decide what is appropriate for the country. 

The EPDF announced in the statement that the founding meeting of the task force for “drafting Jordan 2022 future vision” would be held on April 16.