Jordan signs 125 million euro financing agreements with KFW to boost water sector

AMMAN — The Ministry of Planning and International Cooperation and the German Development Bank (KFW) on Tuesday signed two financing agreements worth 125 million euros to support Jordan's water sector.

The first agreement included a concessional loan of 75 million euros to support Jordan's water sector development policy with its primary goal to ensure a sustainable water supply in the Kingdom by optimising the use of water resources.

The second agreement of 50 million euros, is a concessional loan to finance a programme to reduce water loss and unmetered water which aims to improve the sustainable water balance while reducing technical and administrative losses in the sector, according to the Jordan News Agency, Petra.

During a meeting with German Federal Minister for Economic Cooperation and Development Svenja Schulze, Zeina Touqan, Minister of Planning and International Cooperation, expressed her gratitude for Germany's continued support in multiple development sectors, with a particular focus on water, sanitation, education and vocational training. 

She underlined the importance of strengthening the development partnership with Germany in order to contribute to the implementation of Jordan's reform agenda within the framework of the Economic Modernisation Vision and the Public Sector Modernisation Roadmap.

Touqan briefed the German Minister and her accompanying delegation about Jordan's current economic landscape, future economic prospects and ongoing progress in political, economic and administrative modernisation initiatives. 

She highlighted the need for continued support for Jordan's development-related priorities, notably maintaining support for Jordan's response plan to the Syrian refugee crisis.

The German minister emphasised Jordan's vital regional role, both political and humanitarian aspects. 

She commended Jordan's successful implementation of German development programmes and expressed her country's appreciation for Jordan's efforts in hosting refugees despite the challenges affecting its natural resources, particularly in water.

The visit of the German minister and her accompanying delegation followed the conclusion of the Jordanian-German government consultations held on 30 October, which included a review of areas of cooperation and discussions on project proposals to be included in German assistance for 2024. 

During the Royal visit to Berlin on 16 October 2022, the two countries signed several agreements, under which an assistance of 209 million euros will be provided to finance eight development projects.