Jordan Times
Friday, September 8, 2006
King highlights
importance of partnership with private sector
AMMAN (Petra) — His Majesty King Abdullah on Thursday described the
partnership with the private sector as an effective tool to economy-related
decision making, saying that several achievements have been realised through
this partnership.
During a meeting with representatives of various businesses at the Royal
Court yesterday, the Monarch underlined the importance of sustaining the
partnership with the private sector to benefit from its suggestions, particularly
in the areas of financial and monetary stability and privatisation.
Economic reform is a top priority, the King told the businessmen, adding that
the drive towards reform was ongoing, but more time was needed before citizens
could feel its positive effects.
The King said appropriate mechanisms to implement the recommendations of the
“National Agenda” and the “We are All Jordan Forum” have been laid down to
achieve development in its different dimensions.
The Monarch also referred to several positive economic indicators.
During the meeting, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance Ziad Fariz
said the government is working to secure justice and equal opportunities, in
addition to bolstering transparency and accountability.
The government is also keen on supporting Jordanian businesses to enter international
markets.
Fariz said the past five years have witnessed significant achievements despite
difficult regional conditions.
In the past few years, the growth rate ranged between 5 to 6 per cent, he noted.
“While oil prices are expected to rise in international markets, the government
expects a positive growth rate of 6 to 7 per cent this year, “ he said.
Fariz stressed that the government was continuing with its efforts to boost the
country’s economic stability and enforce the anti-trust law, in addition to its
programmes to alleviate poverty.
Representatives of the private sector expressed their desire to play a role in formulating
economic legislation, referring in particular to the Income Tax Law, which is currently
being examined by lawmakers.
They said they were optimistic because of the current economic development in the country,
citing the Aqaba Special Economic Zone growth rate.
Some businessmen criticised delays in the privatisation of certain public sector institutions,
while others stressed the importance of vocational training to meet the needs of the labour market.