Jordan Times
Wednesday, October 5, 2005
More steps needed to improve living standards — King
AMMAN (Petra) — His Majesty King Abdullah on
Tuesday stressed the need to take more steps to improve citizens' living
standards and secure a better future for them.
Chairing part of a Cabinet meeting to follow up on the government's plans, King
Abdullah said “much has been achieved so far,” but the coming stage requires
“fast-paced steps towards a vigorous” relaunch of the national economy, which
should meet current difficult challenges in the region.
The Monarch added that such efforts should also help Jordan alleviate poverty
and unemployment as well as achieve economic growth. King Abdullah urged the
government to make sure that all basic commodities are available in the market
at reasonable prices during the Holy Month of Ramadan.
For his part, Prime Minister Adnan Badran said the government has been working
hard to realise King Abdullah's vision to speed up reforms in all aspects.
Badran added that the government took several steps to achieve financial reform,
especially in light of the soaring international oil prices and the decline in
foreign aid.
He stressed that the government was fighting financial and administrative
corruption, including wasta and favouritism.
The premier and several ministers reviewed plans and programmes in the fields of
energy, water, transport, social development, tourism and judicial development.
The meeting was attended by Royal Court Chief Faisal Fayez and Deputy Director
of National Security and acting Director of the King's Office Marouf Bakhit.