Jordan Times
Sunday, December 12, 2004
Natsios confirms
USAID's commitment in supporting Jordan's development process
AMMAN (JT) — USAID Administrator Andrew Natsios
stressed on Friday that USAID will continue to work closely with the government
to achieve His Majesty King Abdullah's vision for a thriving economy and a high
standard of living for all Jordanians.
During a meeting with Acting Minister of Planning and International Cooperation
Hazem Nasser, the USAID chief also confirmed that the administration in
Washington has approved the $250 million which represents the economic
assistance package to Jordan for the fiscal year 2005.
Natsios expressed his admiration to Jordan's commitment and effort to the reform
and development process. “This commitment by the people of Jordan and the
government has resulted in a successful partnership with USAID,” he remarked.
Nasser expressed Jordan's gratitude to the United States for its continued
support and assistance and hoped that this relationship will continue to grow to
meet the interests of both countries in the future.
The minister briefed Natsios on various projects for which the USAID assistance
is being directed. These include the Zara-Maain Water Project, Expansion of As-Samra
Water Treatment Plant, The Rehabilitation of Amman Water Networks,
Rehabilitation of Primary Health Care Clinics, and other technical assistance
programmes in the field of social and economic development.
The USAID-Jordan partnership began in the 1950s and has continued to grow. In
the last decade, USAID assistance increased from $7 million in 1996 to reach
$348.5 million in 2004.
The focus of this aid has been in three main sectors which include economic
opportunities, social and health sector, and the water sector.
In addition to the above mentioned programmes, the USAID is also the main
contributor to the Social and Economic Transformation Programme.