Finance minister briefs US, IMF officials about challenges facing Jordan

AMMAN — Finance Minister Omar Malhas held talks with several US officials during the annual meetings of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and the World Bank. Malhas discussed with US Secretary of State John Kerry the importance of the US initiative that aims at allowing 1.5 billion people around the world to use Internet by 2020 as a basic part of economic development.

Malhas also discussed with other officials the most important challenges facing the Kingdom and the proper means to support national economy. In meetings with US businesspeople and investors, the finance minister highlighted Jordan's safe and stable investment environment. At the end of the meetings, an agreement was reached to have a delegation from the IMF visit Jordan in May to officially discuss the details of the new programme with the fund.

Moreover, Malhas discussed with representatives of the financial affairs department in the IMF technical support that could be offered to the investment governance unit at the Planning and International Cooperation Ministry, in addition to support for reforming sales tax and customs fees.