Planning minister reviews reform matrix with private sector representatives

AMMAN — Within the framework of coordination and consultation with non-governmental sectors, Minister of Planning and International Cooperation Nasser Shraideh on Tuesday shared the reform matrix with the private sector.

Shraideh, during a briefing session on the economic reform matrix in Jordan, on Tuesday met with representatives from the private sector, according to a ministry statement.

The gathering, including representatives from the industry, business and investment sectors, were briefed on the main implemented reforms in the economic and financial fields within the (2018-2024) reform matrix, with talks also covering the economic challenges amid the impact of the pandemic and a set of reforms in the pipeline.

The meeting is aimed to enhance coordination with the private sector towards supporting “the march of reform and growth”. It also discussed means to increase consultation with the sector’s representatives to ensure that reforms are aligned with the requirements of the business environment and expected investments, Shraideh said.

He also stressed the government’s commitment to implement planned financial and economic reforms, which were launched in the London Initiative Conference in 2019 towards improving the business environment, developing government services and contributing to economic recovery.

Shraideh noted that the reform matrix has been reviewed in line with the Government’s Indicative Executive Programme, adding that the primary focus has been attached to reform priorities post-COVID-19.

The ministry has listed two additional fields in the reform matrix: Efficiency of government performance and tourism, a top priority, he said.

Talks also went over key reforms implemented since 2018, including the “Investor Journey” project, the enactment of a new public-private partnership law, the establishment of a fund to finance financial and technical feasibility studies, and the preparation of a project to analyse the added value of export sectors.

Key reforms also included development of laws and regulations pertaining to control and inspection of economic enterprises, issuance of insolvency, in addition to launching a unified electronic procurement system for government purchases, among others.

During the meeting, it was agreed to give the private sector sufficient time to provide the ministry with their comments on the matrix, which will be reviewed by the ministry’s reform secretariat to be integrated into the continuous updates.

The five-year reform matrix (2018-2022) was prepared and launched at the London conference in 2019, and it included a set of structural reforms.