Regional uncertainty a challenge to economic planning — PM

AMMAN – Prime Minister Abdullah Ensour on Saturday said it is difficult to draw a long-term forecast for the Kingdom's economy due to the turbulent and unpredictable situation in the region as well as global uncertainties. 

The premier was speaking at a press conference to brief journalists on the progress of the 10-year economic blueprint, which His Majesty King Abdullah directed the government to draw up earlier this year. The plan, or “the vision”, as termed by Ensour, will be ready before the end of this year, he said. 

"Who can predict what the Middle East will be like 10 years from now. It is very hard to foresee," Ensour said, adding that instability in neighbouring countries has taken its toll on the Kingdom's economy, particularly in the fields of tourism, exports, transportation and aviation as well as the rising costs of national security. 

Briefing the media on the progress achieved so far in drafting the blueprint, Minister of Planning and International Cooperation Ibrahim Saif said global and regional circumstances have made the 2015-2025 vision for the economy an urgent priority, citing the increase in international oil prices and political instability in Syria and Iraq.   

Saif said that the main pillars of the plan include achieving a comprehensive economic development that will ensure stability, developing human resources, improving infrastructure and services, improving the performance of the public sector, enhancing investment and the business environment, developing governorates and implementing decentralisation. 

The minister indicated that 16 work teams, headed by secretaries general of ministries, have met so far, noting that these committees include private sector and civil society representatives. 

He said that political parties, professional associations, NGOs and the public would be invited to present ideas and suggestions to modify the plan, adding that committees will carry out field visits to governorates for further feedback. 

A national conference will be held on September 6 and will include workshops and brainstorming sessions to discuss current achievements and proposals for the future, he added. 

Saif indicated that once the plan is ready, there will be short- to medium-term executive programmes to ensure full implementation of the blueprint, adding that the prime ministry will oversee the implementation of these programmes. 

Saif said the committees drawing up the plan are building up on several economic and social studies carried out over the past years, such as the National Employment Strategy and Privatisation Evaluation Committee.