Report outlines Jordan’s progress, relapse on int’l indexes

AMMAN – Jordan has made progress in a number of international indicators that measure its performance, namely corruption perceptions, competitiveness, economic freedom, education, healthcare, e-government and human development, a minister said Saturday.

Public Sector Development Minister Khleef Al Khawaldeh said the progress is due to a series of measures and reform programmes adopted by the Kingdom, according to a statement received by The Jordan Times.

On the other hand, Khawaldeh cited a report prepared by the ministry indicating that Jordan fell behind in international rankings measuring its financial development, ease of doing business, unemployment and gender gap.

The minister attributed the decline to the current regional situation, population growth as a result of the Syrian refugee influx, the large number of guest workers and citizens’ high expectations.

The ministry referred the report to Prime Minister Abdullah Ensour on Saturday to be circulated to all public institutions to benefit from the information it provides.

“It [report] can serve as a reference for policy and decision makers by acquainting them with the positive and negative aspects and thus helping them identify mechanisms that can improve Jordan’s ranking,” Khawaldeh said.

The ministry will update the report in the first quarter of each year, according to the statement.