AMMAN: Jordan’s Prime Minister Bisher Khasawneh met with World Bank Group President Ajay Banga on Sunday in Amman, Jordan News Agency reported.
Khasawneh conveyed King Abdullah’s greetings to Banga as well as his appreciation for the economic and development partnership between Jordan and the World Bank.
The two discussed Jordan’s ambitious economic modernization strategy, which Khasawneh detailed, with a special focus on reforms within the public sector aimed at fostering a more democratic political landscape. These reforms include initiatives to empower women and the youth, enhance Jordan’s economic growth, generate 1 million new jobs, improve living standards, and promote sustainability while boosting government efficiency and transparency.
Khasawneh expressed Jordan’s eagerness to deepen its partnership with the World Bank. This collaboration aims to bolster the government’s efforts toward economic recovery, sustainable growth, and ongoing comprehensive modernization, particularly in economic and administrative fields.
He emphasized Jordan’s hope for the World Bank’s continued support across several key areas, such as entrepreneurship, education, transportation, water management, and information technology.
Khasawneh also pointed out that, until Oct. 7, Jordan’s macroeconomic indicators showed a positive trajectory, with a growth rate of 2.8 percent. He noted, however, the detrimental impact Israel’s war on Gaza has had on various sectors, especially tourism, which had only recently begun to recover.
Banga reaffirmed the World Bank’s commitment to its strategic partnership with Jordan.
He highlighted the critical role of supporting entrepreneurship and creating employment opportunities for the youth and women, with a focus on startups.
Banga also underscored the global respect Jordan commands, despite the complex regional challenges it contends with.
