Middle East and Central Asia > Jordan

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Suphachol Suphachalasai
,
Hasan Dudu
,
Diala Al Masri
,
Fabiana Machado
,
Junko Mochizuki
, and
Karlygash Zhunussova
This technical assistance conducts a climate policy diagnostic for Jordan, covering climate adaptation and mitigation policy, as well as enabling institutions. Jordan faces acute challenges of climate-food-water nexus—innovative climate policy approaches are key, given limited fiscal space. While Jordan needs to strengthen the investment climate for climate investment through streamlining existing policies and alleviating critical barriers, making social policy more shock-responsive and strengthening risk management can go a long way in building resilience. As climate-related risks globally intensify, the government is encouraged to move toward a risk-informed policy and financing strategy.
Bryn Battersby
,
Diala Al Masri
,
Robert N Clifton
,
Ed Hearne
,
Murray Petrie
, and
Jad Mazahreh
The assistance assessed how climate change impacts and mitigation and adaptation responses are addressed in the public investment cycle using the Climate Module of the Public Investment Management Assessment (C-PIMA). The assistance also evaluated the scope to advance Green Public Financial Management (PFM) practices, drawing on the IMF’s new Green PFM framework. Jordan was found to performs well in the climate-aware planning and coordination institutions of the C-PIMA, but some gaps were identified in implementation aspects of the framework, and there were several areas where climate could be better integrated in the PFM system.
International Monetary Fund. Middle East and Central Asia Dept.
This paper discusses Jordan’s Fifth Review under the Extended Arrangement under the Extended Fund Facility and Request for Modification of Performance Criteria. Jordan has continued a broad-based recovery amid a challenging external environment, thanks to the authorities’ effective policy response. Financial challenges in the electricity sector are exacerbating fiscal pressures, particularly as food subsidies have increased considerably on the back of high international prices. As agreed in the fourth review, the authorities have eliminated the subsidies on gasoline and diesel. They also met structural benchmarks on introducing goods and services tax place of taxation rules; strengthening the governance of fiscal incentives; improving the competition framework; removing legal impediments to female employment; implementing a foreign direct investment survey; and rolling out e-procurement. The 2022 and 2023 fiscal targets are being relaxed slightly to accommodate higher food-related spending. The authorities remain committed to reducing public debt/gross domestic product to 80 percent by 2027. IMF expects the implications for the program to be manageable, given the authorities’ ownership and commitment to program objectives and Jordan’s continued ability to attract development partner support.
International Monetary Fund. Middle East and Central Asia Dept.

Abstract

Countries in the Middle East, North Africa, Afghanistan, and Pakistan (MENAP) region and those in the Caucasus and Central Asia (CCA) responded to the COVID-19 pandemic with swift and stringent measures to mitigate its spread and impact but continue to face an uncertain and difficult environment. Oil exporters were particularly hard hit by a “double-whammy” of the economic impact of lockdowns and the resulting sharp decline in oil demand and prices. Containing the health crisis, cushioning income losses, and expanding social spending remain immediate priorities. However, governments must also begin to lay the groundwork for recovery and rebuilding stronger, including by addressing legacies from the crisis and strengthening inclusion.

International Monetary Fund. External Relations Dept.
Finance & Development, December 2017
International Monetary Fund. External Relations Dept.
Finance & Development, December 2017
International Monetary Fund. External Relations Dept.
Finance & Development, December 2017
International Monetary Fund. External Relations Dept.
Finance & Development, December 2017
International Monetary Fund. External Relations Dept.
This paper analyzes that although demands for political transformation commanded the world’s attention, those calls were largely motivated by unresolved socioeconomic issues. Demonstrators in the streets of Cairo and Tunis demanding bread, dignity, and social justice expressed widely held aspirations for basic economic rights, along with greater prosperity and equity. Almost seven years later, notable progress has been achieved in terms of public finance reforms. However, these reforms still have a long way to go to reduce disparities in the distribution of wealth within most countries of the region or narrow the development gaps between them. Countries in the Middle East and North Africa now face a stark choice between short-term retrenchment and resolute pursuit of the long-term reforms needed to secure their future economic prosperity. Forsaking important economic adjustments needed to strengthen inclusive growth and modernize the state and private sectors would set the region back, possibly for decades.
International Monetary Fund. Middle East and Central Asia Dept.
This 2017 Article IV Consultation highlights that Jordan has made significant progress since the 2014 Article IV Consultation but pressing challenges remain. The gradual pick-up in growth from 2010 to 2014 ended in 2015, with real GDP growth decelerating from 2.4 percent in 2015 to 2 percent in 2016. Labor market conditions have remained challenging, particularly for youth and women, with the unemployment rate increasing to 15.8 percent in the second half of 2016. Despite considerable progress and recent improvements, the outlook remains challenging. Real GDP growth is projected to reach 2.3 percent in 2017, while inflation is expected to stabilize at about 2.5 percent by year-end.