International Monetary Fund. Middle East and Central Asia Dept.
This paper discusses Jordan’s 2022 Article IV Consultation and Fourth Review under the Extended Arrangement under the Extended Fund Facility (EFF), Request for Augmentation and Rephasing of Access, and Modification of Performance Criteria. Jordan's EFF program remains firmly on track. The authorities have maintained macroeconomic stability and market access, while protecting the most vulnerable, and implementing key structural reforms, especially in the area of public finances. The IMF remains committed to supporting Jordan, including by augmenting access under the EFF to help address higher financing needs from higher international commodity prices and tightened global financial conditions. Donor support is critical to enable Jordan to cope with these global economic headwinds, while hosting 1.3 million Syrian refugees.
This study estimates the impact of corruption on the revenue-generating capacity of different tax categories in the Middle East. We find that the low revenue collection as a share of GDP there compared to other middle-income regions is due in part to corruption, and certain taxes are more affected than others. Taxes that require frequent interaction between the tax authority and individuals, such as taxes on international trade, seem to be more affected by corruption than most other types of taxation. This suggests that if governments need to raise more tax revenues in a way that minimizes distortions and maximizes social welfare, they should implement reforms that either reduce corruption or raise revenues from tax categories that are less susceptible to corruption. Possible reforms of the revenue system and administration are examined.