Jordan - Development Policy Review : A Reforming State in a Volatile Region

World Bank

Washington, DC

关键词: ADMINISTRATIVE PROCEDURES;    AGRICULTURE;    AIR;    AQUIFERS;    BALANCE OF PAYMENTS;   

RP-ID  :  24425

学科分类：社会科学、人文和艺术（综合）

来源: World Bank Open Knowledge Repository

【 摘 要 】

Since the early 1990s, Jordan hasinitiated efforts toward far-reaching stabilization andstructural reform. The reforms have aimed at laying thefoundations for a reduced role of the state,private-sector-export-oriented-growth, employment, povertyreduction, and overall improvement in the welfare of thepopulation. Due to this intensive effort, inflation has beenreduced, the current account of the balance of payments hasbeen stabilized, and budget deficits have been reduced. Inaddition, structural reforms have encompassed domestictaxation/subsidy policies, trade liberalization policies,monetary/financial sector policies, exchange rate policies,administered prices, and privatization. The reformsinitiated since 1989 have made Jordan one of the leaders ofreform in the Middle East and north Africa region, despiteits experiencing several changes in government and adverseexternal shocks in the 1990s. The country has furtherintegrated into the global economy, with a major shift intrade policy that included an Association Agreement with theEuropean Union in 1999, membership in the World TradeOrganization in 2000, and a free-trade agreement with theUSA in 2001. Jordan has achieved progress in privatization,most notably in public utilities. Despite deep structuralreforms and macroeconomic stability, strong and sustainablegrowth in real output has been elusive. Three factors havebeen identified as major constraints to faster growth: 1)external volatility and adverse regional neighborhoodeffects; 2) slow response of private investment, both in itslevel and in terms of productivity; and 3) significantexport competitiveness problems. Increasing growthperformance as a means to reduce poverty and improve thewelfare of Jordanians is the first key development challengeidentified in this Development Policy Review. The other keydevelopment challenge in Jordan is to improve the qualityand efficiency of its core public services. Efficientdelivery of public services is especially critical ineducation and health and in the water sectors.