Back in the early 1970s, a huge natural gas windfall gifted the Netherlands a strong currency and a budget surplus, but failed to improve fundamental underlying weaknesses in the country’s economy such as its uncompetitive industrial base. The term ‘Dutch…
As the Syrian refugee crisis enters its seventh year, the discussion on Syrian refugee livelihoods has shifted focus. The crisis is now characterized as protracted, and host states are taking measures to include refugees in the labor market. However, in…
Regulatory reforms introduced last year should soon begin attracting investors to help carry out large, state-led projects, particularly in the field of renewable energy. The Regulation for Organizing Non-Jordanian Investments No. 77, passed in June, eased capital requirements and other…
If we want our economy to prosper, we need to start planning for the long-term.
The IMF continues to provide Jordan with huge loans. But it will be for nothing if the country doesn’t face up to the real problems holding its economy back. Around four years ago, Jordan signed up to a long overdue…
A newly launched roadmap for the development of Jordan’s ICT sector aims to attract capital inflows on the back of recent government moves to reduce the tax burden on companies operating in the industry. At last year’s MENA ICT Forum…
Rather than asking for more aid to keep a lid on the government’s self-inflicted budget deficit, we should be encouraging foreign governments to invest in economically viable infrastructure projects. Jordan has always been a well-deserved recipient of foreign aid. Having…
Ignore the naysayers—Donald Trump’s economic plans will be good for the United States, Jordan, and the rest of the world. Say what you like about the man himself, but Donald Trump is moving into the White House with some progressive…
While it’s unrealistic to expect fireworks from Jordan’s economy in 2017, boosting capital investment and launching more PPP projects should help achieve respectable levels of growth. After almost six years of stagnation, the global economic outlook for 2017 still looks…
Without striving for an independent and transparent legal system, Jordan will struggle to attract desperately needed FDI. “We cannot achieve sustainable development, empower our creative youth or successfully execute our development plans unless we develop state administration and enhance the…