King attends closing session of forum marking year since economic, administrative modernisation

AMMAN — His Majesty King Abdullah on Saturday attended the closing session of a two-day forum held at the King Hussein Bin Talal Convention Centre at the Dead Sea, to mark one year since the launch of the Economic Modernisation Vision (EMV) and the public sector modernisation roadmap.

The forum, organised by the government, featured the participation of over 600 officials and experts from various sectors, according to a Royal Court statement.

Prime Minister Bisher Khasawneh said the forum was held in line with His Majesty’s directives to ensure regular follow up, evaluate progress and overcome challenges.

The forum featured 17 specialised sessions, with the participation of partners from the private sector who contributed to the drafting of the EMV and the public sector modernisation roadmap, in addition to local and international experts.

Prime Minister Khasawneh outlined the accomplishments and indicators of the first year of the economic and public sector modernisation plans, in addition to the government’s aspirations for the upcoming year.

The prime minister reaffirmed the government’s commitment to boost economic activity and investments, and to find effective solutions to counter poverty and unemployment, noting that the government aims to reach a 3 per cent gross domestic product growth in 2023-2025, and a net volume of foreign direct investment that exceeds JD1 billion by 2025.

The session featured a video on the electronic dashboard, developed by the delivery unit at the Prime Ministry, to follow up on the implementation of the EMV.

The dashboard, which is open to the public, documents progress in eight growth engines, 25 sectors, and 126 initiatives in the EMV’s executive programme.

Liaison officers and follow up units in all the concerned government entities were trained to use the dashboard and publish monthly progress reports, based on priorities, timeframes, and key performance indicators.

Speaking at a panel held at the closing session, Executive Chairman of Hikma Pharmaceuticals Said Darwazah, Jordan Ahli Bank Chairman Saad Mouasher, who is also a member of the public administration modernisation committee, and Meridiam investment company CEO Thierry De’au highlighted the importance of enhancing the partnership with the private sector to implement the EMV, stressing that public sector modernisation is a prerequisite for the success of economic modernisation.

The speakers called for working towards more efficient and empowered public servants, highlighting the need to accelerate decision-making to implement plans, keep up with rapid changes, and provide an enabling environment for young innovators.

The CEO of Meridiam, which invests in infrastructure, highlighted factors that encouraged the company to invest in Jordan eight years ago, namely the Kingdom’s stability, the wise political leadership of His Majesty, the consistency in vision, and the prudent fiscal policy.