'Solutions to energy sector problems under way, economy has achieved growth'

AMMAN — Minister of State for Media Affairs Jumana Ghunaimat on Thursday said that, as part of a national framework, the government has set a strategy for community employment and protection, and has found solutions for a number of challenges facing the energy sector.

Ghunaimat highlighted that the Kingdom’s economy has achieved sustenance and growth, although marginal, despite the challenges, the Jordan News Agency, Petra, reported.

She added that over the past few years, Jordan has managed to overcome a “difficult phase” while minimising losses, pointing out that the Kingdom’s patience and endurance have contributed to the cohesion and consolidation of the nation’s fabric.

The minister underscored that the upcoming stage will bring about a great deal of responsibility and, as such, requires social solidarity and harmonious comprehensive efforts, according to Petra.

She affirmed her trust in the Jordanian dinar, taking into consideration that the government has increased facilities to JD95 million, most of which was directed to the private sector.

The government’s strategy will focus on the sectors that drive and generate economic growth to help mitigate debts, the minister said.

Ghunaimat pointed to the “great progress” in the steps made towards stimulating the real estate sector.

She underlined that they will reflect positively both on the sector itself and the financial market during the second financial quarter.

The minister highlighted that four pieces of legislation have been amended to protect public funds and support the anti-corruption efforts of national institutions, adding that the court has reviewed the Audit Bureau’s report and retrieved large sums of money in the process.

The government had set priorities for 2019 and 2020 in accordance with His Majesty King Abdullah’s directives, and is working towards them, Ghunaimat underlined.

She added that the government has managed to provide 10,000 jobs during the first four months of 2019, out of the 30,000 jobs the government promised to secure before the end of the year.

In the meantime, the minister reiterated the need to take action against the phenomenon of assaulting doctors.

Legal procedures will be taken to punish perpetrators and protect medical personnel, Ghunaimat warned.

She also pointed to efforts under way to regulate the role of foreign workers in the market and to encourage them to rectify their status in the country.

Since the government took office almost one year ago, it has dealt with an expenditure of over JD10 billion, a deficit of around JD700 million and debts of JD29 million, Ghunaimat stressed, in reference to the government’s achievements.

With regards to the aforementioned difficulties, the minister asked: “Do we surrender to the tough reality or must we make every effort to face the difficult conditions?”