Jordan on right track despite economic challenges

Prime Minister Fayez Tarawneh on Thursday met with Director of the International Monetary Fund, IMF's Middle East and Central Asia Department Masood Ahmed in the presence of Finance Minister Suleiman Al Hafez and Central Bank of Jordan Governor Ziyad Fariz. Tarawneh was briefed on meetings of the IMF's mission with Jordanian officials that focused on Jordan's economic reforms, the economic crisis resulting from the rise of Jordan's oil bill and the continued influx of Syrian refugees into the Kingdom as well as international and Gulf grants and their positive impact on Jordan's economy. The premier said that Jordan is on the right track despite the difficult economic conditions, pointing to the impact of regional developments on the Kingdom's economy. "We have a practical economic reform program that would put the economy back on its proper track and achieve growth rates, he said, adding that Jordan has a clear economic approach in dealing with economic challenges. The prime minister urged the IMF to support Jordan in its economic reforms, mainly with regard to its relations with international economic and financial institutions. The IMF official voiced appreciation of Jordan's economic reform drive. He also hailed the Jordanian leadership and its ability in dealing with various challenges.