Jordan govt should focus on rescuing economy post COVID-19 crisis - study

AMMAN - Jordan should focus on people’s interests and how to rescue the national economy from deterioration following the end of the COVID-19 crisis, a local study revealed.

The study, which was published in a book in early May by the Centre for Strategic Study, is titled “Jordan after the COVID-19 – Challenges ad Choices”.

“Because of the current difficult situation on all aspects, the Jordanian government will have no option but to deal with the crisis based on the available resources for the next two years and to focus on the society’s abilities and capabilities in terms of production and innovation,” the study said.

The report stated that based on a previous survey by the Social Security Corporation, that indicated that “74 per cent of Jordanians believe that the COVID-19 crisis will negatively effect the economy and the majority of Jordanians are not satisfied with the government’s handling of the economic issues,” the decision was to make an analytical study on the Kingdom’s economic future”.

“The idea behind this report was to conduct a scientific analysis to examine the ramifications of the COVID-19 crisis, from political, security, economic, social and cultural angles,” according to the 225-page report.

The report added that the document provided decision-makers short- and long-term alternatives and solutions to deal with the effects of the COVID-19 on Jordan.

“Several former officials, intellectuals and scientists took part in drafting the paper, which will be presented to the Jordanian decision-makers for further consideration,” according to the report.

The study also recommended the swift return of “normal life in Jordan to strengthen the economy, while at the same time ensure that all entities and individuals are adhering to the strict health requirements and social distancing”.

The study also called on the government to “re-arrange its expenditure priority by directing the budget towards urgent matters that would protect the public sector, small businesses and employees who were hit the most by the COVID-19 crisis”.

Meanwhile, the study pointed out some positive outcomes, especially in the technological field.

“Jordan could become a technology hub in the region based on the knowledgeable and experienced human resources and strong infrastructure with the fourth industrial revolution, such as distance learning and the use and development of smart applications,” the report stated.

Another positive factor, the study added, was focusing on important sectors, such as information technology, the medical manufacturing industry and advanced medical services.