Jordan's Steady Fiscal Path: A Balanced Approach to Growth and Debt Management - Jordan News

Jordan News

4 days ago

Amid ongoing global and regional economic uncertainty, Jordan continues to make meaningful strides in strengthening its fiscal position and preserving macro-financial stability. Recent figures underscore the effectiveness of the government's disciplined approach to debt management, fiscal consolidation, and monetary stability — all of which reaffirm investor confidence in Jordan's economic trajectory. اضافة اعلان According to the latest data released by the Ministry of Finance, by the end of June 2025, Jordan's public debt (net of Social Security Investment Fund holdings) had declined to approximately JD 35.3 billion, bringing the debt-to-GDP ratio down to 91%, a gradual but important improvement from the 93% level recorded earlier in the year. This reflects the government's prudent debt strategy, which favors diversified, lower-cost financing tools such as sukuk issuance and concessional borrowing, while simultaneously reducing exposure to high-yield international debt markets during a period of elevated global interest rates. On the monetary front, foreign reserves remain solid at USD 22 billion, offering comfortable coverage of 8 to 9 months of imports, while gold reserves have expanded to JD 5.455 billion, highlighting the central bank's proactive reserve management in response to persistent geopolitical and economic uncertainties. In terms of real economic performance, the Jordanian economy continues to show signs of resilience. GDP growth reached 2.7% in the first quarter of 2025, supported by structural reforms aimed at enhancing competitiveness and stimulating private sector activity. Inflation remains contained at 1.98%, underscoring the credibility of the Central Bank's monetary policy framework. Nonetheless, external sector imbalances persist, with the current account deficit standing at 7.7% of GDP — highlighting the need for continued efforts to boost export capacity and reduce reliance on energy imports. At the policy level, Jordan has maintained a careful balance between fiscal responsibility and social stability under the leadership of His Excellency Prime Minister Dr. Jafar Hassan and his economic team. Recent government initiatives — including tax reductions on vehicles, expanded healthcare allocations, and full coverage for cancer treatment — reflect a pragmatic policy approach. These efforts aim to mitigate the social impact of reform while staying aligned with the broader objectives of the Economic Modernization Vision. On the international front, Jordan's reform progress continues to receive strong recognition. The International Monetary Fund (IMF) recently concluded its third successful review under the Extended Fund Facility (EFF), unlocking a cumulative USD 595 million in disbursements to date. The Fund has commended Jordan's commitment to sound macroeconomic policies, structural reform, and fiscal discipline — all designed to build resilience, accelerate growth, and enhance job creation. A Model of Measured Reform Jordan's current trajectory showcases a measured and credible model of fiscal consolidation and structural reform. Amid heightened global volatility, the Kingdom's ability to preserve monetary stability, improve debt dynamics, and maintain steady growth signals a policy framework rooted in resilience, discipline, and long-term strategic clarity — a framework that continues to reinforce Jordan's reputation as a reliable and stable destination for investment in an otherwise uncertain region.