U.S. extends 429.7 million in grants to Jordan
Date
9/22/2015 12:28:47 PM
(MENAFN- Emirates News Agency (WAM))
Amman 22nd September 2015 (WAM) -- Jordan's Ministry of Planning and International Cooperation signed on Tuesday 4 grant agreements with the United States of America for an amount of USD429.7 million under the Economic Support Fund for Jordan for the fiscal year 2015 Jordan News Agency (Petra) reported.
Minister of Planning Imad Najeeb Fakhoury who signed the agreements on behalf of the Jordanian government said that the total of ESF for 2015 amounts to USD 615.3 million where an amount of USD185.6m has already been obligated for the Loan Guarantee Agreement as a cost of subsidy.
Fakhoury expressed his appreciation to the USA for the relentless support it extends to Jordan which he said: "a reflection of the strong and strategic partnership between the two countries at all levels and fronts."
He added that that Jordan attaches great importance to its bilateral relations with the United States on all fronts expecting them to advance further because of the continued efforts of His Majesty King Abdullah II to enhance those highly appreciated relations.
Fakhoury praised the excellent partnership that Jordan has developed with USAID over the years hailing the sincere efforts of the USAID team to ensure the success of the programs and projects implemented on the ground.
USAID Mission Director Dr. Jim Barnhart signed the four grants agreements that targeted programs of budget support (USD231.4mln); social sector quality improved (USS133.4mln); strengthened democratic accountability (USD35.7mln); and broad-based inclusive economic development (USD29.2mln).
The minister stated that: "For Jordan USAID remains the number one donor and indeed a key partner in our development modernization and reform process."
He added that: "We have many success stories with the support of USAID significant achievements and key reforms were made over the past years in various priority areas; water environment health education private sector development enhancing the business climate tourism energy youth enhancing good governance and poverty alleviation."
WAM/tfaham