JEDDAH: The International Monetary Fund (IMF) described as a “positive step” the decision by Saudi Arabia, the UAE and Kuwait to provide an economic aid package worth $2.5 billion to crisis-hit Jordan over the next five years.
The IMF expressed its hope that the package would enable Jordan to implement “bold” reforms to tackle high unemployment and stimulate economic growth while protecting the poor and the middle class.
The fund urged the international community and regional donors to help shoulder the burden arising from Jordan hosting more than 1 million Syrian refugees, which has put exceptional pressure on the country’s resources.
The IMF repeated its calls for the international community to give Jordan greater financial support, preferably in the form of grants.
