Amman: Economists affirmed that Jordan’s Economic Modernization Vision, described as a national priority, can only succeed through practical implementation of His Majesty King Abdullah II’s directives and through a genuine partnership between the public and private sectors.
According to Jordan News Agency (Petra), modernizing the national economy requires coordinated institutional efforts to streamline procedures, improve the business environment, and establish clear mechanisms that translate the Vision into measurable projects. Former minister Dr. Khair Abu Sa’lik highlighted that His Majesty’s directives to the government come one month before the launch of the second executive program of the Vision, built on four pillars: commitment to implementation, tangible results, integration and continuity, and partnership with the private sector. He emphasized the Royal guidance as a strategic key to accelerating the Vision’s impact and shifting from routine procedures to comprehensive approaches.
Abu Sa’lik further stated that achieving national targets necessitates reshaping the relationship between the public and private sectors from one of oversight to partnership and empowerment. By activating the Public-Private Partnership (PPP) Law and advancing major projects like the National Water Carrier, Jordan can attract more domestic and foreign investment, generating additional jobs.
Chairman of the Parliamentary Economy and Investment Committee Khaled Abu Hassan underscored the importance of institutional coordination to resolve regulatory overlaps, facilitate investor procedures, and support project implementation. He noted that partnerships and agreements established during His Majesty’s recent visits to East Asia provide momentum for reaching new investment goals, provided the investment environment is strengthened.
From the academic sector, Nora Abu Asab of the University of Jordan stressed that a functioning public-private partnership must rely on transparent information that enables investors to plan confidently. She emphasized the need for accurate market data, investment opportunity maps, project timelines, and clear legislative updates. Simplifying investment procedures, improving regulatory policy, and utilizing modern tools, such as regulatory sandboxes, would enhance private-sector capacity for growth and innovation.
Abu Asab also pointed out that implementing the Vision requires advancing PPP projects, supporting private-sector investments, and ensuring government development projects provide the structural framework needed for long-term competitiveness. She highlighted the necessity of targeted incentives, such as streamlined procedures, financing facilitation, industrial land allocation, and tax incentives tied to employment, to ensure citizens benefit from economic modernization.
Board member of the Amman Chamber of Industry Eng. Mousa Al-Saket outlined steps needed to maintain effective coordination with the private sector. He called for structured implementation supported by an enabling business environment, strong governance, targeted investment efforts, and sustained joint planning between government and private institutions. Al-Saket emphasized involving the private sector in policy design, expanding PPP projects, particularly in infrastructure, technology, energy, and education, attracting high-value investments, and supporting the regional expansion of Jordanian companies.
Al-Saket also highlighted the importance of improving institutional coordination through permanent mechanisms such as joint committees, liaison units, and operations rooms linked to clear performance indicators. He noted that supporting productive sectors, directing investment toward priority fields, including technology, tourism, smart agriculture, pharmaceuticals, and renewable energy, and developing workforce skills will be critical for meeting future labor market needs. Additionally, enhancing entrepreneurship, supporting startups, and improving ease of doing business through unified digital platforms and clear incentives will further strengthen the investment environment.
Al-Saket concluded by stressing the importance of regularly publishing progress updates, using data to measure impact, and ensuring clarity and consistency in economic policies to build trust between the public and private sectors.