Amman: Minister of Planning and International Cooperation Zeina Toukan met with Odile Renaud-Basso, President of the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD), alongside Mark Davis, Managing Director for the Southern and Eastern Mediterranean region at the Bank, and Gretchen Biery, Head of the Bank's Amman office and Director for the Eastern Mediterranean region. Toukan expressed appreciation for the EBRD's support towards Jordan's development priorities under the Economic Modernisation Vision, highlighting its backing of private-sector initiatives and cooperation with the banking sector.
According to Jordan News Agency, the discussions between Toukan and Renaud-Basso reviewed the EBRD's current project portfolio and potential investments under the EBRD Country Strategy for Jordan (2025-2030). The focus was on the water sector, including the National Water Carrier Project and efforts to reduce non-revenue water losses, as well as expanding wastewater and sanitation infrastructure.
Looking ahead, the parties identified priorities in renewable energy, green hydrogen project development, and broader infrastructure investments, including projects with the National Electric Power Company (NEPCO), particularly new electricity substations. The agenda also included education, with plans to construct schools through public-private partnership (PPP) models.
Renaud-Basso emphasized the strong partnership with the Jordanian government, stating, "I am delighted to be in Jordan and to meet with Minister Toukan to discuss the Kingdom's priorities and how the Bank might support its flagship national projects. The Bank remains firmly committed to fostering private-sector development and advancing sustainable economic growth through targeted investment and policy support."
The EBRD's cumulative investment portfolio in Jordan has grown to approximately £2.2 billion since 2012, supporting public and private sector projects across various fields such as electricity, renewable energy, water and sanitation, infrastructure, solid waste management, transport, tourism, and pharmaceuticals. The private sector represents 73% of the Bank's financing, including support for local banks to facilitate funding for micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises, as well as trade finance. Additionally, the Bank has offered technical assistance and advisory services in many sectors aligning with the cooperation priorities between Jordan and the EBRD.