Jordan, US sign annual American economic grant agreement

Annual US grant to Jordan signed by PM

Prime Minister Dr. Bisher Al-Khasawneh presided over the signing ceremony of the US annual grant agreement at the Ministry of Planning on Tuesday, in the presence of the US Ambassador to Jordan Yael Lempert.

The grant amounted to $845.1 million, signed on behalf of the Jordanian government by the Minister of Planning and International Cooperation, Zeina Tawqan, and the Director of the US Agency for International Development (USAID), Leslie Reed.

Tawqan expressed the Jordanian government's appreciation for this support, which contributes to supporting governmental efforts to implement several developmental priorities and economic reforms within the executive program of the Economic Modernization Vision (2023-2025) and the roadmap for the modernization of the public sector.

She added that the cash grant agreement is part of the US annual economic aid program to the Jordanian government and is listed in the General Budget Law for the year 2023 within the framework of the strategic memorandum of understanding with the US signed in September 2022, which covers a seven-year period.

The value of US aid is expected to reach about $10 billion, granted by the US in understanding of the challenges facing Jordan and its support for the economic development process, in addition to hosting a large number of Syrian refugees.

Tawqan noted that under today's signed cash grant agreement, the annual and routine cash support will be transferred to the Single Treasury account. This support will assist the government's efforts to implement its development programs and initiatives within the public finance, water, energy, education, health, public works, housing, local development, tourism, antiquities, and youth sectors. This support will also contribute to reducing the general budget deficit.

The minister highlighted that the cash grant agreement included an additional allocation of $200 million by the US Congress, beyond the rates of annual support stipulated in the memorandum of understanding within the 2023 budget, which was approved earlier this year.

Ambassador Lempert stated that the assistance provided by the United States, including the direct cash grant of $845.1 million, demonstrates the deep and enduring commitment of the United States to the Jordanian people.

"We support local reform efforts in Jordan, aiming to achieve ambitious goals in creating job opportunities, providing a stable financial base for the kingdom, promoting the private sector as the main driver of the economy, and helping to alleviate the water crisis exacerbated by climate change," she added.

The US ambassador emphasized that, thanks to the aid provided today and throughout the duration of the memorandum of understanding, through which the United States plans to provide over a billion dollars in aid each year for seven years, Jordanian partners can rely on the United States for support and assistance in turning these goals into reality.

Leslie Reed, the Director of the US Agency for International Development (USAID), noted that the US-Jordanian partnership brings wide-ranging benefits to the Jordanian people.

"We are working together to improve the quality of life for millions across the kingdom by enhancing access to healthcare, education, and water," she added.