FAQ

What is the Ministry of Planning and International Cooperation’s Role in Shaping the Economic Modernization Vision and Its Executive Programs?

The Economic Modernization Vision constitutes one of the fundamental pillars of the comprehensive reform path led by His Majesty King Abdullah II. It serves as the national framework for unlocking Jordan’s latent potential across diverse sectors, in partnership with the private sector. The Ministry of Planning and International Cooperation participates in the preparation of this Vision and develops its executive programs through a participatory approach that engages the public and private sectors as well as civil society. These programs include time-bound initiatives, clear performance indicators, and integration with the General Budget, ensuring alignment with national priorities.

What Mechanisms Are Adopted to Monitor the Implementation of Economic Reforms?

The Ministry continues to support the implementation of economic reforms aimed at strengthening macroeconomic stability, enhancing competitiveness, and stimulating growth. This is achieved through a reform matrix that is periodically updated, coupled with the provision of technical and financial support for implementation. Continuous coordination is maintained with relevant institutions and international partners, with the objective of improving Jordan’s rankings across global indices, advancing the business environment, bolstering confidence in the national economy, and consolidating its regional and international standing.

What Is the Ministry’s Role in Defining Priorities for Capital Projects?

The Ministry reviews capital projects that require external financing or exceed a defined financial threshold, and registers them in the National Registry of Government Investment Projects.

How Are Priorities for Negotiation with Donors Determined?

Negotiation priorities are set on the basis of national visions and plans, their executive programs, sectoral strategies, and government-endorsed priority reforms.

What Is the Difference Between Grants and Concessional Loans?

Grants are financial assistance provided by donor countries or institutions without repayment obligations. Concessional loans, by contrast, are financing instruments repayable under preferential terms compared to commercial loans, such as lower interest rates, longer grace periods before repayment begins, and extended maturities. These terms ease the fiscal burden on the Treasury and promote financial sustainability. Both grants and concessional loans are directed toward priority national development projects and reform programs.

Do All Forms of External Assistance Pass Through the Ministry?

Under the Planning and International Cooperation Law, all ministries, departments, and official institutions are required not to request or accept any external financing except through the Ministry of Planning and International Cooperation. Financing becomes effective only upon Cabinet approval based on the Ministry’s recommendation.

What Is the Mechanism for Monitoring the Implementation of Projects Funded by External Assistance?

Beneficiary ministries and government institutions are responsible for implementing projects funded by external assistance, while the Ministry of Planning and International Cooperation monitors progress in coordination with them, in accordance with agreements approved by the Cabinet. Donors also monitor implementation through technical missions and steering committees. Periodic reports are issued on progress and challenges, and coordination meetings are convened to review performance.

What Is the Oversight Mechanism for Projects Funded by External Assistance?

Grant expenditures are subject to oversight by state auditing bodies, including internal control units, financial controllers, and the Audit Bureau. In addition, donors and financiers exercise oversight through their specialized mechanisms or external audit missions. The Ministry of Planning and International Cooperation also monitors progress in coordination with relevant sectoral ministries through steering and technical committees. Grant agreements require that all supporting financial documentation be retained for five to seven years to enable subsequent audits by donors.

What Is the Volume of External Assistance, and Does the Ministry Publish Detailed Data?

The volume varies annually depending on agreements concluded. The Ministry issues periodic reports detailing the size of financing, its sectoral distribution, donor sources, and funded projects, published on its official platforms to reinforce transparency.

What Is the Mechanism for Civil Society Organizations to Obtain Foreign Funding?

The Ministry of Planning and International Cooperation is the competent government authority for coordinating and monitoring foreign funding directed to associations, non-profit companies, and cooperative societies and unions. This is governed by a Cabinet-approved mechanism publicly available on the Ministry’s website. The Ministry facilitates approval procedures within defined timeframes, ensuring that funding is aligned with national priorities.

How Does the Ministry Contribute to Achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)?

The Ministry of Planning and International Cooperation is responsible for monitoring national progress toward the SDGs and preparing periodic reports. It chairs the National Higher Committee for Sustainable Development, which includes representatives from government institutions, the private sector, civil society, and the legislature. The Ministry coordinates national efforts and works with international partners to mobilize financing and support the implementation of projects linked to these goals.

What Is the Jordan Response Plan to the Syria Crisis, and What Is the Ministry’s Role?

The Jordan Response Plan to the Syria Crisis is the national framework that organizes the humanitarian and development response to the impact of Syrian displacement. It is prepared through a participatory process involving ministries and government institutions, United Nations agencies, donor countries, and non-governmental organizations. The Ministry of Planning and International Cooperation leads the preparation and coordination of the Plan, mobilizes financing, monitors implementation, and ensures that support is aligned with national priorities.

Does the Ministry Finance Initiatives from Its Own Budget?

The Ministry funds pioneering development initiatives in partnership with the private sector, particularly in technology, communications, and other promising sectors. These initiatives focus on sustainable employment opportunities for Jordanian youth, especially in areas with pressing development needs.

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