In a meeting with representatives with the private sector, yesterday, Prime Minister Dr Hani Mulqi sought to convey friendship and announce proximity to the this particular sector. He attempted, in a brief 90-minute meeting that lasted for 2 hours, honestly, to discuss ideas and principles he believes in.
Mulqi, who in a meet to which he invited the Jordan Strategy Forum, seemed to be aware of the role of the national private sector in revitalising and supporting economy, including solutions to issues like unemployment, sent out two massages down two channels. First, what the government can do for the private sector, including facilitation. Second, what the private sector can do for the Country.
Mulqi’s movements, since his assignment, his opinions on many cases, infer to his awareness of the scale of challenges, that he is well aware of the test undergone by government, on one hand, and the goodwill and nobility of his purpose on the other. What is left is execution.
It is impossible for the government to flip things around, in such a brief duration of time, and do miracles. However, this short period will also be beneficial, as it would reinforce the suggestion to public opinion that the economy is back on track, through real partnerships with the private sector.
More so, the pillar for this partnership: is the motivation of value-added investments to the economy. Which is why Mulqi underlined required investment is one that would really contribute to employing Jordanian youths; what is the point of a sector that does not offer jobs to nationals, with most of its inputs imported, limiting its benefits, almost entirely, to shareholders?!
Mulqi, however, has a clear diagnosis of the problems and an awareness of their details, which is important; because the key to guiding expenditure and controlling it lies details. Moreover, attracting investment requires that we get into the details that created the capital-repellent environment in the first plays.
The flash messages Mulqi conveyed revolve around he primarily being a proponent of implementation, not theorisation and devoid strategisation; that employing the youth is paramount, to which end come the recent bundle of means ratified by the government recently to address this particular concern. The public sector is no longer capable of providing more jobs, nor capable of sustaining the middle class.
Typically, with the Premier’s schedule so packed, every day, his ideas come in pours; perhaps because of the scale of the challenge. Mulqi seems to be more open to suggestion. And even though building expectation can be damaging should implementation fall short, due to complexities of the bureaucracy or shortage of time, Dr Hani seems to be quite the perseverant fighter.
So far, Mulqi’s appraised as honest and well-intended. His eagerness to attain a tangible achievement is on his face. But intentions are meaningless in measure of achievement; but rather it is people’s conviction in the possibility of something good being made out of such difficult times.
The Premier now has to settle and outline his agenda, priorities, and highlights, and then get down to the details. In theory, so far, he’s been sending positive vibes and messages. But these vibes will not sustain the absence of realistic implementation on the ground!
