AMMAN —AlGhad— German Chancellor Angela Merkel announced a USD100 million-soft loan to Jordan today, Thursday, to support the requirements of the World Bank (WB).
Merkel also announced the German business sector’s readiness to invest in developing business and trade relations with Jordan.
Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of State Rajai Muasher, met with a delegation of German business leaders accompanying Chancellor Merkel.
During the meeting, Muasher discussed with the delegation means of boosting economic and trade relations between the two countries.
Muasher expressed Jordan's appreciation for Germany's support and assistance to Jordan.
He said Germany is Jordan's largest trading EU partner, and affirmed there are opportunities and wider areas to boost trade exchange and increase Jordanian exports to the German market.
Muasher praised Germany's support to Jordan in the implementation of the agreement with the EU to simplify rules of origin. He reviewed the economic challenges facing Jordan in light of the high debt burdens, the budget deficit, and unemployment, and said the unstable regional conditions led to the closure of borders and traditional markets, aggravated by the flow of refugees, which exacerbated the economic woes.
The Jordanian dinar is stable, he said, and noted the Central Bank of Jordan has sufficient reserves of foreign currencies.
On the refugee crisis, he said the response of the international community to cover the cost of hosting refugees is still below "the desired level," and noted Jordan fulfills its humanitarian and national obligations in welcoming about 1.3 million Syrian refugees and other similar waves from several countries.
Muasher said Jordan, by virtue of its geographic location, expertise and qualified manpower, can be a gateway for countries and companies wishing to contribute to the reconstruction in Syria and Iraq.
(Petra)
