Amman, Oct. 29 (Petra) – Prime Minister Jafar Hassan on Wednesday said the government will intensify efforts, as directed by King Abdullah II, to focus on national priorities, strengthen the resilience of the economy and achieve the growth needed to create opportunities for youth.

Hassan said the government’s overriding concern remains the economy, describing it as "the cornerstone of national strength after His Majesty and the Arab Army." He reaffirmed the government’s commitment to advancing the comprehensive modernization project across its political, economic, and administrative pillars.

During the Cabinet’s monthly meeting, held in Amman Governorate as part of a nationwide series, Hassan said his government will continue to hold field meetings in all provinces to monitor development priorities and ensure projects move forward according to plan. He added that next year’s Cabinet sessions will follow up on ongoing initiatives and launch new ones in line with each governorate’s development vision.

The prime minister said the government aims to have the 2026 budget approved by Parliament before the end of the year "so that we can start implementing capital projects at the beginning of the next fiscal year." Economic performance and fiscal targets Hassan noted that Jordan’s key economic indicators have shown tangible improvement despite regional turbulence, citing GDP growth, a 14% rise in foreign direct investment, a 9% increase in national exports, and an 8.6% rise in tourism revenues over the past months. The Amman Stock Exchange recently exceeded the 3,000-point mark , its highest level in 15 years, reflecting renewed investor confidence, he added.

The prime minister reiterated that the government aims to reduce public debt to 80% of GDP by 2028, down from 93% at the start of the year and 91% currently, with a target of 90% by year-end. "Our confidence in the economy is strong because it is built on solid foundations," Hassan said.

Capital development in Amman Outlining the Amman Governorate Development Vision, Hassan announced a series of national and investment projects to improve services across transport, water, health, and education sectors extending beyond the Greater Amman Municipality to areas including Moqablah, Naour, Sahab, Um al-Rasas, and Al-Jeezah.

Among the flagship initiatives is the Jabal Al-Qalaa Cable Car Project, a major tourism and investment venture linking the Citadel with Jabal Al-Luweibdeh and the Roman Theatre, to be implemented within 15 months under Roya Amman Company with support from the Ministry of Tourism.

He also announced the reopening of Amman Civil Airport (Marka) next month after years of closure, saying it will boost both economic and tourism activity in the capital.

Hassan said the government and Amman Municipality are advancing key transport projects, including extensions to the Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) system to Madaba and Salt, and a feasibility study for a new elevated bridge linking Sweileh and Naour, designed to ease traffic congestion on Airport Road and King Abdullah II Street.

Plans are also under way to repurpose the Hijaz Railway corridor for a light rail service between Zarqa, Ruseifa, and Queen Alia International Airport by 2030, in integration with the BRT network.

Infrastructure and social projects Hassan said the government will invest about JD300 million in water infrastructure across Amman over the next three years, in addition to progress on the National Water Carrier Project, which he called "vital for Jordan’s water security." He announced plans to build 38 new public schools in the capital over the next three years - eight in partnership with the private sector - and to complete 16 already under construction. He also unveiled a JD45 million modernization plan for Al-Bashir Hospital, including new outpatient facilities on the former Customs Department site in Al-Qweismeh, to be developed between 2025 and 2028.

The government has also begun work on a new 60-dunum sports complex in Marj Al-Hamam and the relocation of Amman’s central slaughterhouse to Al-Madounah, a JD50 million public-private project scheduled for completion by 2028.

Urban planning and investment Hassan said the government is developing long-term urban plans for eastern and southern Amman on state-owned land, in partnership with the Housing and Urban Development Corporation, to accommodate future population growth expected to push the combined population of Amman and Zarqa to over 11 million by 2050.

He added that the Jordan Company for Development of Economic Projects (JCDP), a wholly government-owned firm, will act as a national asset fund to develop and invest public lands, attract investors, and establish major projects, including an international stadium, a convention center, and the redevelopment of the old Customs site.

Legislative agenda and political reform On the government’s legislative priorities, Hassan said the General Budget Law will be submitted to Parliament before the end of next month, alongside draft laws on National Service and Reserve Duty, Municipal Administration, Social Security, and amendments to the Property and Land Tax Law, which will raise tax deductions for vacant properties to 75% to encourage investment.

He emphasized the government’s commitment to close cooperation with both Houses of Parliament, guided by the Constitution, and urged lawmakers to convey citizens’ needs directly so the government can act swiftly.

Regional challenges Turning to regional developments, Hassan said the "brutal and unjust war" in Gaza has ended but left a humanitarian catastrophe. He said Jordan, under King Abdullah’s leadership, continues to press for a lasting ceasefire, deliver humanitarian aid, and prevent displacement.

"The King’s directives are clear to stand by our Palestinian brothers and continue delivering aid through land convoys and field hospitals," he said, reaffirming Jordan’s leading diplomatic efforts to push for global recognition of a Palestinian state.

Hassan concluded by stressing that the government "will not shy away from difficult decisions or delay necessary reforms," saying all efforts are directed toward protecting citizens’ dignity and advancing national modernization.

//Petra//AA