He explained that the Jordanian economy's 3% growth during the second quarter of 2026 is a positive indicator, noting the importance of enhancing the impact of this growth on citizens by directing investments toward productive activities, facilitating financing for small and medium-sized enterprises, and linking economic incentives to the creation of decent job opportunities.
He stressed the need to continue efforts to improve wages and expand the social security umbrella, in addition to developing transport and childcare services to enhance the participation of women and youth in the labor market, and to provide a more favorable environment for employment and organized work.
Regarding energy prices and transport costs, Awad pointed to the importance of continuing policies that limit the impact of rising costs on production and the prices of goods and services, and maintain the purchasing power of citizens, especially low-income families.
He noted that enhancing living stability requires developing public transport, expanding the use of renewable energy and improving its consumption efficiency, strengthening market competition, as well as reviewing indirect taxes and the adequacy of wages and social benefits.
Regarding the IMF's projections that Jordan's current account deficit will widen to 7.5% of GDP in 2026, Awad explained that addressing this indicator requires enhancing the economy's ability to attract sustainable financing, diversifying external revenue sources, and raising the competitiveness of productive sectors.
He emphasized the importance of diversifying exports and markets, increasing local value-added, supporting competitive national production, stimulating tourism, and reducing reliance on imported energy, all of which contribute to strengthening the economy's ability to face external variables.
He stressed the importance of addressing external imbalances in a way that maintains economic activity and supports the provision of production inputs for enterprises, thereby enhancing their ability to expand, compete, and create jobs.
Regarding economic priorities for 2027, Awad emphasized the need to expand the production base, adopt a fairer and more progressive tax reform, maintain spending allocated to education, health, and social protection, and increase the efficiency of public investment.
He pointed to the importance of boosting domestic demand by improving household incomes and evaluating economic policies based on their impact on employment, poverty, and inequality, affirming that sustainable and inclusive growth is achieved when its results are reflected in citizens' incomes, quality of services, and economic security, in parallel with maintaining financial stability.
