Jordan PM says current economic conditions not most difficult in history

Jordanian Prime Minister Hani Mulki said on Friday that the current economic conditions in Jordan are not the most difficult that the country has been through.

In an interview aired by the state-run Jordan Television, the prime minister said the Jordanian dinar is stable and foreign currencies reserve is enough to cover imports for seven months.

Mulki said the government will take several measures to address budget deficit.

These measures include cutting expenditure and increasing sales tax on some commodities and items.

The increase, he said, will not affect the poor and limited income Jordanians.

The prime minister said Jordan is expected to receive 325 million dinars grant from the Gulf countries this year. Jordan expects to start talks with the Gulf states to renew the grant to the kingdom next year.

According to Mulki, the government will go ahead with several economic reforms this year. The Jordanian economy is solid and strong in spite of challenges, he said.

He added that Jordan will focus on rendering the upcoming Arab Summit a success to increase Arab action towards issues of concern to the Arab nations.

source: Xinhua