Jordan is to receive a total of $633mn in four grants from USAID. The largest grant, worth $436mn, will support prioritized development projects listed under the state budget law for 2014. The remaining three grants will be used “to improve basic services, boost economic development and implement several projects in the areas of enhancement of the rule of law, governance, civil society and political reform.
Jordan’s Minister of Planning Ibrahim Saif said at the signing of the grant agreements on 30 September that the US assistance to Jordan underlines the strategic partnership between the two countries. Highly dependent on international grants to support its budget, Jordan expects to receive JD1.151bn ($1.62bn) in 2014 to plug a deficit, which, even after receipt of these grants, it expects to total JD1.114bn ($1.57bn – MEES, 13 June). Jordan, which currently hosts over 600,000 Syrian refugees, needs all the financial support it can get to provide the necessary services for its people and these refugees. (CONTINUED - 360 WORDS)
