Ammon News -

AMMAN - Prime Minister Samir Rifai on Wednesday said that the government will not introduce any additional taxes until the end of this year and will work to avoid imposing further taxes in the future.

However, Rifai said, not introducing taxes should not be on the expense of the citizen and next generations as every hike in the state budget deficit will be a debt on every citizen.

Addressing a conference of Jordanian business-people, the premier asserted that in order not to burden the citizen with the repercussions of the world economic meltdown and introduce new taxes, there is a pressing need to identify the role of the public sector and expand the role of the private sector in economic activities.

Rifai told participants in the 6th Conference for Jordanian Investors and Businessmen which concluded today, that the government pins faith on Jordanian investors and business leaders to have the greatest deal of mega projects the Kingdom is planning to launch in the railway, nuclear energy, and the Red Sea- Dead Sea canal.

He stressed the need for a true partnership between the public and private sectors, noting that the government''s plans and programs have emphasized the role of the private sector to advance the overall national economic development.

"The government will float multibillion-dinar investments to the private sector", Rifai added, pledging the government readiness to study any ideas and suggestions needed to surmount hurdles and challenges facing investors."

The prime minister reiterated that the government is open to different views and opinions that can improve the business and investment environment and jobs for Jordanians.

"The government can not compete with the private sector and as it role is limited to regulating, facilitating and creating appropriate business environment to lure in foreign investments and capital", Rifai said.

He pointed out that His Majesty King Abdullah II has made a worldwide network of relations that reflected positively on volume of trade with many countries across the globe and opened more markets for Jordanian products.

Responding to a question on the budget deficit and measures the government has taken to cut spending, Rifai explained that last year's budget deficit amounted to JD1.5 billion comprising 9 percent of projected Gross Domestic Product, a figure the government seeks to bring to 6 percent of GDP by year end.

He added that among measures taken to rein in the swelling deficit was increasing taxes on unleaded gas, liquors, tobacco, cellphones, coffee and hybrid cars.

The prime minister stressed that the government's measures were within reasonable limits, pointing out that the government in return has reduced fees on land registration, hotel rooms, internet and communications.

*Petra