Ammon News : AMMONNEWS - His Majesty King Abdullah II received a report from Prime Minister Hani Mulki summarizing the government's key achievements in 2017.

The detailed report has eight sections on economic reform, human resources development, employment and labour, administrative reform, public sector development and combating corruption, political reform, improving the judiciary, protection and social development and the general services sector.

Following is the full report of the government's key achievements in 2017:

The GoJ has been guided by the set of priorities outlined in the Letter of Designations addressed to the Government and your Majesty’s direction in several circumstances, with a special focus on the following key themes:
Pursuing economic reform programs to generate jobs, maintain financial and fiscal stability, lower budget deficit, and the debt-to-GDP ratio, increase growth rates and achieve economic resilience and sustainable growth.
Advancing human resources by ensuring integration between the recommendations of the National Human Resources Committee, and the National Employment Strategy.
Continue improving the ease of doing business, as well as supporting small and medium enterprises and entrepreneurs.
Continuously work to raise the standards of services provided to citizens and improve the performance of the public sector.
Continue bolstering the rule of law and protecting the values of justice.

The GoJ 2017 Second Achievement Report is comprised of key achievements classified according to: economic, fiscal, national human resource development strategy (HRD), Legislative reforms, public sector reform, digital economy and with more emphasis on social aspects, mainly the safety net and health care. It further highlights the underlying policy and legislative interventions, which have been undertaken to realize sustainable economic growth (stimulus package).

The Government was able to achieve the following progress in the fiscal and monetary indicators as well as in some selected macroeconomic indicators, which were as follows:
Key Financial Indicators for 2017:
(15) Percent decrease in the budget deficit compared to 2016.
(4.4) Percent increase in public debt balance; the lowest increase ratio in public debt in a decade (Public debt comprised 95.3 percent of GDP in 2017).
(7.7) percent increase in domestic revenues.
Improving financial Self-reliance ratio - local revenues’ coverage of current expenditure – amounted to (95) percent in 2017 compared with (90) percent in 2016.
On the contrary, Grants witnessed a decline of (15) percent.
The total amount of foreign aid contracted to Jordan in 2017 amounted to USD 3.65 billion, which includes regular grants, soft loans and additional grants to finance the Jordan Response Plan for the Syrian Crisis.
GCC Grants: The amount withdrawn from the grants during the period (2012- 27/12/2017) amounted to JOD (1,953) billion, representing (74%) of the total grants of JOD (2.633) billion.

Economic performance was modest: Real Gross Domestic Product (GDP) grew by (2) percent during the first three quarters of 2017.
On the other hand, some sectors showed improvement, including:
Tourism income increased by (12.5) percent during 2017.
FDI increased by (19.1) percent during the first three quarters of 2017.
Credit facilities grew by (8.4) percent at the end of November of 2017.
Foreign currency reserves stood at USD (12.3) billion at the end of December 2017.
Remittances of Jordanian expatriates amounted to JOD (2.4) billion during the first 11 months of 2017.
National exports increased by (1.5%), while imports increased by (5.4%). The trade deficit increased by (9.7%) as a result during first 11 months of 2017.

The prime challenge remains an unemployment rate in the double digits, coming in at (18.5 percent) during the first three quarters of 2017, in addition to low level of economic participation, especially among women.
The Government has embraced ‘Self-Reliance’ as a goal, not a slogan. To that end, the Government focused on achieving and implementing the following themes:
Formulating the general framework of the National Financial and Economic Reform Program for the years (2018-2020), through a clear, participatory and institutional approach. This framework serves as a passing document for all Governments (Government's economic agenda), classified as per the following key tracks:

Track one: Fiscal Reform: Re-structuring the tax system, including removing almost all economically inefficient exemptions of GST to finally achieving fiscal and monetary stability.

Track two: Revitalize The Economy: Adopting the detailed action plans of JEGP; focusing on promoting partnership with the private sector (PPP), especially in investment opportunity projects; and implementing a set of legislations that stimulate economic growth. In addition to that, the Government has adopted a number of initiatives, aimed at encouraging entrepreneurship and supporting small and medium enterprises through additional financing tools in cooperation with the Central Bank of Jordan. Updating the Executive Development Program for the years (2016-2020), and updating the Jordan Response Plan for the Syrian crisis, for the years (2018-2020) has already started and the detailed action plans of the Jordan Economic Growth Plan for the years (2018-2022) has been developed.

Track three: Institutionalizing of Social Safety Net: The GoJ has formed a ministerial committee to manage and upgrade the social safety net, in order to protect the underprivileged and middle class and to identify those eligible to receive Government financial support.

Parallel track: Adopting New Communication Strategy:
Implementing (30) outreach programs with various economic-related stakeholders, including the National Assembly members and Parliamentary blocks, the Economic Policy Council, Civil Society institutions’ representatives and private sector investors, including entrepreneurs.
Increasing the Government's presence on social networking platforms. This was initiated in October 2017 (The Prime Ministry's accounts on Twitter Facebook). The number of the Prime Ministry pages’ followers on social media networks increased by (675) percent.
Strengthening Economic Resilience through:

Food Security: Securing the Kingdom's strategic stock of wheat to cover 12.2 months in 2017, compared to 11.2 months in 2016, and barley stocks to cover 11 months for 2017, compared to 8.9 months in 2016. In addition to expanding the Aqaba and Jweideh silos’ capacities to accommodate an additional 750,000 tons, of which a storage capacity of 320,000 tons is under-construction. In addition to adopting effective trade policies, facilitating the flow of goods and services, as well as the re-opening of some export routes (Iraq), and exploring potential additional export markets (African Countries).

Energy Security: Storage Capacities: The construction of liquid petroleum gas (LPG) storage facilities in Aqaba, with a total capacity of 6,000 tons, in addition to oil derivative capacities of 250,000-300,000 tons, and 8,000 tons available to store LPG in central Jordan. In addition to a 100,000-ton storage capacity crude oil and derivatives in Aqaba (The Government expects these projects to be completed by mid-2018). Furthermore, a general framework agreement was reached with the Iraqi side, regarding The Basra-Aqaba oil pipeline.

Liberalization of the oil derivative market: Opening the oil derivatives market, by promoting competition and allowing the licensing of two new companies to join the three existing companies.

Renewable Energy: Solar and wind power projects have been developed generating a total of (1,600) MW. These projects were funded by attracting private sector investments exceeding USD (2) billion. The process of linking and commercializing (700) MW of these projects has been completed, representing about (8%) of the total project’s capacity, and is expected to reach about (20%) by the year (2020).

Liquefied Natural Gas: The total number of liquefied natural gas (LNG) shipments received at the Aqaba port has amounted to 121 shipments, since the arrival of the first floating vessel on 25 May, 2015. By 31 October, 2017, a total of 356 billion cubic feet of LNG was uploaded. Resheh field production has reached (10) million cubic feet per day. In addition, to supplying natural gas through the gas pipeline project from Aqaba to the North of the Kingdom, at the rate of (440) million cubic meters per day, and supplying the power plants through the LNG port at the rate of (350) million cubic meters. An agreement was made with Egypt to amend both the sale and purchase contracts of natural gas signed in 2004, and to commission the Al-Fajr Jordanian-Egyptian Company to implement the LPG projects of the North under a BOOT model.

National Electrical Grid: A project to rehabilitate the Al Hussein Thermal Power Station, which has a capacity of 485 MW, at a total estimated cost of USD 470 million, was carried out. In addition to tendering a 60-MW-per-hour capacity, electric power storage facility project. Furthermore, the Green Corridor Project Phase III tenders were awarded, which are expected to raise the capacity of the network from (500) to (1450) MW, as well as signing a MoU of electric linkage between Jordan and Saudi Arabia, and strengthening the regional link of the network with neighboring countries (Egypt and Iraq). Additionally, studies have also been carried out regarding the restructuring of electric tariffs to remove distortions and reduce the burden on productive sectors (cross subsidy challenge).

Oil Shale: The Al-Attarat Oil Shale Project began work in the second quarter of 2017, and is expected to become fully operational in 2020, at a 470-megawatt capacity. With regards to oil shale production projects, the Government has signed four concession agreements for the production of oil with international companies employing different technologies, drafting instructions for investment in oil shale and launching a study to explore the visibility of extracting lithium in southern Jordan.

Water Security: Red Sea–Dead Sea Water Conveyance: The prequalification tender for the Red Sea–Dead Sea Water Conveyance Project was tendered.

Water: Commence work of all national water network projects, as part of the water supply strategy for the northern governorates, which is expected to be completed in 2028, at the cost of about JOD (172) million. The water desalination plant project in Aqaba was completed, as well as an expansion to the Khirbet Samra Wastewater Treatment Plant. The Wadi Al Arab Water Conveyance Project, which will supply (30) million cubic feet of water from northern sources, is underway at the cost of USD (150) million.

Dams: Building (8) large dams, (8) desert dams for water harvesting, in addition to drilling (26) wells in different regions of the Kingdom.

Sewage: Sewerage projects in Ain Ghazal and Zarqa’s east and west pumping stations were implemented, as part of the sanitation strategy of Amman and Zarqa, which will be completed in (2025), the tender for the expansion and modernization of the Aqaba Water Treatment Plant will be completed during the year 2019 (the tender was submitted during 2017). The reuse of the treated water from the Southern Amman Water Treatment Plant, located in the Central Badia has begun, and is being used for fodder cultivation and livestock breeding.

Control of Water Resources: A total of (1,001) illegal wells were sealed. Moreover, (36,005) violations in the use of water networks, and about (1,856) violations on state lands in the Jordan Valley were also dealt with.

The National Strategy for Human Resource (HRD) progress: First: General Education Early Childhood and Kindergarten: A total of (28) new kindergartens, containing (68) rooms were established. (230) kindergartens were furnished and equipped, in addition to renovating and restoring (60) classrooms. A kindergarten parent participation guide was also developed.

Basic Education: (50) new schools were built and (37) other schools were expanded, bringing the total classroom capacity to (222) rooms. Additionally, (26) schools with fewer than (20-30) students were merged.

Teacher Rehabilitation: A pre-service teacher training program was initiated in coordination with the Queen Rania Teacher Academy (with a minimum prerequisite of an (80%) Tawjihi score for holders of high school certificates and a ‘good’ rating for university graduates). A total of (501) teachers were qualified to attend the training program, and a total of (52,758) teachers were trained within the pre-service professional development programs.

Curricula: The National Curriculum Development Center was established under a special bylaw. The development of integrated curricula and textbooks incorporating concepts that encourage professionalism and entrepreneurship have been started (authoring books and teacher guides for the Financial Culture course for grades (7, 8, 9, 11, and 12) of which books (7, 8, and 11) have already been applied on the ground). In addition, to the implementation and completion of the (اقرأ لي) project, for the English Language course and the development of Math and Arabic Language guides for the first three grades has also begun.

Vocational School Education: Industrial education specialties were reduced from (25) to (10) specialties, in addition to signing an agreement with the Vocational Training Corporation to train 2,000 students. Furthermore, a study of the applied secondary education program was conducted.

General Secondary Education Certificate Examination (Tawjihi): The Tawjihi examination regulations were amended. Now, secondary education students will be able to sit for the exam for an open number of sessions without exhausting their allotted total. This will be effective as of the Winter Session of the 2017/2018 academic year. A new calculation system of the Tawjihi score was also approved, a (1,400)-pointed system will be applied, as opposed to calculating a general average score.

Use of Educational Technology: A computer network linking all (2,764) schools and administrative sites with the Ministry of Education was established. These include both Public and Military schools, as well as Educational Directorates across the Kingdom. Electronic courses were also developed in partnership with the Queen Rania Foundation for Education and Development and were deployed on the online course platform (Idrak). The courses include: English Language, Chemistry and Physics courses for secondary education.

Second: Vocational and Technical Training A ministerial committee was formed comprising the ministers of labor, education, and higher education, in order to draw up a detailed action plan. The detailed action plan was approved by cabinet, with a clear timeframe and to be applied in two phases. The following are the highlights of the plan for the period between (2017-2020): The establishment of the Higher Technical and Vocational Education Training Council (TVET), to act as an umbrella for the sector, as well as amending the Center in accordance with the Accreditation, Practice and Quality Control's bylaw.

Drafting the Higher TVET Council bylaw.

Concluding agreements with the private sector to enable the management and operation of Vocational Training Centers, and the implementation of a remote vocational training project in (4) specializations and (4) institutes.

Developing a training program for trainers.

The National Program for Empowerment and Employment: The program was launched in early 2017, to empower and employ Jordanians in several key sectors (industry, tourism, agriculture, construction, services (nurseries), and fuel stations). A total of JOD (100) million has been allocated to provide incentives to trainers. The program aims to reduce the number of foreign workers in the target sectors by 10-25 percent over a five year period.

Third: Higher Education Equal Education Opportunities: University admission scores (Tawjihi grades) were increased, and universities were allowed to directly accept students outside the pre-set criteria of the Unified Admission Committee.

Furthermore, Modified study plans for some specializations were approved, so that the first year serves as a preparatory year, during which students will study courses that require basic scientific excellence and distinctive study abilities. This will start with medicine and dentistry majors, as of the 2018/2019 academic year. Additional medicine and dentistry seats were allocated to the governorates and districts in this preparatory year.

Financial Support for Incapable Students: Scholarships were provided to central and northern region students who are studying within the southern region's universities. (40) partial scholarships are provided to students enrolled in undergraduate programs (BA) per year, while (40) other partial scholarships are provided to students enrolled in the diploma program in applied and vocational specializations. Financial coverage of (50) percent of technical diploma program fees is being provided, for all students at Jordanian universities, and increasing allocations to the Needy Student Fund.

Accountability and Strengthening Universities: Governance: The 2017 higher education and scientific research draft law, as well as the Jordanian universities draft laws were approved by the Cabinet. A new bylaw for the selection and appointment of university presidents was drafted, in addition to an accountability and evaluation bylaw for academic leaders in universities. Accordingly, a specialist committee was assigned by the Higher Education Council (three university presidents were relieved of their posts).

Tighter Control of University Performance: The Higher Education Council has set performance indicators for (5) percent of the Government support allocated to public universities, starting from (2018 to 2021).

Quality Improvement and Development: The Higher Education Accreditation Commission (HEAC) launched The National Classification of Jordanian Universities. The terms and conditions for the licensing of private medical universities in the Kingdom were set. Recommendations were put forward by a committee, assigned to study stagnant and saturated specializations and professions, in coordination with the Civil Service Bureau, and several were put into practice.

Technical Education: The number of students accepted into public universities under the Royal ‘Makruma’ for children of Jordan Armed Forces-Arab Army and teachers was increased by (2) and (1) percent respectively, for a period of five years. The resulting increase in the number of students shall be limited to technical education exclusively. Additionally, (5) new private sector technical colleges were licensed in Amman, Zarqa and Madaba. Furthermore, (3) community colleges were authorized to offer undergraduate programs in the fields of technical and applied education. Al Hussein Technical University (HTU) established to support Jordanian youth’s pursuit of vocational, technical and applied education.

The university offers diploma and bachelor degree programs in the fields of applied engineering (law and bylaw were both approved).

Encouraging Innovation: The 2017 higher education and scientific research draft law, which stipulates the establishment of the higher education research and innovation fund, was approved by Cabinet. In addition to setting up the ‘National Center for E-learning and Open Education Resources’.

Development of the Judiciary system (recommendations put forward by the Royal Committee for Developing the Judiciary and Enhancing the Rule of Law) Legislation: (12) draft laws and (10) bylaws were put forward, in order to contribute to the modernization and development of the judicial system and enhance its role in upholding the rule of law. These draft and bylaws have been endorsed to ensure transparent decisions, speed up litigation procedures, improve the business environment in the Kingdom, and strengthen the protection of citizens' rights.

Structuring Procedures and Establishing Economic Chambers: An expert affairs council was established at the Ministry of Justice, as well as an economic Trial unit/ room at the Amman Court of First Instance, where it commenced work in early November 2017, with four judges having been assigned to work in the unit.

Development of Judicial Enforcement Services: The Judicial Police Directorate at the Queen Alia International Airport has been established. The procedures of the Amman Court of First Instance were re-engineered and a guide for the enforcement services was developed.

Employment of Technology to Advance and Speed up Litigation: Registration of lawsuits, the payment of fees, and the submission of inquiries have all been digitized. Work is also underway to archive case files in order to access non-paper files with ease during the next phase (60 million paper case files have been electronically archived to date). Furthermore, smartphone applications have been developed, in addition to providing an e-payment service, as well as the issuance of no-criminal record certificates online.

Public Sector Reform An amended civil service bylaw was introduced, which included a number of amendments such as: the introduction of the flexible working system for public sector employees; the activation of the principle of reward and punishment in public services; and the development of employee performance evaluation mechanisms.

The instructions and criteria for the selection and appointment of employees in Government posts were issued.

A study to restructure Government institutions was conducted, focusing on state-owned enterprises. The study included a number of proposals to cancel/merge/develop the organizational structure of a number of Government institutions.

Development of Government Services Through the E-Government and Digital Economy: The prior approvals (including security clearance), required for registering economic activities within (14) departments were canceled in order to change all non-security pre-approvals to registration requirements.

The procedures for obtaining (98) services in (16) Government departments were re-engineered.

Paperless Government: Implementation has already started in (13) Governmental institutions for re-engineering procedures, where a total of (243) services were re-engineered; (86) e-services are operational and (36) services have been automated. The first phase of the 'Tarasul' project was completed (the project aims to reduce the use of paper in Government institutions).

More than (160) employees and (330) graduates have been trained in the use of these services.

Four smartphone applications have been developed for the Social Security Corporation, the Department of Lands and Survey, the Land Transport Regulatory Commission and the Ministry of Justice.

Approximately (970) sites in the Kingdom were connected through the fiber optic network program.

ICT graduates' employment program was expanded to provide training opportunities for employment in the private sector and universities. The program kicked off its third phase in September 2017 targeting (1,000) graduates instead of an original (500).

The ICT Advisory Council was restructured on 20 June, 2017 and included representatives of local entrepreneurs, a rapporteur from the Royal Hashemite Court/Economic Development Department and several new members including (Board Chairman of the Information and Communications Technology Association of Jordan (int@j), the Board Chairman of 'Oasis 500', and a representative of the telecommunications sector.

Investment and Ease of Doing Business A new investment map of the Kingdom was drawn up including (240) small, medium and large investment opportunities and projects covering numerous sectors of the economy (launched in September 2017).

The procedures pertaining to the registration and licensing of investment projects were reduced. Previously, the process was carried out through a total of (40) committees, but is now finalized through only (13).

The period required for registration in development zones was reduced from (5) to one business days.

The period required for granting or renewing investor cards was reduced from (5) to two business days.

Reducing the period required for granting exemptions from (5) days to one day.

A comprehensive promotional strategic plan was developed and the Country Intelligence Report was also finalized.

Industrial and Trade Policies Jordan signed a deal with the European Union on simplifying the rules of origin. Accordingly, (10) companies were granted customs clearance to the EU and (3) companies have exported products to EU markets.

The 2017-2021 industrial policy, to expand the industrial production base and increase the existing production capacity, was approved by Cabinet.

An alternative national industry support program was approved and will be directed to all industrial sectors - the Partial Exemption Program (70 percent) on net industry income. It will go into effect as of January 1st, 2019.

Securing an exemption from the World Trade Organization (WTO) for the Jordanian Export Support Program, whereby exports’ profits are exempt from income tax until December 31st, 2018.

Granting exemptions on equipment and hardware used for connecting factories with natural gas pipelines, as stipulated by the investment law.

Government procurement of supplies and medicines was limited to the local industry, in this case there were three producers or more or giving a preference of (15 percent) to others.

The re-opening of the Karameh Border Crossing (Turaibil) on August 30th, 2017 and exempting Jordanian exports (371 products) from the Iraqi decision to impose customs duties by 30 percent.

Securing approval from the Egyptian Government to facilitate and expedite the registration procedures for Jordanian companies exporting to Egypt so that it takes a week, and securing a 50-percent deduction on the transit fees.

The Foreign Trade Policy for (2018-2022) was formulated to develop foreign trade, increase exports and open up potential export markets for Jordanian products.

An ad hoc national unit for the United States-Jordan Free Trade Agreement was established.

An export guide to African markets was developed and launched on August 24th, 2016.

A National Strategy for Entrepreneurship and the development of micro, small and medium enterprises in Jordan was drafted.

Highway Construction and Development Projects Highways: Work has commenced on the Desert Highway, Al-Beshreyah-Azraq Road, Petroleum Refinery-Zarqa Road and a 16-km part of the Mafraq-Safawi highway, whereby the tenders of these projects were awarded in 2017 at a total cost of about JOD (177) million. Additionally, work on progress to complete (7) main highway projects at a total cost of JOD (327) million: Zarqa-Azraq-Al Omari highway and Irbid Ring Road (Phase I) and Salt Ring Road (Phase I). Moreover, the Amman Development Corridor Project and other road projects were also completed at the cost of JOD (148) million.

Other Development Projects: Construction of the Amman Customs Center project in Madouneh at the cost of JOD (94) million (lease-based) started. Furthermore, four industrial cities projects (Salt, Jarash, Tafileh and Makdaba) and satellite factories are under construction at the cost of JOD (30) million.

Healthcare Health centers: A total of (20) health centers were expanded and constructed. New health centers were opened in Jubaiha, Badr Al-Jadeedah, Al-Rawdhah.

Hospitals: Four hospitals were expanded (Princess Rahma Hospital/ Irbid, Nadeem Hospital/ Madaba, Ghor Al Safi Hospital, Jerash Public Hospital).Work was also completed on the 200-bed Al-Iman Hospital in Ajloun and the 350-bed Salt New Hospital projects.

Work has started on the construction of the new Princess Basma Hospital/ Irbid with a 500-bed capacity. Studies and design drafts for the construction of a new public hospital in Madaba with a capacity of (350) beds have started.

Furthermore, the construction of the Tafileh 150-bed public hospital has also started. Studies and design drafts for the Emergency Room Building at Al Bashir Hospital have also begun.

Addressing the shortage of medical personnel: Amending the scholarship bylaw and approving a doctor scholarship plan for Ministry of Health cadres and Non-Ministry cadres.

Digitization of health services: A total of (46) primary health centers, (9) comprehensive health centers and (4) hospitals had their systems digitized in 2017 and have started to use the patient billing system. The pilot phase of an electronic system for regulating health insurance payments (E-Claim) was completed. Work is also underway to digitize two services: Pharmacy licensing and nursing practice licensing.

Medical Tourism: An action plan for medical tourism has been drafted. A survey of patients coming for treatment in the Kingdom has also been carried out.

Accreditation: The Health Care Accreditation Council (HCAC) has started to implement the accreditation criteria. Moreover, a guide to prepare primary health care centers to implement accreditation standards was developed, in addition to the drafting of the Medical Liability Law.

Social Safety Net Programs Underprivileged Families and Women Empowerment Total number of families benefiting from the National Aid Fund (NAF) reached (92,519) families by the end of 2017, at the cost of JOD (100) million.

Enrollment of low-income families' children in vocational and technical training programs has been increased, bringing the total number of trainees who joined training programs this year to (2,012).

An additional monthly payment of a maximum of JOD (90) was provided to families benefitting from NAF. The number of families benefiting from this program reached (10,000).

The monthly aid provided to low-income families was increased by (10) percent of their monthly entitlement.

The winter financial assistance paid to all beneficiary families totaled JOD (2.5) million.

The number of disability care beneficiaries reached a total of (29,448).

With regards to the Welfare and Social Protection of women, children and the elderly, the Government provided the necessary services benefitting (6,366) persons in addition to (22,120) children.

The total number of juvenile delinquents benefiting from provided care services reached (4,963).

Zakat Fund A total of 57 non-refundable productive projects were financed and distributed among low-income families in a number of poverty pockets.

An initiative to distribute (10,000) food and clothing coupons was carried out during the holy month of Ramadan.

Food and clothing coupons (JOD 50 per coupon) were extended to low-income families in various governorates.

400 orphans were assisted, in addition to financially supporting (1,649) low-income families.

Activating the share of debtors in the Zakat Fund, which resulted in the repayment of debts owed by 385 women.

Price Stability: The Civil Consumer Corporation (CCC) kept prices below local market prices by (5.5) percent. Furthermore, the CCC expanded its geographical presence by (44) percent, reaching remote areas and poverty pockets.

The Military Consumer Corporation was also supported, in order to keep prices unchanged.

Foodstuffs (Bread and Fodder) were subsidized by JOD (140) million annually.

Health Insurance: Medical treatment for non-insured persons was provided at a cost exceeding JOD (150) million annually.

Jordanians over 70 years of age were included in the health insurance scheme (for those over 60 years of age will be included in 2018).

Low-income families whose income is less than JOD (300) were included in the health insurance scheme.

Household Electricity and Cooking Gas Subsidy: Subsidizing households whose monthly consumption is less than 500 kilowatt at a total cost of JOD 135 million.

Homes built on lands outside Municipal regulated zones were supplied with electricity at the cost of JOD (5.6) million.

The annual cooking gas subsidy reached JOD (44) million.

Water Subsidy: The annual water subsidies is estimated at JOD240 million.

Public Universities Support: Subsidies for public universities stands at about JOD (72) million, in addition to the support extended to the Needy Student Fund (from which 40,000 students benefit).

Farmer Support A total of JOD (51) million was extended as loans for the benefit of more than (10,000) farmers.

A total of JOD (18.5) million was extended as interest-free loans for the benefit of (3,000) farmers and livestock breeders.

The ceiling of the central bank's advance granted to the Agricultural Credit Corporation (ACC) was increased by JOD (10) million.

For the first time, the Agricultural Risk Fund was activated, extending compensations to 420 farmers affected by a frost spell at the cost of JOD1.4 million.

Wages: The minimum wage was raised from JOD (190) to JOD (220).

Governorates Development and Productivity Enhancement Programs Governorates Development: The number of infrastructure projects implemented in various governorates reached (143) projects in areas of agriculture, health, education, tourism, environment and culture, at the cost of JOD (87.3) million.

Productivity Enhancement Programs: A total of (60) productive projects of local community institutions were funded; various development initiatives were launched; (6) Zaha Cultural Centers in the governorates were established; (50) productive projects/ productive schools were established; productive branches in the governorates were launched, in addition to assisting in the establishment of (1186) productive projects (SMEs).

Youth Sector: Vital programs were carried out to raise awareness about the dangers of extremism and terrorism, confront hate speech, and delivers education about other societal problems such as drugs and violence. A total of 50,000 youth benefited from these programs.

Carrying youth polarization programs, which resulted in an increase in the number of youth engagements in Youth Centers by 40%.

(37353) youth participated in Hussein's camps for work and construction.

Establishing (12) social sports clubs.

Establishing (8) new football fields.

Held the Entrepreneurship Conference in cooperation with (49) companies and institutions supporting more than (1000) young people.

Agricultural Sector The Government has succeeded in increasing Jordanian agricultural exports to the European and Russian markets, where efforts have been pursued to obtain customs preferences in the Russian market.

Agricultural exports during the first eleven months of 2017 amounted to about JOD (346) million, which constitutes 8.5% of the total national exports, compared to JOD (378) million on 2016 (GoJ will adopt new policies to promote exports in 2018).

Achieving crops Self-sufficiency ratio of different crops such as potatoes, carrots, onions and garlic, increased to (80%), from an original (55%).

Adopting agriculture loan programs aimed at boosting the agricultural sector in a qualitative way, that contribute to reducing poverty and unemployment in the countryside and the Jordanian Badia, targeting women specifically.

Adopting measures that have contributed to stabilizing the prices of live livestock and meats, by regulating imports according to the needs of local markets.

Production of (60) tons of wheat and barley seeds, and the reduction of the use of pesticides in protected areas in the Jordan Valley to 70%, through the use of integrated control techniques.

Distribution of (12) mobile veterinary clinics in all governorates, equipped with comprehensive veterinary equipment, and the immunization of livestock against epidemic diseases through (11.5) million doses of veterinary vaccines, as well as licensing 3,462 establishments in the field of livestock.

Tourism Sector The number of visitors to the Kingdom rose to 5.2 million in 2017, an increase of 8.7% compared to 2016.

Tourism income increased by (12.5) percent during 2017 reaching USD (4.6) billion.

Jordan ranked among the top 50 countries in the World Security and Safety Index, attracting tourism, moving up two spots on the global tourism scale.

Jordan has been listed as one of the top 2018 tourism destinations by many international travel magazines such as National Geographic, Vogue (USA), Sunday Times (UK), Conde Nast (UK), and The Guardian newspaper.

Improving legislation related to the development of the tourism sector, including the Tourism Law, Regulation of the Baptism Site, issuing instructions pertaining to travelers’ insurance policies outside the Kingdom, and the issuance of the guidelines for licensing traditional industry institutions.146 flights from the Russian market in 2017, compared to 80 in 2016, and 44 new flights from the Scandinavian market in 2017, in addition to attracting low-cost flights targeting foreigners living in Dubai with 34 flights in 2017.

Municipal Services Paying-off JOD (60) million of the total debt owed to the municipalities, amounting to JOD (130) million.

Delivery of (73) vehicles to the municipalities in 2017 (will be distributing another (149) in mid-2018), and the delivery of (2,000) garbage containers (8,000 containers will be distributed during the current year 2018).

Approve the comprehensive plans for the northern and central regions emanating from the National Solid Waste Management Strategy.

Reconstruction, rehabilitation and development of the infrastructure of the Al-Akidar landfill (streets, buildings, lighting) and the establishment of a 50-dunum solid concrete-lined engineering cell.

Establishment of productive development projects in a number of municipalities such as a ready-made garment factory and a contemporary olive oil factory (17 production branches).

The establishment of more than (11) handicraft areas in different regions of the Kingdom.

Licenses granted to private sector enterprises to develop projects exceeded (123) projects in different municipalities.

Implementation of the final phase of the project to automate building and land tax (93% completion rate).

Environmental Sector Initiating the establishment of a national system for solid waste monitoring, and continuing the implementation of the national awareness campaign to reduce the random dumping of waste.

Disposing of approximately 70% of ozone-depleting substances.

Launching the National Green Growth Plan and launching a number of projects supporting a green economy, including the Energy Efficiency Initiative in Jordan.

Implementation of the electronic tracking system for domestic wastewater tanks, and wastewater and hazardous waste transport vehicles, wherein 129,732 environmental violations were seized.

The establishment of checkpoints at the entrances to the Jordan Valley, to prevent the entry of unrefined organic manure.

Drilling (22) rainwater harvest pits with a capacity of (2.3) million square meters.

Municipal and Local Councils Elections The government successfully carried out municipal and local councils elections, which took place in 2017.

The Government provided all means of support to the Independent Electoral Commission, in order to ensure the success of these elections in terms of: establishing regulations and arrangements for the implementation of municipal law and decentralization; preparing programs that crystallize the tasks assigned to local and executive councils.

Carrying out large awareness campaigns to inform citizens of decentralization and its importance, in addition to motivating citizens by various means to encourage them to participate in the electoral process.

The Government also carried out awareness campaigns, workshops to provide members of local councils with the skills and knowledge necessary for their work and to familiarize them with the mechanisms of preparing the local budgets and how to prepare development needs and plans, and define the tasks and roles of the councils and mechanisms of work and how to cooperate with municipalities and community institutions.

Fighting Extremism The GoJ supports and continues to enhance efforts to hold activities and cultural festivals that reflect our national identity, as well as our historical and cultural reality. On this note, the city of Amman was chosen as the capital of Islamic culture in 2017, given the great role played by Jordan, under your Majesty's guidance and leadership, in highlighting the tolerant image of Islam and standing up in the face of challenges and the practices which the Khawarij have carried out in recent history, in the name of Islam.

Conducting Capacity building training sessions for public sector employees on countering extremism and violence (23 leaders graduated).

Implementing a national project entitled ‘Talaki’ for Jordanian youth in six main governorates, with the aim of creating awareness among students about the role of culture and arts in confronting extremism (1,000 students trained).

Conducting various cultural competitions in cooperation with Jordanian universities and the Ministry of Higher Education, in order for students to acquire the skills of tolerance and addressing violence and extremism (the faculties of journalism, media and arts targeted).

Implementing programs and workshops on the dangers of extremism and violence for prison administration personnel/ DPS and the Ministry of Social Development/ juvenile detention centers.] Pursuing cooperation and coordination with international institutions to support Jordan's efforts if fighting extremism and terrorism.

Supporting the infrastructure of cultural centers in numerous governorates, youth centers and juvenile detention centers.

With regards to religious discourse, the Government has taken important steps and implemented important programs in the field of caring for mosques and religious institutions, through training of imams and preachers for the purpose of spreading the concept of moderate religious enlightenment discourse and countering the dangers of extremist thought.

The Government implemented a two-stage training program, which benefited all imams and preachers, for the purpose of discussing Jurisprudence schools, fighting suspicions of takfir and extremism in a scientific approach.

Taking other important steps such as controlling the fund-raising processes in mosques.

Combating Crime and Drugs The percentage of solved crimes amounted to 91.5% during 2017 (total number of crimes is 21,920, of which 20,060 were solved).

The total number of seized drugs amounted to (41.75) million tablets and approximately (21.3) million narcotic pills, as well as the seizure of (14,726) bags of 'Joker' and the total quantity of the rest of the items seized exceeded (2,672) kg.

The total number of drug cases amounted to (13,950), and the number of people involved (19,930), of which (1,321) were treated in treatment centers as addicts.

Enabling Legislation: A total of (37) draft and amended laws were approved and referred to the Parliament for approval. The Cabinet also approved (157) draft and amended by-laws.

Jordanian Diplomacy and Foreign Affairs (The shrewd Jordanian diplomacy that Your Majesty spearheads, has kept us secure in the face of regional crises. The presence and respect Your Majesty commands facilitate the work of our embassies and diplomats abroad. Our moderate and balanced policy has earned us respect of the entire world) The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Expatriate Affairs has taken immediate practical steps to ensure the provision of better consular services to citizens and to address deficiencies, and setting timeframes to provide such services.

Cancellation of the tax exemption card for diplomats, consular corps and diplomats accredited to the Kingdom as of 1 January, 2018.

Establishing an electronic complaints system, and linking it to the Ministry of Foreign and Expatriate Affairs.

Connecting (4) new diplomatic missions with the Internet Voice Over, bringing the total missions linked to the system to (48).

Establishing two new Jordanian embassies in Addis Ababa and Oslo, bringing the total number of embassies to (58), in addition to providing Jordanian diplomatic missions with new passport printing machines and rehabilitating public service halls at embassies.

Opening a Civil Status and Passports Department office within the Foreign Ministry to serve Jordanian diplomatic missions that do not have a passport system.

Establishment of Accreditation and Authentication offices throughout the Kingdom.

Jordanian Diplomacy Jordan successfully hosted the Arab League’s 28th Summit. To that end, the preparatory and organizing committees of this major Arab and regional event have exerted all efforts to ensure successful meetings, showing high levels of transparency and readiness worthy of the deep-rooted Arab and Jordanian tradition of hospitality.

Achieving the Jordanian-Russian-American agreement to support a ceasefire in southern Syria, and the establishment of the De-Escalated Zone. Additionally, Jordan participated in the Astana talks (6,7,8) as an observer.

Jordan's membership on the Board of Governors of the International Atomic Energy Agency for the period from 2017-2019.

Amman hosted the meeting of the Stability Support Group, chaired by the United Arab Emirates and Germany, which is the result of the international coalition to eradicate the ISIL terrorist group.

The Jordanian-UAE Joint High Committee convened in Amman (12 documents were signed).

Amman hosted the meeting of political directors of the mini-group of the International Alliance countries to eradicate the ISIL terrorist group.

Jordan's membership in the Global Partnership Group against the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction.

Jordan's membership in the Executive Council of UNESCO. In addition, the Executive Council of the United Nations/UNESCO unanimously adopted a resolution for the first time, keeping the Jerusalem issue on the agenda of the Council.

Jordan's invitation to the meeting of the Council of the League of Arab States at a ministerial level, to discuss the declaration of the United States of America recognizing Jerusalem as the capital of Israel and to address the Israeli aggression and violations against the Al-Aqsa Mosque Field Visits: The Government adopted an outreach approach of continuous and close communication to meet the needs of its citizens. The majority of the Government's work, which accounted for more than half of the allotted time (both PM and Ministers), was aimed at conducting field visits as well as the inauguration of projects.

In conclusion, the Government, assures Your Majesty that its priorities during 2018, will be to continue implementing the Executive Program as adopted in various areas, and to exert efforts towards the following priority areas: Continue to build upon the progress achieved and to speed up the implementation projects and measures pertaining to public sector reform and to improve the quality of public services provided to citizens and investors, namely, raising the productivity of public employees, increasing their compliance with the laws and regulations, activating the punishment and reward clauses in the civil service system, enhancing the role of the internal control units, while simultaneously continuing to structure and re-engineer all Government procedures and transactions, to finally reach the goal of ‘a paperless Government’.

Commitment to implement financial reform program as per the IMF Extended Fund Facility Program (EFF) along with the JEGP’s detailed action plans, which will ultimately put Jordan on a sustainable growth trajectory and ensure its economic resilience in the face of regional turmoil.

Achieve greater progress in the implementation of the National Strategy for HRD, structuring of the vocational and technical training sector in Jordan and moving forward with the implementation of the empowerment and employment programs, which will contribute to alleviating unemployment and poverty.

Commitment to full implementation of the Royal Commission for the Development of the Judiciary System's recommendations, in addition to actualizing the necessary legislation, strengthening the rule of law and continuing the national program to combat terrorism and extremism as well as the anti-crime and drug programs.

Strengthen and institutionalize the social safety net in such a way so as to ensure the social protection needed by the lower and middle classes, as well as promoting the decentralization approach and providing all the means for its success and to achieve tangible results on the ground, while simultaneously strengthening local municipal councils’ capacities to perform their role in providing services and achieve development in all governorates, as well as enhancing women's economic participation.

Achieving tangible results in developing the transport sector, which is characterized by many delays, in addition to finalizing a clear strategy for the transport sector during the next five years.

Continue strengthening economic resilience by enhancing the food security system, the security of energy supply and the security of water supply, as essential elements to hedge Jordan from any external shocks.

As for the security and stability of Jordan, the Government will not hesitate to provide all forms of support to JAF and other security agencies, in order to remain steadfast in the face of Khawarij and terrorists.

With regards to Jordanian diplomacy, the Government will continue to strengthen Jordan’s active role in promoting joint Arab action and its influential role within the Arab League, and to continue strengthening our diplomatic presence on the international stage. The Government will continue supporting the Palestinians in obtaining their legitimate rights in establishing a Palestinian state, with East Jerusalem as its capital, pledging to uphold Your Majesty’s role as Custodian of Jerusalem's Holy Sites.

Your Majesty, With your unwavering support and guidance, and with the support of all Jordanians, the Government is determined to overcome all challenges and fulfill to the best of our abilities, the aspirations and hopes of our citizens. Moreover, the Government reaffirms that it will always remain committed to implementing its preset programs with fervor, in addition to overcoming any shortfalls that occurred or those which were not achieved during 2017, particularly with reference to sectors that showed unsatisfactory progress, and to succeed in realizing tangible progress in the current year and the years ahead.

Thank you.

Peace, mercy and blessings of God be upon you.

Your Faithful Honest Servant, Prime Minister Dr. Hani Al-Mulki

Ammon News : AMMONNEWS - His Majesty King Abdullah II received a report from Prime Minister Hani Mulki summarizing the government's key achievements in 2017.

The detailed report has eight sections on economic reform, human resources development, employment and labour, administrative reform, public sector development and combating corruption, political reform, improving the judiciary, protection and social development and the general services sector.

Following is the full report of the government's key achievements in 2017:

The GoJ has been guided by the set of priorities outlined in the Letter of Designations addressed to the Government and your Majesty’s direction in several circumstances, with a special focus on the following key themes:
Pursuing economic reform programs to generate jobs, maintain financial and fiscal stability, lower budget deficit, and the debt-to-GDP ratio, increase growth rates and achieve economic resilience and sustainable growth.
Advancing human resources by ensuring integration between the recommendations of the National Human Resources Committee, and the National Employment Strategy.
Continue improving the ease of doing business, as well as supporting small and medium enterprises and entrepreneurs.
Continuously work to raise the standards of services provided to citizens and improve the performance of the public sector.
Continue bolstering the rule of law and protecting the values of justice.

The GoJ 2017 Second Achievement Report is comprised of key achievements classified according to: economic, fiscal, national human resource development strategy (HRD), Legislative reforms, public sector reform, digital economy and with more emphasis on social aspects, mainly the safety net and health care. It further highlights the underlying policy and legislative interventions, which have been undertaken to realize sustainable economic growth (stimulus package).

The Government was able to achieve the following progress in the fiscal and monetary indicators as well as in some selected macroeconomic indicators, which were as follows:
Key Financial Indicators for 2017:
(15) Percent decrease in the budget deficit compared to 2016.
(4.4) Percent increase in public debt balance; the lowest increase ratio in public debt in a decade (Public debt comprised 95.3 percent of GDP in 2017).
(7.7) percent increase in domestic revenues.
Improving financial Self-reliance ratio - local revenues’ coverage of current expenditure – amounted to (95) percent in 2017 compared with (90) percent in 2016.
On the contrary, Grants witnessed a decline of (15) percent.
The total amount of foreign aid contracted to Jordan in 2017 amounted to USD 3.65 billion, which includes regular grants, soft loans and additional grants to finance the Jordan Response Plan for the Syrian Crisis.
GCC Grants: The amount withdrawn from the grants during the period (2012- 27/12/2017) amounted to JOD (1,953) billion, representing (74%) of the total grants of JOD (2.633) billion.

Economic performance was modest: Real Gross Domestic Product (GDP) grew by (2) percent during the first three quarters of 2017.
On the other hand, some sectors showed improvement, including:
Tourism income increased by (12.5) percent during 2017.
FDI increased by (19.1) percent during the first three quarters of 2017.
Credit facilities grew by (8.4) percent at the end of November of 2017.
Foreign currency reserves stood at USD (12.3) billion at the end of December 2017.
Remittances of Jordanian expatriates amounted to JOD (2.4) billion during the first 11 months of 2017.
National exports increased by (1.5%), while imports increased by (5.4%). The trade deficit increased by (9.7%) as a result during first 11 months of 2017.

The prime challenge remains an unemployment rate in the double digits, coming in at (18.5 percent) during the first three quarters of 2017, in addition to low level of economic participation, especially among women.
The Government has embraced ‘Self-Reliance’ as a goal, not a slogan. To that end, the Government focused on achieving and implementing the following themes:
Formulating the general framework of the National Financial and Economic Reform Program for the years (2018-2020), through a clear, participatory and institutional approach. This framework serves as a passing document for all Governments (Government's economic agenda), classified as per the following key tracks:

Track one: Fiscal Reform: Re-structuring the tax system, including removing almost all economically inefficient exemptions of GST to finally achieving fiscal and monetary stability.

Track two: Revitalize The Economy: Adopting the detailed action plans of JEGP; focusing on promoting partnership with the private sector (PPP), especially in investment opportunity projects; and implementing a set of legislations that stimulate economic growth. In addition to that, the Government has adopted a number of initiatives, aimed at encouraging entrepreneurship and supporting small and medium enterprises through additional financing tools in cooperation with the Central Bank of Jordan. Updating the Executive Development Program for the years (2016-2020), and updating the Jordan Response Plan for the Syrian crisis, for the years (2018-2020) has already started and the detailed action plans of the Jordan Economic Growth Plan for the years (2018-2022) has been developed.

Track three: Institutionalizing of Social Safety Net: The GoJ has formed a ministerial committee to manage and upgrade the social safety net, in order to protect the underprivileged and middle class and to identify those eligible to receive Government financial support.

Parallel track: Adopting New Communication Strategy:
Implementing (30) outreach programs with various economic-related stakeholders, including the National Assembly members and Parliamentary blocks, the Economic Policy Council, Civil Society institutions’ representatives and private sector investors, including entrepreneurs.
Increasing the Government's presence on social networking platforms. This was initiated in October 2017 (The Prime Ministry's accounts on Twitter Facebook). The number of the Prime Ministry pages’ followers on social media networks increased by (675) percent.
Strengthening Economic Resilience through:

Food Security: Securing the Kingdom's strategic stock of wheat to cover 12.2 months in 2017, compared to 11.2 months in 2016, and barley stocks to cover 11 months for 2017, compared to 8.9 months in 2016. In addition to expanding the Aqaba and Jweideh silos’ capacities to accommodate an additional 750,000 tons, of which a storage capacity of 320,000 tons is under-construction. In addition to adopting effective trade policies, facilitating the flow of goods and services, as well as the re-opening of some export routes (Iraq), and exploring potential additional export markets (African Countries).

Energy Security: Storage Capacities: The construction of liquid petroleum gas (LPG) storage facilities in Aqaba, with a total capacity of 6,000 tons, in addition to oil derivative capacities of 250,000-300,000 tons, and 8,000 tons available to store LPG in central Jordan. In addition to a 100,000-ton storage capacity crude oil and derivatives in Aqaba (The Government expects these projects to be completed by mid-2018). Furthermore, a general framework agreement was reached with the Iraqi side, regarding The Basra-Aqaba oil pipeline.

Liberalization of the oil derivative market: Opening the oil derivatives market, by promoting competition and allowing the licensing of two new companies to join the three existing companies.

Renewable Energy: Solar and wind power projects have been developed generating a total of (1,600) MW. These projects were funded by attracting private sector investments exceeding USD (2) billion. The process of linking and commercializing (700) MW of these projects has been completed, representing about (8%) of the total project’s capacity, and is expected to reach about (20%) by the year (2020).

Liquefied Natural Gas: The total number of liquefied natural gas (LNG) shipments received at the Aqaba port has amounted to 121 shipments, since the arrival of the first floating vessel on 25 May, 2015. By 31 October, 2017, a total of 356 billion cubic feet of LNG was uploaded. Resheh field production has reached (10) million cubic feet per day. In addition, to supplying natural gas through the gas pipeline project from Aqaba to the North of the Kingdom, at the rate of (440) million cubic meters per day, and supplying the power plants through the LNG port at the rate of (350) million cubic meters. An agreement was made with Egypt to amend both the sale and purchase contracts of natural gas signed in 2004, and to commission the Al-Fajr Jordanian-Egyptian Company to implement the LPG projects of the North under a BOOT model.

National Electrical Grid: A project to rehabilitate the Al Hussein Thermal Power Station, which has a capacity of 485 MW, at a total estimated cost of USD 470 million, was carried out. In addition to tendering a 60-MW-per-hour capacity, electric power storage facility project. Furthermore, the Green Corridor Project Phase III tenders were awarded, which are expected to raise the capacity of the network from (500) to (1450) MW, as well as signing a MoU of electric linkage between Jordan and Saudi Arabia, and strengthening the regional link of the network with neighboring countries (Egypt and Iraq). Additionally, studies have also been carried out regarding the restructuring of electric tariffs to remove distortions and reduce the burden on productive sectors (cross subsidy challenge).

Oil Shale: The Al-Attarat Oil Shale Project began work in the second quarter of 2017, and is expected to become fully operational in 2020, at a 470-megawatt capacity. With regards to oil shale production projects, the Government has signed four concession agreements for the production of oil with international companies employing different technologies, drafting instructions for investment in oil shale and launching a study to explore the visibility of extracting lithium in southern Jordan.

Water Security: Red Sea–Dead Sea Water Conveyance: The prequalification tender for the Red Sea–Dead Sea Water Conveyance Project was tendered.

Water: Commence work of all national water network projects, as part of the water supply strategy for the northern governorates, which is expected to be completed in 2028, at the cost of about JOD (172) million. The water desalination plant project in Aqaba was completed, as well as an expansion to the Khirbet Samra Wastewater Treatment Plant. The Wadi Al Arab Water Conveyance Project, which will supply (30) million cubic feet of water from northern sources, is underway at the cost of USD (150) million.

Dams: Building (8) large dams, (8) desert dams for water harvesting, in addition to drilling (26) wells in different regions of the Kingdom.

Sewage: Sewerage projects in Ain Ghazal and Zarqa’s east and west pumping stations were implemented, as part of the sanitation strategy of Amman and Zarqa, which will be completed in (2025), the tender for the expansion and modernization of the Aqaba Water Treatment Plant will be completed during the year 2019 (the tender was submitted during 2017). The reuse of the treated water from the Southern Amman Water Treatment Plant, located in the Central Badia has begun, and is being used for fodder cultivation and livestock breeding.

Control of Water Resources: A total of (1,001) illegal wells were sealed. Moreover, (36,005) violations in the use of water networks, and about (1,856) violations on state lands in the Jordan Valley were also dealt with.

The National Strategy for Human Resource (HRD) progress: First: General Education Early Childhood and Kindergarten: A total of (28) new kindergartens, containing (68) rooms were established. (230) kindergartens were furnished and equipped, in addition to renovating and restoring (60) classrooms. A kindergarten parent participation guide was also developed.

Basic Education: (50) new schools were built and (37) other schools were expanded, bringing the total classroom capacity to (222) rooms. Additionally, (26) schools with fewer than (20-30) students were merged.

Teacher Rehabilitation: A pre-service teacher training program was initiated in coordination with the Queen Rania Teacher Academy (with a minimum prerequisite of an (80%) Tawjihi score for holders of high school certificates and a ‘good’ rating for university graduates). A total of (501) teachers were qualified to attend the training program, and a total of (52,758) teachers were trained within the pre-service professional development programs.

Curricula: The National Curriculum Development Center was established under a special bylaw. The development of integrated curricula and textbooks incorporating concepts that encourage professionalism and entrepreneurship have been started (authoring books and teacher guides for the Financial Culture course for grades (7, 8, 9, 11, and 12) of which books (7, 8, and 11) have already been applied on the ground). In addition, to the implementation and completion of the (اقرأ لي) project, for the English Language course and the development of Math and Arabic Language guides for the first three grades has also begun.

Vocational School Education: Industrial education specialties were reduced from (25) to (10) specialties, in addition to signing an agreement with the Vocational Training Corporation to train 2,000 students. Furthermore, a study of the applied secondary education program was conducted.

General Secondary Education Certificate Examination (Tawjihi): The Tawjihi examination regulations were amended. Now, secondary education students will be able to sit for the exam for an open number of sessions without exhausting their allotted total. This will be effective as of the Winter Session of the 2017/2018 academic year. A new calculation system of the Tawjihi score was also approved, a (1,400)-pointed system will be applied, as opposed to calculating a general average score.

Use of Educational Technology: A computer network linking all (2,764) schools and administrative sites with the Ministry of Education was established. These include both Public and Military schools, as well as Educational Directorates across the Kingdom. Electronic courses were also developed in partnership with the Queen Rania Foundation for Education and Development and were deployed on the online course platform (Idrak). The courses include: English Language, Chemistry and Physics courses for secondary education.

Second: Vocational and Technical Training A ministerial committee was formed comprising the ministers of labor, education, and higher education, in order to draw up a detailed action plan. The detailed action plan was approved by cabinet, with a clear timeframe and to be applied in two phases. The following are the highlights of the plan for the period between (2017-2020): The establishment of the Higher Technical and Vocational Education Training Council (TVET), to act as an umbrella for the sector, as well as amending the Center in accordance with the Accreditation, Practice and Quality Control's bylaw.

Drafting the Higher TVET Council bylaw.

Concluding agreements with the private sector to enable the management and operation of Vocational Training Centers, and the implementation of a remote vocational training project in (4) specializations and (4) institutes.

Developing a training program for trainers.

The National Program for Empowerment and Employment: The program was launched in early 2017, to empower and employ Jordanians in several key sectors (industry, tourism, agriculture, construction, services (nurseries), and fuel stations). A total of JOD (100) million has been allocated to provide incentives to trainers. The program aims to reduce the number of foreign workers in the target sectors by 10-25 percent over a five year period.

Third: Higher Education Equal Education Opportunities: University admission scores (Tawjihi grades) were increased, and universities were allowed to directly accept students outside the pre-set criteria of the Unified Admission Committee.

Furthermore, Modified study plans for some specializations were approved, so that the first year serves as a preparatory year, during which students will study courses that require basic scientific excellence and distinctive study abilities. This will start with medicine and dentistry majors, as of the 2018/2019 academic year. Additional medicine and dentistry seats were allocated to the governorates and districts in this preparatory year.

Financial Support for Incapable Students: Scholarships were provided to central and northern region students who are studying within the southern region's universities. (40) partial scholarships are provided to students enrolled in undergraduate programs (BA) per year, while (40) other partial scholarships are provided to students enrolled in the diploma program in applied and vocational specializations. Financial coverage of (50) percent of technical diploma program fees is being provided, for all students at Jordanian universities, and increasing allocations to the Needy Student Fund.

Accountability and Strengthening Universities: Governance: The 2017 higher education and scientific research draft law, as well as the Jordanian universities draft laws were approved by the Cabinet. A new bylaw for the selection and appointment of university presidents was drafted, in addition to an accountability and evaluation bylaw for academic leaders in universities. Accordingly, a specialist committee was assigned by the Higher Education Council (three university presidents were relieved of their posts).

Tighter Control of University Performance: The Higher Education Council has set performance indicators for (5) percent of the Government support allocated to public universities, starting from (2018 to 2021).

Quality Improvement and Development: The Higher Education Accreditation Commission (HEAC) launched The National Classification of Jordanian Universities. The terms and conditions for the licensing of private medical universities in the Kingdom were set. Recommendations were put forward by a committee, assigned to study stagnant and saturated specializations and professions, in coordination with the Civil Service Bureau, and several were put into practice.

Technical Education: The number of students accepted into public universities under the Royal ‘Makruma’ for children of Jordan Armed Forces-Arab Army and teachers was increased by (2) and (1) percent respectively, for a period of five years. The resulting increase in the number of students shall be limited to technical education exclusively. Additionally, (5) new private sector technical colleges were licensed in Amman, Zarqa and Madaba. Furthermore, (3) community colleges were authorized to offer undergraduate programs in the fields of technical and applied education. Al Hussein Technical University (HTU) established to support Jordanian youth’s pursuit of vocational, technical and applied education.

The university offers diploma and bachelor degree programs in the fields of applied engineering (law and bylaw were both approved).

Encouraging Innovation: The 2017 higher education and scientific research draft law, which stipulates the establishment of the higher education research and innovation fund, was approved by Cabinet. In addition to setting up the ‘National Center for E-learning and Open Education Resources’.

Development of the Judiciary system (recommendations put forward by the Royal Committee for Developing the Judiciary and Enhancing the Rule of Law) Legislation: (12) draft laws and (10) bylaws were put forward, in order to contribute to the modernization and development of the judicial system and enhance its role in upholding the rule of law. These draft and bylaws have been endorsed to ensure transparent decisions, speed up litigation procedures, improve the business environment in the Kingdom, and strengthen the protection of citizens' rights.

Structuring Procedures and Establishing Economic Chambers: An expert affairs council was established at the Ministry of Justice, as well as an economic Trial unit/ room at the Amman Court of First Instance, where it commenced work in early November 2017, with four judges having been assigned to work in the unit.

Development of Judicial Enforcement Services: The Judicial Police Directorate at the Queen Alia International Airport has been established. The procedures of the Amman Court of First Instance were re-engineered and a guide for the enforcement services was developed.

Employment of Technology to Advance and Speed up Litigation: Registration of lawsuits, the payment of fees, and the submission of inquiries have all been digitized. Work is also underway to archive case files in order to access non-paper files with ease during the next phase (60 million paper case files have been electronically archived to date). Furthermore, smartphone applications have been developed, in addition to providing an e-payment service, as well as the issuance of no-criminal record certificates online.

Public Sector Reform An amended civil service bylaw was introduced, which included a number of amendments such as: the introduction of the flexible working system for public sector employees; the activation of the principle of reward and punishment in public services; and the development of employee performance evaluation mechanisms.

The instructions and criteria for the selection and appointment of employees in Government posts were issued.

A study to restructure Government institutions was conducted, focusing on state-owned enterprises. The study included a number of proposals to cancel/merge/develop the organizational structure of a number of Government institutions.

Development of Government Services Through the E-Government and Digital Economy: The prior approvals (including security clearance), required for registering economic activities within (14) departments were canceled in order to change all non-security pre-approvals to registration requirements.

The procedures for obtaining (98) services in (16) Government departments were re-engineered.

Paperless Government: Implementation has already started in (13) Governmental institutions for re-engineering procedures, where a total of (243) services were re-engineered; (86) e-services are operational and (36) services have been automated. The first phase of the 'Tarasul' project was completed (the project aims to reduce the use of paper in Government institutions).

More than (160) employees and (330) graduates have been trained in the use of these services.

Four smartphone applications have been developed for the Social Security Corporation, the Department of Lands and Survey, the Land Transport Regulatory Commission and the Ministry of Justice.

Approximately (970) sites in the Kingdom were connected through the fiber optic network program.

ICT graduates' employment program was expanded to provide training opportunities for employment in the private sector and universities. The program kicked off its third phase in September 2017 targeting (1,000) graduates instead of an original (500).

The ICT Advisory Council was restructured on 20 June, 2017 and included representatives of local entrepreneurs, a rapporteur from the Royal Hashemite Court/Economic Development Department and several new members including (Board Chairman of the Information and Communications Technology Association of Jordan (int@j), the Board Chairman of 'Oasis 500', and a representative of the telecommunications sector.

Investment and Ease of Doing Business A new investment map of the Kingdom was drawn up including (240) small, medium and large investment opportunities and projects covering numerous sectors of the economy (launched in September 2017).

The procedures pertaining to the registration and licensing of investment projects were reduced. Previously, the process was carried out through a total of (40) committees, but is now finalized through only (13).

The period required for registration in development zones was reduced from (5) to one business days.

The period required for granting or renewing investor cards was reduced from (5) to two business days.

Reducing the period required for granting exemptions from (5) days to one day.

A comprehensive promotional strategic plan was developed and the Country Intelligence Report was also finalized.

Industrial and Trade Policies Jordan signed a deal with the European Union on simplifying the rules of origin. Accordingly, (10) companies were granted customs clearance to the EU and (3) companies have exported products to EU markets.

The 2017-2021 industrial policy, to expand the industrial production base and increase the existing production capacity, was approved by Cabinet.

An alternative national industry support program was approved and will be directed to all industrial sectors - the Partial Exemption Program (70 percent) on net industry income. It will go into effect as of January 1st, 2019.

Securing an exemption from the World Trade Organization (WTO) for the Jordanian Export Support Program, whereby exports’ profits are exempt from income tax until December 31st, 2018.

Granting exemptions on equipment and hardware used for connecting factories with natural gas pipelines, as stipulated by the investment law.

Government procurement of supplies and medicines was limited to the local industry, in this case there were three producers or more or giving a preference of (15 percent) to others.

The re-opening of the Karameh Border Crossing (Turaibil) on August 30th, 2017 and exempting Jordanian exports (371 products) from the Iraqi decision to impose customs duties by 30 percent.

Securing approval from the Egyptian Government to facilitate and expedite the registration procedures for Jordanian companies exporting to Egypt so that it takes a week, and securing a 50-percent deduction on the transit fees.

The Foreign Trade Policy for (2018-2022) was formulated to develop foreign trade, increase exports and open up potential export markets for Jordanian products.

An ad hoc national unit for the United States-Jordan Free Trade Agreement was established.

An export guide to African markets was developed and launched on August 24th, 2016.

A National Strategy for Entrepreneurship and the development of micro, small and medium enterprises in Jordan was drafted.

Highway Construction and Development Projects Highways: Work has commenced on the Desert Highway, Al-Beshreyah-Azraq Road, Petroleum Refinery-Zarqa Road and a 16-km part of the Mafraq-Safawi highway, whereby the tenders of these projects were awarded in 2017 at a total cost of about JOD (177) million. Additionally, work on progress to complete (7) main highway projects at a total cost of JOD (327) million: Zarqa-Azraq-Al Omari highway and Irbid Ring Road (Phase I) and Salt Ring Road (Phase I). Moreover, the Amman Development Corridor Project and other road projects were also completed at the cost of JOD (148) million.

Other Development Projects: Construction of the Amman Customs Center project in Madouneh at the cost of JOD (94) million (lease-based) started. Furthermore, four industrial cities projects (Salt, Jarash, Tafileh and Makdaba) and satellite factories are under construction at the cost of JOD (30) million.

Healthcare Health centers: A total of (20) health centers were expanded and constructed. New health centers were opened in Jubaiha, Badr Al-Jadeedah, Al-Rawdhah.

Hospitals: Four hospitals were expanded (Princess Rahma Hospital/ Irbid, Nadeem Hospital/ Madaba, Ghor Al Safi Hospital, Jerash Public Hospital).Work was also completed on the 200-bed Al-Iman Hospital in Ajloun and the 350-bed Salt New Hospital projects.

Work has started on the construction of the new Princess Basma Hospital/ Irbid with a 500-bed capacity. Studies and design drafts for the construction of a new public hospital in Madaba with a capacity of (350) beds have started.

Furthermore, the construction of the Tafileh 150-bed public hospital has also started. Studies and design drafts for the Emergency Room Building at Al Bashir Hospital have also begun.

Addressing the shortage of medical personnel: Amending the scholarship bylaw and approving a doctor scholarship plan for Ministry of Health cadres and Non-Ministry cadres.

Digitization of health services: A total of (46) primary health centers, (9) comprehensive health centers and (4) hospitals had their systems digitized in 2017 and have started to use the patient billing system. The pilot phase of an electronic system for regulating health insurance payments (E-Claim) was completed. Work is also underway to digitize two services: Pharmacy licensing and nursing practice licensing.

Medical Tourism: An action plan for medical tourism has been drafted. A survey of patients coming for treatment in the Kingdom has also been carried out.

Accreditation: The Health Care Accreditation Council (HCAC) has started to implement the accreditation criteria. Moreover, a guide to prepare primary health care centers to implement accreditation standards was developed, in addition to the drafting of the Medical Liability Law.

Social Safety Net Programs Underprivileged Families and Women Empowerment Total number of families benefiting from the National Aid Fund (NAF) reached (92,519) families by the end of 2017, at the cost of JOD (100) million.

Enrollment of low-income families' children in vocational and technical training programs has been increased, bringing the total number of trainees who joined training programs this year to (2,012).

An additional monthly payment of a maximum of JOD (90) was provided to families benefitting from NAF. The number of families benefiting from this program reached (10,000).

The monthly aid provided to low-income families was increased by (10) percent of their monthly entitlement.

The winter financial assistance paid to all beneficiary families totaled JOD (2.5) million.

The number of disability care beneficiaries reached a total of (29,448).

With regards to the Welfare and Social Protection of women, children and the elderly, the Government provided the necessary services benefitting (6,366) persons in addition to (22,120) children.

The total number of juvenile delinquents benefiting from provided care services reached (4,963).

Zakat Fund A total of 57 non-refundable productive projects were financed and distributed among low-income families in a number of poverty pockets.

An initiative to distribute (10,000) food and clothing coupons was carried out during the holy month of Ramadan.

Food and clothing coupons (JOD 50 per coupon) were extended to low-income families in various governorates.

400 orphans were assisted, in addition to financially supporting (1,649) low-income families.

Activating the share of debtors in the Zakat Fund, which resulted in the repayment of debts owed by 385 women.

Price Stability: The Civil Consumer Corporation (CCC) kept prices below local market prices by (5.5) percent. Furthermore, the CCC expanded its geographical presence by (44) percent, reaching remote areas and poverty pockets.

The Military Consumer Corporation was also supported, in order to keep prices unchanged.

Foodstuffs (Bread and Fodder) were subsidized by JOD (140) million annually.

Health Insurance: Medical treatment for non-insured persons was provided at a cost exceeding JOD (150) million annually.

Jordanians over 70 years of age were included in the health insurance scheme (for those over 60 years of age will be included in 2018).

Low-income families whose income is less than JOD (300) were included in the health insurance scheme.

Household Electricity and Cooking Gas Subsidy: Subsidizing households whose monthly consumption is less than 500 kilowatt at a total cost of JOD 135 million.

Homes built on lands outside Municipal regulated zones were supplied with electricity at the cost of JOD (5.6) million.

The annual cooking gas subsidy reached JOD (44) million.

Water Subsidy: The annual water subsidies is estimated at JOD240 million.

Public Universities Support: Subsidies for public universities stands at about JOD (72) million, in addition to the support extended to the Needy Student Fund (from which 40,000 students benefit).

Farmer Support A total of JOD (51) million was extended as loans for the benefit of more than (10,000) farmers.

A total of JOD (18.5) million was extended as interest-free loans for the benefit of (3,000) farmers and livestock breeders.

The ceiling of the central bank's advance granted to the Agricultural Credit Corporation (ACC) was increased by JOD (10) million.

For the first time, the Agricultural Risk Fund was activated, extending compensations to 420 farmers affected by a frost spell at the cost of JOD1.4 million.

Wages: The minimum wage was raised from JOD (190) to JOD (220).

Governorates Development and Productivity Enhancement Programs Governorates Development: The number of infrastructure projects implemented in various governorates reached (143) projects in areas of agriculture, health, education, tourism, environment and culture, at the cost of JOD (87.3) million.

Productivity Enhancement Programs: A total of (60) productive projects of local community institutions were funded; various development initiatives were launched; (6) Zaha Cultural Centers in the governorates were established; (50) productive projects/ productive schools were established; productive branches in the governorates were launched, in addition to assisting in the establishment of (1186) productive projects (SMEs).

Youth Sector: Vital programs were carried out to raise awareness about the dangers of extremism and terrorism, confront hate speech, and delivers education about other societal problems such as drugs and violence. A total of 50,000 youth benefited from these programs.

Carrying youth polarization programs, which resulted in an increase in the number of youth engagements in Youth Centers by 40%.

(37353) youth participated in Hussein's camps for work and construction.

Establishing (12) social sports clubs.

Establishing (8) new football fields.

Held the Entrepreneurship Conference in cooperation with (49) companies and institutions supporting more than (1000) young people.

Agricultural Sector The Government has succeeded in increasing Jordanian agricultural exports to the European and Russian markets, where efforts have been pursued to obtain customs preferences in the Russian market.

Agricultural exports during the first eleven months of 2017 amounted to about JOD (346) million, which constitutes 8.5% of the total national exports, compared to JOD (378) million on 2016 (GoJ will adopt new policies to promote exports in 2018).

Achieving crops Self-sufficiency ratio of different crops such as potatoes, carrots, onions and garlic, increased to (80%), from an original (55%).

Adopting agriculture loan programs aimed at boosting the agricultural sector in a qualitative way, that contribute to reducing poverty and unemployment in the countryside and the Jordanian Badia, targeting women specifically.

Adopting measures that have contributed to stabilizing the prices of live livestock and meats, by regulating imports according to the needs of local markets.

Production of (60) tons of wheat and barley seeds, and the reduction of the use of pesticides in protected areas in the Jordan Valley to 70%, through the use of integrated control techniques.

Distribution of (12) mobile veterinary clinics in all governorates, equipped with comprehensive veterinary equipment, and the immunization of livestock against epidemic diseases through (11.5) million doses of veterinary vaccines, as well as licensing 3,462 establishments in the field of livestock.

Tourism Sector The number of visitors to the Kingdom rose to 5.2 million in 2017, an increase of 8.7% compared to 2016.

Tourism income increased by (12.5) percent during 2017 reaching USD (4.6) billion.

Jordan ranked among the top 50 countries in the World Security and Safety Index, attracting tourism, moving up two spots on the global tourism scale.

Jordan has been listed as one of the top 2018 tourism destinations by many international travel magazines such as National Geographic, Vogue (USA), Sunday Times (UK), Conde Nast (UK), and The Guardian newspaper.

Improving legislation related to the development of the tourism sector, including the Tourism Law, Regulation of the Baptism Site, issuing instructions pertaining to travelers’ insurance policies outside the Kingdom, and the issuance of the guidelines for licensing traditional industry institutions.146 flights from the Russian market in 2017, compared to 80 in 2016, and 44 new flights from the Scandinavian market in 2017, in addition to attracting low-cost flights targeting foreigners living in Dubai with 34 flights in 2017.

Municipal Services Paying-off JOD (60) million of the total debt owed to the municipalities, amounting to JOD (130) million.

Delivery of (73) vehicles to the municipalities in 2017 (will be distributing another (149) in mid-2018), and the delivery of (2,000) garbage containers (8,000 containers will be distributed during the current year 2018).

Approve the comprehensive plans for the northern and central regions emanating from the National Solid Waste Management Strategy.

Reconstruction, rehabilitation and development of the infrastructure of the Al-Akidar landfill (streets, buildings, lighting) and the establishment of a 50-dunum solid concrete-lined engineering cell.

Establishment of productive development projects in a number of municipalities such as a ready-made garment factory and a contemporary olive oil factory (17 production branches).

The establishment of more than (11) handicraft areas in different regions of the Kingdom.

Licenses granted to private sector enterprises to develop projects exceeded (123) projects in different municipalities.

Implementation of the final phase of the project to automate building and land tax (93% completion rate).

Environmental Sector Initiating the establishment of a national system for solid waste monitoring, and continuing the implementation of the national awareness campaign to reduce the random dumping of waste.

Disposing of approximately 70% of ozone-depleting substances.

Launching the National Green Growth Plan and launching a number of projects supporting a green economy, including the Energy Efficiency Initiative in Jordan.

Implementation of the electronic tracking system for domestic wastewater tanks, and wastewater and hazardous waste transport vehicles, wherein 129,732 environmental violations were seized.

The establishment of checkpoints at the entrances to the Jordan Valley, to prevent the entry of unrefined organic manure.

Drilling (22) rainwater harvest pits with a capacity of (2.3) million square meters.

Municipal and Local Councils Elections The government successfully carried out municipal and local councils elections, which took place in 2017.

The Government provided all means of support to the Independent Electoral Commission, in order to ensure the success of these elections in terms of: establishing regulations and arrangements for the implementation of municipal law and decentralization; preparing programs that crystallize the tasks assigned to local and executive councils.

Carrying out large awareness campaigns to inform citizens of decentralization and its importance, in addition to motivating citizens by various means to encourage them to participate in the electoral process.

The Government also carried out awareness campaigns, workshops to provide members of local councils with the skills and knowledge necessary for their work and to familiarize them with the mechanisms of preparing the local budgets and how to prepare development needs and plans, and define the tasks and roles of the councils and mechanisms of work and how to cooperate with municipalities and community institutions.

Fighting Extremism The GoJ supports and continues to enhance efforts to hold activities and cultural festivals that reflect our national identity, as well as our historical and cultural reality. On this note, the city of Amman was chosen as the capital of Islamic culture in 2017, given the great role played by Jordan, under your Majesty's guidance and leadership, in highlighting the tolerant image of Islam and standing up in the face of challenges and the practices which the Khawarij have carried out in recent history, in the name of Islam.

Conducting Capacity building training sessions for public sector employees on countering extremism and violence (23 leaders graduated).

Implementing a national project entitled ‘Talaki’ for Jordanian youth in six main governorates, with the aim of creating awareness among students about the role of culture and arts in confronting extremism (1,000 students trained).

Conducting various cultural competitions in cooperation with Jordanian universities and the Ministry of Higher Education, in order for students to acquire the skills of tolerance and addressing violence and extremism (the faculties of journalism, media and arts targeted).

Implementing programs and workshops on the dangers of extremism and violence for prison administration personnel/ DPS and the Ministry of Social Development/ juvenile detention centers.] Pursuing cooperation and coordination with international institutions to support Jordan's efforts if fighting extremism and terrorism.

Supporting the infrastructure of cultural centers in numerous governorates, youth centers and juvenile detention centers.

With regards to religious discourse, the Government has taken important steps and implemented important programs in the field of caring for mosques and religious institutions, through training of imams and preachers for the purpose of spreading the concept of moderate religious enlightenment discourse and countering the dangers of extremist thought.

The Government implemented a two-stage training program, which benefited all imams and preachers, for the purpose of discussing Jurisprudence schools, fighting suspicions of takfir and extremism in a scientific approach.

Taking other important steps such as controlling the fund-raising processes in mosques.

Combating Crime and Drugs The percentage of solved crimes amounted to 91.5% during 2017 (total number of crimes is 21,920, of which 20,060 were solved).

The total number of seized drugs amounted to (41.75) million tablets and approximately (21.3) million narcotic pills, as well as the seizure of (14,726) bags of 'Joker' and the total quantity of the rest of the items seized exceeded (2,672) kg.

The total number of drug cases amounted to (13,950), and the number of people involved (19,930), of which (1,321) were treated in treatment centers as addicts.

Enabling Legislation: A total of (37) draft and amended laws were approved and referred to the Parliament for approval. The Cabinet also approved (157) draft and amended by-laws.

Jordanian Diplomacy and Foreign Affairs (The shrewd Jordanian diplomacy that Your Majesty spearheads, has kept us secure in the face of regional crises. The presence and respect Your Majesty commands facilitate the work of our embassies and diplomats abroad. Our moderate and balanced policy has earned us respect of the entire world) The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Expatriate Affairs has taken immediate practical steps to ensure the provision of better consular services to citizens and to address deficiencies, and setting timeframes to provide such services.

Cancellation of the tax exemption card for diplomats, consular corps and diplomats accredited to the Kingdom as of 1 January, 2018.

Establishing an electronic complaints system, and linking it to the Ministry of Foreign and Expatriate Affairs.

Connecting (4) new diplomatic missions with the Internet Voice Over, bringing the total missions linked to the system to (48).

Establishing two new Jordanian embassies in Addis Ababa and Oslo, bringing the total number of embassies to (58), in addition to providing Jordanian diplomatic missions with new passport printing machines and rehabilitating public service halls at embassies.

Opening a Civil Status and Passports Department office within the Foreign Ministry to serve Jordanian diplomatic missions that do not have a passport system.

Establishment of Accreditation and Authentication offices throughout the Kingdom.

Jordanian Diplomacy Jordan successfully hosted the Arab League’s 28th Summit. To that end, the preparatory and organizing committees of this major Arab and regional event have exerted all efforts to ensure successful meetings, showing high levels of transparency and readiness worthy of the deep-rooted Arab and Jordanian tradition of hospitality.

Achieving the Jordanian-Russian-American agreement to support a ceasefire in southern Syria, and the establishment of the De-Escalated Zone. Additionally, Jordan participated in the Astana talks (6,7,8) as an observer.

Jordan's membership on the Board of Governors of the International Atomic Energy Agency for the period from 2017-2019.

Amman hosted the meeting of the Stability Support Group, chaired by the United Arab Emirates and Germany, which is the result of the international coalition to eradicate the ISIL terrorist group.

The Jordanian-UAE Joint High Committee convened in Amman (12 documents were signed).

Amman hosted the meeting of political directors of the mini-group of the International Alliance countries to eradicate the ISIL terrorist group.

Jordan's membership in the Global Partnership Group against the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction.

Jordan's membership in the Executive Council of UNESCO. In addition, the Executive Council of the United Nations/UNESCO unanimously adopted a resolution for the first time, keeping the Jerusalem issue on the agenda of the Council.

Jordan's invitation to the meeting of the Council of the League of Arab States at a ministerial level, to discuss the declaration of the United States of America recognizing Jerusalem as the capital of Israel and to address the Israeli aggression and violations against the Al-Aqsa Mosque Field Visits: The Government adopted an outreach approach of continuous and close communication to meet the needs of its citizens. The majority of the Government's work, which accounted for more than half of the allotted time (both PM and Ministers), was aimed at conducting field visits as well as the inauguration of projects.

In conclusion, the Government, assures Your Majesty that its priorities during 2018, will be to continue implementing the Executive Program as adopted in various areas, and to exert efforts towards the following priority areas: Continue to build upon the progress achieved and to speed up the implementation projects and measures pertaining to public sector reform and to improve the quality of public services provided to citizens and investors, namely, raising the productivity of public employees, increasing their compliance with the laws and regulations, activating the punishment and reward clauses in the civil service system, enhancing the role of the internal control units, while simultaneously continuing to structure and re-engineer all Government procedures and transactions, to finally reach the goal of ‘a paperless Government’.

Commitment to implement financial reform program as per the IMF Extended Fund Facility Program (EFF) along with the JEGP’s detailed action plans, which will ultimately put Jordan on a sustainable growth trajectory and ensure its economic resilience in the face of regional turmoil.

Achieve greater progress in the implementation of the National Strategy for HRD, structuring of the vocational and technical training sector in Jordan and moving forward with the implementation of the empowerment and employment programs, which will contribute to alleviating unemployment and poverty.

Commitment to full implementation of the Royal Commission for the Development of the Judiciary System's recommendations, in addition to actualizing the necessary legislation, strengthening the rule of law and continuing the national program to combat terrorism and extremism as well as the anti-crime and drug programs.

Strengthen and institutionalize the social safety net in such a way so as to ensure the social protection needed by the lower and middle classes, as well as promoting the decentralization approach and providing all the means for its success and to achieve tangible results on the ground, while simultaneously strengthening local municipal councils’ capacities to perform their role in providing services and achieve development in all governorates, as well as enhancing women's economic participation.

Achieving tangible results in developing the transport sector, which is characterized by many delays, in addition to finalizing a clear strategy for the transport sector during the next five years.

Continue strengthening economic resilience by enhancing the food security system, the security of energy supply and the security of water supply, as essential elements to hedge Jordan from any external shocks.

As for the security and stability of Jordan, the Government will not hesitate to provide all forms of support to JAF and other security agencies, in order to remain steadfast in the face of Khawarij and terrorists.

With regards to Jordanian diplomacy, the Government will continue to strengthen Jordan’s active role in promoting joint Arab action and its influential role within the Arab League, and to continue strengthening our diplomatic presence on the international stage. The Government will continue supporting the Palestinians in obtaining their legitimate rights in establishing a Palestinian state, with East Jerusalem as its capital, pledging to uphold Your Majesty’s role as Custodian of Jerusalem's Holy Sites.

Your Majesty, With your unwavering support and guidance, and with the support of all Jordanians, the Government is determined to overcome all challenges and fulfill to the best of our abilities, the aspirations and hopes of our citizens. Moreover, the Government reaffirms that it will always remain committed to implementing its preset programs with fervor, in addition to overcoming any shortfalls that occurred or those which were not achieved during 2017, particularly with reference to sectors that showed unsatisfactory progress, and to succeed in realizing tangible progress in the current year and the years ahead.

Thank you.

Peace, mercy and blessings of God be upon you.

Your Faithful Honest Servant, Prime Minister Dr. Hani Al-Mulki

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