AMMAN — Unemployment is Jordanians’ biggest concern, Prime Minister Omar Razzaz said on Friday, adding that the national economy only provides 30,000 to 35,000 jobs annually. 

 

In an interview with Jordan Television’s "60 Minutes" programme, Razzaz noted that the government pledged to double this number to 60,000 jobs, and has already provided 30,000 so far this year.

 

However, the premier said that this is still not enough in light of having 300,000 unemployed Jordanians, the Jordan News Agency, Petra, reported. 

 

If the government continues on this path, improves labour market inputs and substitutes foreign workers with Jordanian labourers, it will realise its goal, the prime minister said.

 

The government also takes into consideration studies from national institutions evaluating the government’s performance and highlighting any shortcomings, he stressed. 

 

During the interview, Razzaz referred to the challenges that faced the government during its first year, mentioning the terrorist attacks in Salt and Fuheis, natural disasters and pressure from the influx of Syrian refugees. 

 

As for the economy, the prime minister said that what matters in this regard is the stability of the economy at the monetary level, noting that the Kingdom has a monetary reserve sufficient for more than seven months, while the international average is three months.

 

Tax revenues have also been encouraging after the new Income Tax Law was endorsed, according to the premier, who added that the new law addressed some faults that allowed tax evasion. Tourism revenue has also been on the rise and imports have climbed by 13 per cent, Razzaz pointed out.

 

The government’s biggest concern remains energy due to its high cost, however, the prime minister stressed that there is a strategic reserve to avoid any crises.

 

The government is also working on expanding health insurance coverage, which currently covers 67 per cent of Jordanians. The government would like to eventually reach 80 per cent, Razzaz said, noting that the prices of 1,127 medications have fallen between 18 and 86 per cent.

 

As for addressing corruption, Razzaz expressed his satisfaction in the government’s approach, saying his team has worked to improve the anti-corruption system through legal and practical methods. 

 

In relation to the country’s debt, the prime minister said that the government assumed office with accumulated debts equal to 94 per cent of the GDP, noting that the government had managed to reduce the debt by $50 million.

 

The interview also touched on Palestine, with Razzaz noting that His Majesty King Abdullah always emphasises Jordan’s unaltered stance towards the Palestinian cause and highlights the need for reaching a just and comprehensive solution to the conflict that guarantees the establishment of an independent Palestinian state.