AMMAN — Jordan has emerged as one of the Middle East’s top performers in domestic debt market development, according to the 2025 annual report released by the Middle East Regional Technical Assistance Centre (METAC), an initiative of the International Monetary Fund (IMF).

 

The report identified Jordan and Egypt as the region’s frontrunners in enhancing local bond markets, noting that other neighbouring countries continue to lag behind in this area.

 

According to METAC, Jordan’s progress stems from government-led efforts to enhance domestic financing tools and reduce dependency on foreign borrowing.

 

The development of local bond markets, the report said, involves creating systems for issuing and trading government debt in local currency, an essential move towards sustainable public financing and long-term financial stability.

 

As part of its 2026 agenda, METAC will continue to support Jordan in advancing its debt market, improving fiscal sustainability and expanding the government’s financing options.

 

Assistance will also focus on public financial management, particularly in assessing and managing fiscal risks tied to state-owned enterprises and public–private partnerships.

 

“This is a strategic step that strengthens financial independence and sets a model for the wider region to follow,” said economist Waseem Hussein in remarks to The Jordan Times.

 

In parallel, METAC will maintain its collaboration with the Central Bank of Jordan to improve banking sector supervision. Upcoming projects aim to enhance oversight of interest rate and liquidity risks, and to align regulatory practices with international standards, thereby boosting the resilience of the financial system.

 

Financial analyst Yousef Suboh described METAC’s planned 2026 support as “a potential turning point for Jordan, allowing it to diversify funding sources and reduce fiscal pressure.”

 

The report said that Jordan’s growing role in regional financial reform reflects its commitment to transparency, institutional development, and creating a modern domestic bond market.