By the end of the third quarter, Jordan’s economy looked more stable than in previous periods. Inflation slowed to relatively comfortable levels, while foreign reserves continued to rise, giving confidence in the currency and meeting financing needs. Economic growth reached 2.8 per cent in the second quarter, in line with updated forecasts. These indicators show that the economy has managed to stay balanced despite regional and global challenges.

 

This financial and monetary stability is an important base. But the next stage requires broader and more inclusive growth. Unemployment is still high. Stability must turn into new jobs that give young people wider opportunities and add more energy to the economy.

 

Public finance remains under pressure, with public debt close to 118 per cent of GDP. Despite efforts to reduce the deficit and improve financial management, the coming stage requires new and creative options. These could include expanding debt-for-development swaps or attracting high-value investments that ease the fiscal burden and support growth.

 

Regionally, Jordan faces challenges similar to Egypt, Tunisia, and Morocco, with high public debt and fiscal pressures. But unemployment in Jordan is higher than in these countries, making it more urgent to speed up reforms that turn growth into real job opportunities.

 

On investment, progress has been made with laws and institutions. Still, Jordan needs to widen the base of future projects to create new paths for long-term growth. At the same time, speeding up the completion of major projects already in progress is vital, since they directly boost economic activity and investor confidence. Investors also seek faster procedures and clearer plans to improve competitiveness and market appeal.

 

In trade, imports continue to exceed exports. But strong sectors such as tourism and remittances helped reduce the gap. Expanding export diversification and linking Jordan with more regional and international markets can make the economy more resilient.

 

Looking ahead, the green economy and the digital economy are two key paths. Expanding renewable energy and sustainable farming can reduce reliance on imported resources. At the same time, the digital economy can open wide opportunities for young people through innovation and new technology. If developed in balance, these tracks can bring real transformation.

 

At the centre of this journey is people. Young Jordanians are the majority. Giving them modern skills and quality jobs is not only an economic need but also a guarantee of long-term social stability. Stronger regional integration can also open larger markets and create shared growth.

 

In conclusion, Jordan’s economy stands at a real turning point. Stability has been achieved, but stability alone is not enough. What is needed now is to build on it to reach stronger and more inclusive growth. Growth today is higher than population growth, which signals some improvement in living standards. The main challenge is to raise this growth further so it creates many more jobs and has a clear impact on daily life. Moving from stability to growth is not just a choice, but the natural path toward wider prosperity and sustainable development.