AMMAN: The Parliamentary Finance Committee, led by Nimer Slaihat, has concluded deliberations on the 2025 draft general budget law, deciding to reduce JD40 million from non-essential expenditures and to allocate these funds to key areas, including salary increases for military and civilian employees. The committee also aims to create 11,000 new jobs in the education and health sectors.
According to Jordan News Agency, the committee's budgetary adjustments focus on crucial sectors to address citizens' living conditions, including allocations for essential goods like wheat, barley, and gas, and financing training programs in information technology and agriculture. The committee has also scrutinized the budgets of various government entities to ensure they positively impact service provision, economic growth, and social issues such as poverty and unemployment.
The committee's recommendations emphasize prioritizing national projects like the desalination carrier project in Aqaba and the Aqaba-Ghor Al-Safi railway, urging a revision of their timelines to align with regional developments by mid-2025. Additionally, there is a proposal for a national economic and financial dialogue to prepare for economic partnership talks with Syria.
Managing public debt remains a focus, with the committee urging international entities to cap interest rates on loans and to reduce the general sales tax to balance economic needs with citizens' welfare. Enhancing the investment climate through streamlined procedures and encouraging international IT companies to establish a presence in Jordan is also a priority.
Regarding food security, the committee advocates for reducing import reliance by supporting agricultural cooperatives and small-scale farmers. The energy sector recommendations include exploring local reserves and promoting renewable sources, while minor electricity-related financial liabilities will not result in asset seizures.
The committee also underscores the importance of expanding vocational education and improving health services through infrastructure enhancements and digital health records. Tourism sector recommendations focus on diversifying offerings and developing domestic programs. Finally, empowering governorate councils through financial and logistical support is deemed essential for effective project implementation and economic efficiency.