Economy

The state is pushing ahead with structural reforms that should provide a sound base for future development. GDP is forecast to expand by 3.5% in 2013, while the government has made reducing the fiscal deficit a priority. Trade opportunities with Iraq are also being explored, and longer-term initiatives, including the development of shale oil and renewables, should help to address long-standing energy challenges. This chapter contains interviews with Umayya Toukan, Minister of Finance; Awni Al Rushoud, Acting CEO, Jordan Investment Board; Abdulwahab Al Bader, Director-General, Kuwait Fund for Arab Economic Development (KFAED); and Henry Azzam, CEO, Social Security Investment Fund (SSIF)