Jordan

Jordan, which has very little oil production and limited ways of acquiring foreign currencies, is actively trying to globalize its economy. Focusing on economic growth through the foreign direct investment and free trade, Jordan's per capita GNI grew by 250% over the past 10 years. On the other hand, its economic growth has been slow since the global financial crisis originated in the U.S. in 2008, due to the characteristics of its economic system highly depending on the foreign countries. Besides, the recent fiscal deficit of the government is widening because of the natural gas import pause/cutdown from Egypt and the large influx of Syrian refugees. In this wise, the country has historically been affected by the conflicts in the neighboring countries such as Palestine, Iraq and Syria. For the development of Jordan, JICA's support to Jordan primarily focuses on: "Support for Self-reliant and Sustainable Economic Growth" through assisting tourism sector development and effective utilization of natural resource, "Poverty Reduction and Minimizing Social Disparities" through supporting socially vulnerable groups such as Palestine refugees that has long history in Jordan, persons with disabilities and women, and "Investment for Peace Building and Regional Cooperation" through assisting rapidly increasing Syrian refugees and providing trainings for neighboring Arab countries in Jordan that has relatively higher education and technical levels in the region.