EPDF’s Jordan Economic Compact "MARSAD” Convenes

MARSAD is an institutional project and independent entity for the first time in the history of Jordan that professionally monitors the government performance and works transparently, openly and cooperatively with all parties – HE Dr. Abu-Ghazaleh

AMMAN --- February 24, 2013 --- The Economic Policy Development Forum (EPDF) held its meeting for the Jordan Economic Compact "MARSAD" after the finalization of its Head Office’s formation and of the 23 taskforces that cover all the economic, development and services sectors.

The Forum’s Presidential Office and taskforces have been formed as follows:

The Executive Committee: Dr. Talal Abu-Ghazaleh (President), Mr. Hamdi Al Tabba’ (Vice-President), Dr. Jawad Anani (Vice President), Mr. Hasan Abu Nimeh (Advisor), Dr. Khalid Al Wazani (Secretary General) and Dr. Yaseen Al Khayyat (Coordinator).

Members of the Presidential Office are: Mr. Thabet Al Taher, Dr. Hisham Gharaybeh, Dr. Mohammad Abu Hammour, Dr.Mohammad Al Halaiqah, Ms. Maha Al Khateeb, Ms. Reem Badran, Mr.Nabil Talhouni, Dr. Ali Al Madadha, Mr. Faisal Al Shboul and Mr. Fadi Daoud.

Heads of Administrative Committees:

GDP: Dr. Jawad Hadid
Investment: Dr. Maan Nsour
Public-Private Partnership: Dr. Mai Al Taher
Unemployment: Mr. Samir Murad
Integrity and Transparency: Dr. Mohi El Din Touq
Energy: Dr. Ahmad Hyasat
Public Finance Policies: Dr. Mohammad Abu Hammour
Women Empowerment: Ms. Nadia Al Aloul
Minimum Wage: Dr. Hisham Gharaibeh
Law Enforcement: Dr. Arwa Al Mothaffar
Digital Literacy and communication: Engineer Basem Al Rousan
Rising Expenses: Mr. Fahmi Al Ktout
Basic Education: Dr. Ameen Mahmoud

Health: Dr. Ahmad Al Armouti
Higher Education and Scientific Research: Dr. Isam Za’balawi
Agriculture: Engineer Mahmoud Abu Ghanimeh
Environment: Dr. Yaseen Al Khayyat
Industry: Mr. Adnan Abul Raghib
Water Resources: Engineer Mohammad Al Najjar
Bilateral & Multilateral Trade Agreements: Dr. Mohammad Al Halaiqah
Media and Mass Communication: Ms. Reem Badran
Tourism: Ms. Maha Al Khateeb
Public Sector Governance: Mr. Fadi Daoud

HE Dr. Abu-Ghazaleh stressed that MARSAD is an institutional project and independent entity for the first time in the history of Jordan that professionally monitors the government performance and works transparently, openly and cooperatively with all parties and it includes personalities and experts who aim at studying the support of the economy based on clear standards and criteria.

Dr. Abu-Ghazaleh said that MARSAD will prepare at the first phase a document that explains the concept of economic policies, standards and indicators that guide the successive governments on the short, medium and long term. MARSAD is the entity the observes the implementation of such standards.

HE Dr. Abu-Ghazaleh stated that the Forum was a successful attempt that discovered the way that became clear ahead of us now, therefore, the Forum became a pool for organizing activities such as meetings and lectures that serve the public interest.