Abu-Ghazaleh: EPDF of “Jordan” is to Host the “Arab” Economic Policy Development Forum

AMMAN - The Economic Policy Development Forum (EPDF) organized a meeting for its Consultative Council and team leaders headed by its Chairman HE Dr. Talal Abu-Ghazaleh to discuss work progress, latest developments, and an implementation plan related to the establishment of the “Arab” EPDF.

During the meeting, the attendees discussed the Resolution of the Economic and Social Council of the Arab League, in its 97th session dated March 31, 2016, where the establishment of an Arab economic policy development forum was called for upon the recommendation of the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan, in an endeavor to fulfill the government’s vision for a leading entity to support various fruitful initiatives.  

As the Arab Forum to be chaired by Dr. Abu-Ghazaleh under the Honorary Presidency of the General Secretary of the Arab League, the attendees agreed that the Arab Forum be hosted by the EPDF of Jordan, which will assume all its responsibilities, yet, the Arab Forum will maintain full autonomy. 

The Preparatory Committee of the Arab EPDF was elected, including HE Dr. Abu-Ghazaleh as the Chairman, HE Dr. Jawad Anani, HE Dr. Mohammed Halaiqa, HE Mr. Hasan Abu Nimah and Mr. Fadi Al Daoud as members of the committee.

The Committee will present a report of all regulatory issues of the Arab EPDF activities, as well as an implementation plan aiming to support and develop the Arab Economy and promote the Arab cooperation. A resolution was also made to form a Board of Trustees for the EPDF to be selected of competent, merit-based, non-governmental Arab figures. 

Dr. Abu-Ghazaleh emphasized that all TAG-Org experts will work for the benefit of the Arab EPDF in order to activate and enhance its work and achieve its objectives towards optimal outcomes.

Furthermore, the meeting also tackled the activities of the EPDF of Jordan, as well as work progress and sustainability to ensure provision of efficient solutions for different economic challenges facing the Kingdom. 

Along with the other taskforces at the Forum, the establishment of a new taskforce was also discussed to examine and discuss the traffic jam in the capital city and to develop various solutions to resolve this problem.

However, after deliberation, it was agreed that such taskforce is to be added to the “Service” taskforce headed by HE MP Mr. Ahmad Al-Jaloudi for further consideration, as this issue negatively affects workflow, productivity and the daily life of all citizens.

The EPDF was launched in June 2011 in Amman as an independent self-initiative with a view to examining and reviewing economic issues, conducting economic studies and research in Jordan, and presenting them to decision makers.