Abu Dhabi Fund for Development (ADFD) said it had invested a total of Dh5.7 billion ($1.6 billion) in 31 projects across Jordan covering several key sectors including housing, water and irrigation, energy and transport.
 
The UAE fund and the Jordanian government have both enjoyed close ties dating back to 1974. Their constructive cooperation aims to achieve sustainable development goals in vital economic sectors that benefit the Jordanian population, said the emirati fund in a report issued to mark Jordan’s 71st Independence Day.
 
ADFD manages the $1.25 billion UAE government contribution to the Gulf Development Fund, a five-year grant programme of the GCC to finance development projects in line with the Jordanian government’s strategic objectives. The 2016-end marked the successful distribution of Dh4.5 billion ($1.22 billion). 
 
Congratulating Jordan’s people on the Independence Day, Mohammed Saif Al Suwaidi, the director general of ADFD, wished the country’s government progress and success in achieving its sustainable development goals.
 
He said that under the directives of the UAE President HH Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan and  Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces, the UAE and Jordan have enjoyed a strong fraternal bond. 
 
"The UAE is keen to support friendly countries in achieving their sustainability and socio-economic agendas," he added. 
 
Imad Fakhoury, Jordanian Minister of Planning and International Cooperation, said the UAE had played an instrumental role in sustainable development endeavours in Jordan. 
 
"Through ADFD, the UAE government has provided funding for projects advancing Jordan’s development priorities and socio-economic well-being since 1974," he noted. 
 
"The Jordanian government sees ADFD as an essential partner of its long-term growth efforts. The fund has successfully managed, allocated and distributed concessionary loans and grants to key sectors in Jordan, most notably infrastructure, healthcare, industry and mining, and water and irrigation," he added.-TradeArabia News Service