Jordan’s foreign currency reserves have reached a robust $17.4 billion, a figure that covers 7.6 months of the nation’s imports of goods and services, the Central Bank of Jordan announced today. This level significantly surpasses the international benchmark of three months, underscoring the nation’s economic resilience. Adel Sharkas, the Governor of the Central Bank, emphasized in a press briefing that this strong reserve position bolsters Jordan’s capability in exchange rate management, fortifies its economic landscape, and boosts the confidence of international creditors and investors. Such confidence is pivotal for Jordan’s commitment to meeting its external financial obligations. Analysts view the surge in foreign reserves as an affirmation of Jordan’s prudent monetary policy, which is likely to attract further foreign investments and elevate the nation’s standing among global financial institutions. Several factors have contributed to this positive trajectory. Central Bank data reveals a 15.3% uptick in Jordan’s exports of goods and services in the first half of the year, touching approximately $11 billion. This surge has led to a 35.4% contraction in the trade deficit, which now stands at $3.1 billion. Additionally, remittances from overseas workers have shown an upward trend, reaching $2.254 billion in the first eight months. Foreign direct investment inflows also witnessed a growth spurt, increasing by 20.9% to about $776 million compared to the same period in 2022. The tourism sector, a significant contributor to the nation’s economy, has also shown promising signs. Tourism revenue climbed by 37.7% over the past nine months, amounting to $5.819 billion. This growth is attributed to the influx of tourists, tallying 5.058 million, marking a growth rate of 38.1%. The Central Bank’s announcement comes as a testament to Jordan’s economic stability and its ability to navigate financial challenges, positioning it favorably on the global economic map.
Source: Jordan News Agency