The US extends $12 million to support ongoing USAID initiatives

A grant agreement was signed earlier today between the Ministry of Planning and International Cooperation, and the United States Agency for International Development (USAID).

US Charge d'Affaires David Hale and United States Agency for International Development (USAID) Director Anne Aarnes signed the agreement on behalf of the US , while Planning and International Cooperation Minister Suhair Al-Ali signed on behalf of Jordan .

The grant is the first portion of a US economic assistance package expected to total $350 million for the fiscal year 2005. Under the grant agreement, the United States will support ongoing USAID initiatives aimed at promoting broad-based economic growth in Jordan .

One of the activities to be supported by this grant agreement is the USAID Achievements of Market-Friendly Initiatives and Results Programme (AMIR), which aims to assist Jordan in the development of an economic climate conducive to investment and trade.

According to a US embassy official, some USAID-funded programmes will receive grants to initiate new projects.

INJAZ, a school-based youth business skill initiative, will receive grants to expand its programme to more communities in the Kingdom. It is worthy to mention that the programme is currently active in Amman , Aqaba, Maan and Irbid.

He indicated that AMIR will receive grants to initiate a new project, which will offer business development assistance through a series of workshops and training opportunities aimed at female owners of small businesses.

Grants will also be received by the Jordan-US Business Partnership (JUSBP) to develop a plan for a transitional period to help it continue activities when their direct USAID funding is phased out in October, the official added.

Noting the support for ongoing trade promotion programmes, Hale said the agreement includes funds to help Jordanian manufacturers secure new export markets, “that create new jobs and expand the number of beneficiaries from bilateral initiatives like the US-Jordan Free Trade Agreement.”

The grant agreement was signed at the Applied University of Jordan, which the US has helped with grants worth $200,000 by supplying it with equipment, supplies and other forms of technical assistance, added Hale.