His Majesty King Abdullah on Sunday received a letter from Prime Minister Marouf Bakhit, voicing the government's commitment to enact key articles of legislation pertaining to economic and political reform.

The letter came in reply to the King Abdullah's November 25 letter to the premier, which listed a number of projects and pieces of legislation that the government should give priority to following the recent Cabinet reshuffle.

The premier said his government was committed to cooperating with the Parliament to expedite the enactment of key reform draft laws cited in the King's letter.

Among the legislation cited were the draft political parties, municipalities and press and publications laws.

“We assert the government's keenness on cooperating with the legislature to enact a package of reforms and political and economic pieces of legislation necessary to complete the reform process,” said Bakhit.

The prime minister also said the government would work to increase investment opportunities in the southern region through upgrading infrastructure and building the capacity of the local workforce.

Bakhit said the government intends to establish an industrial estate in Tafileh and expand the current one in Maan.

In his November letter, King Abdullah said “there should be a shift towards implementation and achievement,” adding that Jordanians "should feel actual results on the ground.”

In a nine-point list, the King identified the projects and pieces of legislation he wants the government to focus on.

He said the list was compiled in accordance with the National Agenda and the We Are All Jordan Forum's recommendations.

Also on Sunday, the King paid a visit to the Prime Ministry where he met with Bakhit and was briefed on the government's plans.

During the discussion, the King Abdullah emphasized the importance of teamwork and of ensuring that all governorates benefit from development gains.

Currently, the vast majority of investment initiatives are centred in Amman, Aqaba and the Dead Sea.

In an attempt to redress the balance, the Investment Promotion Law offers income tax and customs exemptions to encourage projects in the country's underprivileged areas.

For example, investments in Amman are entitled to 25 per cent income tax exemption, with this percentage rising to 75 per cent in certain underdeveloped areas.

In November, King Abdullah announced a plan to establish a $750 million special development zone in Mafraq Governorate, where the poverty rate stands at 37.2 per cent.

The Mafraq Special Economic Zone is the first of several such areas planned in the country, especially where poverty and unemployment rates are relatively high, the King said.