His Majesty King Abdullah on Sunday called on countries with rich and strong economies to help poor and developing nations overcome the consequences of the current global financial crisis and realise the UN Millennium Development Goals by the year 2015.
In a speech delivered on the King's behalf by Prime Minister Nader Dahabi at the UN-sponsored international conference on Financing for Development held in Doha, King Abdullah urged advanced states to shoulder their responsibilities and extend financial and technical support to underprivileged countries and promote trade and investments in these countries.
Dahabi returned yesterday to Amman.
Assistance expected from the rich also includes providing developing countries' products with access into their markets, King Abdullah said.
He indicated that 2008 witnessed the emergence of a major economic challenge following the unprecedented hikes in prices of oil and basic food items, reflecting negatively on the living conditions of citizens in poor and developing nations and their efforts to alleviate poverty and unemployment. He added that in these countries, the middle class has suffered imbalances that threaten to push it below the poverty line.
This situation is expected to be aggravated unless sufficient measures are taken to avoid the repercussions of the global financial crisis, especially since efforts to realise the global economy are stumbling.
He also called on world leaders and influential countries to work towards restoring confidence in the world's financial system.
Pointing out measures Jordan has taken as to face the crisis, King Abdullah emphasised that the policies, reform programmes and precautionary measures in place have helped dilute the impact of unfavourable development on the national economy.
The King said the country's openness, sound foreign trade policy and engagement in the global economic system are the constants that have enabled the country to boost its national exports to unprecedented levels.
King Abdullah said Jordan, like other developing countries, relies largely on foreign assistance such as grants and soft loans, adding that the Kingdom is very keen on enhancing ties with donors and financing organisations.
Foreign assistance has had a clear impact on the implementation of development projects and programmes, said King Abdullah, adding the various segments of Jordanian society have equally reaped the fruits of such support.
To enhance food security, the King said, Jordan has drawn up a promising development plan for the year 2009 to support the agricultural sector, increase its contribution to the GDP and curb poverty and unemployment levels, especially after the agricultural sector has become one of high potential, citing the 2008 World Development Report.
"The report indicated that increasing the contribution of the agricultural sector to the GDP is more effective in reducing poverty by four times compared to other economic sectors. The agricultural sector is the cornerstone on which national food security depends and it is a basic foundation for national security," the King said.