AMMAN — The Ministry of Planning and Abu Dhabi Fund for Development (ADFD) on Wednesday signed a $300 million financing agreement to support the Kingdom’s general budget, as well as a $40 million contract to construct and equip a number of public vocational and technical schools.

 

The agreement was signed by Minister of Planning and International Cooperation Zeina Toukan and ADFD Director General Mohammed Saif Al Suwaidi, according to a Planning Ministry statement.

 

According to the statement, the $40 million contract covers the construction and equipping of five vocational and technical schools adhering to the highest standards across the Capital, Mafraq, Jerash and Irbid governorates.

 

The contract was signed by Minister of Education and Human Resources Development Azmi Mahafzah and CEO of Trojan Holding Ahmad Al Shamsi .

 

The project falls within the priorities of the Economic Modernisation Vision’s executive programme (2026-2029) and forms part of a memorandum of understanding signed between the Jordanian government and the ADFD in late 2023 to support vocational and technical education and supply the labour market with skilled personnel across various economic sectors.

 

Toukan stressed that the agreements reflect the depth of strategic relations between Jordan and the United Arab Emirates, embodying ADFD's pivotal role as a primary partner supporting the Kingdom’s development efforts for over five decades.

 

She added that ADFD's support to Jordan over the past five years has reached nearly $1 billion, underscoring continuous backing for the priorities of the Economic Modernisation Vision and sustainable development in the Kingdom.

 

For his part, Al Suwaidi affirmed that the agreement highlights ADFD's commitment to supporting Jordan's efforts in consolidating economic stability and enhancing foundations for sustainable growth.

 

He noted that the strategic partnership, established in 1974, serves as an advanced model of Arab co-operation based on mutual trust and a shared vision.

 

Al Suwaidi added that the fund will continue working with the Jordanian government to translate its development priorities into long-term impact projects and programmes, boosting the competitiveness of the Jordanian economy and advancing sustainable development.