Washington, April 14 (Petra) -- A parliamentary delegation urged international financial institutions on Tuesday to adopt more flexible reform programs to help regional economies navigate the fallout of ongoing geopolitical instability.

The delegation, led by Assistant Speaker of the Senate Suhair Al-Ali and Khaled Abu Hassan, Deputy President of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Mediterranean and head of the House Economy and Investment Committee, participated in the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) meeting held on the sidelines of the World Bank and International Monetary Fund (IMF) Spring Meetings in Washington.

During sessions with senior officials from the IMF, World Bank, and International Finance Corporation (IFC), the Jordanian representatives discussed the severe economic pressure placed on the Middle East. Al-Ali highlighted that the regional crisis has negatively impacted Jordan’s tourism and energy sectors, threatening long-term growth and the kingdom’s ability to attract foreign investment and curb unemployment.

Al-Ali emphasized the critical need for continued international investment in Jordan’s large-scale infrastructure, specifically in the water, energy, and transport sectors. She specifically lauded the World Bank and IMF’s support for the "National Carrier," a vital desalination and water conveyance project aimed at addressing Jordan’s acute water scarcity.

Abu Hassan called for international financial programs to be better aligned with the "unusual circumstances" facing the region. He argued that reform packages must be more adaptable, providing the private sector with sufficient incentives to drive growth and infrastructure development.

The delegation also advocated for the inclusion of major infrastructure projects in low-cost "green financing" schemes, noting that such investments are essential pillars of the Royal Vision for Economic Modernization.

The meetings focused on the role of parliaments in supporting financial stability and stimulating growth as the global economy continues to grapple with supply chain disruptions and shifting geopolitical realities.

//Petra// AF