Jordan’s Competition Law Under Review to Attract Foreign Investment and Protect Small Businesses
Attracting Foreign Investment and Protecting Small Businesses
The Jordanian government has put its competition law under parliamentary review as part of efforts to strengthen the business environment and promote economic growth. The current law is seen as restrictive, with critics arguing that it does not provide adequate protections for small businesses and can stifle innovation.
Initiatives to Promote Transparency and Accountability
In a related move, the government has launched several initiatives aimed at promoting transparency and accountability in the public sector. These include:
- Financial Disclosure Law: Requires certain government officials to disclose their assets
- Jordanian Code of Conduct in the Public Sector: Prohibits ministers from holding seats on private company boards or engaging in commercial activities
- Whistleblower Protection Law: Establishes a special unit to provide protections for whistleblowers, including anonymity and protection at their residences
Challenges in Implementing Anti-Corruption Efforts
However, critics argue that while these initiatives are welcome, they have not been effectively implemented on the ground. A lack of institutional checks and balances, limited access to information, and restrictions on freedom of speech and press have all hindered efforts to combat corruption.
Criticism of the Government’s Anti-Corruption Strategy
The government’s anti-corruption strategy, launched in 2013, has also faced criticism for its lack of progress. Critics argue that the strategy lacks clear objectives and has not been effectively implemented.
Jordan’s Progress in Promoting Transparency and Accountability
Despite these challenges, Jordan has ratified the UN Convention Against Corruption and has made some progress in promoting transparency and accountability. The country’s constitution provides for freedoms of speech and press, but the government does not always respect these provisions in practice.
Media Environment and Civil Society Limitations
The media environment is also seen as restrictive, with journalists often facing harassment and intimidation. News websites must register with the government, which can block foreign or domestic websites that do not comply with content restrictions. Civil society organizations are also limited in their ability to operate freely, with many created and controlled by the royal family.
Conclusion
Despite these challenges, Jordan is seen as a key player in the Middle East’s economic development, with its competitive business environment and strategic location making it an attractive destination for foreign investors. With its competition law under review and various initiatives aimed at promoting transparency and accountability, the country is looking to build on this momentum and promote sustainable economic growth.
Sources
- World Bank: Doing Business 2017
- Transparency International: The National Integrity System Jordan, 27 January 2017
- Jordan Times: “More Cases Referred to Court by Anti-Graft Body”, 19 February 2017
- World Economic Forum: Global Competitiveness Report 2016-2017
- Bertelsmann Foundation: Transformation Index - Jordan 2016