EU and key international financial institutions support Jordan’s reform agenda
A joint High-level mission of the European Commission and key European and international financial institutions as well as the United Kingdom’s Department for International Development was in Amman today to confirm coordinated international support for the Government of Jordan’s economic reform agenda.
A Joint High-level mission in Amman
European Commissioner Johannes Hahn today led a high-level mission to Jordan bringing together the EU, 6 partner financial institutions (the French development agency (AFD), the European Investment Bank (EIB), the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD), the International Monetary Fund (IMF), the German Development Bank (KfW), the World Bank Group (WBG) and the UK’s Department for International Development (DFID), which hosted the February 2019 London initiative conference. Together, the EU, DFID and the financial institutions participating in the mission are currently providing over EUR 7 billion of international support to Jordan.
The group met with Jordan Prime Minister Omar Razzaz accompanied by Ministers of the Jordanian Government as well as with representatives of Jordan’s private sector and civil society that have an important role to play in promoting and implementing the reform agenda.
Discussions focused on how best to provide coordinated support to the implementation of the government’s reform roadmap (Turning the Corner – Jordan path to growth) and associated 5 year reform Matrix. This matrix includes key economic reforms needed to create inclusive growth and jobs, to protect the poor and vulnerable and make better use of the population’s skills, and to ensure Jordan’s macroeconomic stability.
Following the recent third Brussels Conference and the London initiative, the High-level Mission confirmed the support of the international community to the Government in implementing key reforms for the period 2019-2023 in the country. This includes reforms to promote growth and job creation, to improve the business climate and reduce business costs, to promote foreign investments and develop Jordanian exports, to deepen access to finance, create more and better jobs, and improve social protection for the poor and most vulnerable. In addition, key sectoral reforms to increase the sustainability of the energy and water sectors were discussed.
Mission participants have agreed on the need to further coordinate and align their financial and technical support behind Jordan’s reforms priorities, in order to enhance impact.
Starr Insurance Companies Appoints Andrew Hopper as Head of Financial Institutions, UK and Europe
Starr Insurance Companies announced the appointment of Andrew Hopper as Head of Financial Institutions for the UK and Europe. Hopper joined Starr on June 3 and will be responsible for the strategy and profitable growth of the Financial Institutions division.
Prior to Starr, Hopper was a senior client executive within the FinPro Practice at Marsh in London.
“Andrew brings more than 17 years of financial industry insurance experience on both the broker and carrier sides of the business,” said Liz Ilott, chief underwriting officer, Financial Lines, Starr Underwriting Agents Ltd (SUAL). “He’s developed smart risk management solutions for large financial institutions throughout his career, including banks, asset managers, and life insurance companies, with a solid track record of driving revenue growth for his employers. His leadership will help us to develop new channels and strengthen our client and partner relationships.”
Andrew will report directly to Liz Ilott and will be based in Starr’s London office.