# background remarks

-   In September 2006, the Millennium Challenge Corporation (MCC) Board
    of Directors approved up to \$25 million in Threshold Program
    assistance for Jordan. The program will help the Government of
    Jordan (GOJ) accelerate implementation of its homegrown reform
    initiatives focused on improvements in public administration, civil
    liberties, infrastructure and the economy.

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-   Complementing the MCC-funded aspects of the Threshold Program, the
    GOJ has undertaken an ambitious package of legislative and
    regulatory reforms to be part of its broader reform initiatives.
    These proposed initiatives will focus on reforming the electoral
    system, strengthening political parties, enhancing the roles of the
    Parliament and judiciary, increase government transparency,
    broadening freedoms of the press and assembly, and decreasing public
    corruption and human rights violations. Jordan has also committed to
    a series of economic reforms that will reduce the cost of starting a
    business, reduce tariffs and subsidies, and improve the country's
    fiscal policy.

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-   In November 2006, Jordan was selected as one of the countries
    eligible for additional assistance from MCC. Accordingly, the GOJ
    began the process of applying for MCC Compact assistance.

# activities & operations

Over two years MCC assistance will fund two initiatives to strengthen
municipal governance and to modernize customs administration. USAID is
the lead U.S. Government agency tasked with implementing the Jordan
Threshold Program.

-   **Customs Administration Modernization Program:**

> In order to encourage more trade, the Government of Jordan will use
> MCC funds to improve the customs network including technical upgrades,
> more streamlined procedures and processes, and staff training. This
> will include:

-   Implementation of customs-related Board Management Task Force (BMTF)
    recommendations of implementing a "single-window" facility to
    streamline processes and interactions at the border

-   Procurement of hardware, software and equipment to upgrade the
    automated systems for customs data (ASYCUDA) to increase the
    efficiency of the customs clearance process

-   Capacity strengthening and training of customs officials in both the
    Jordan Customs Department (JCD) and the Aqaba Special Economic Zone
    Authority (ASEZA)

-   Developing appropriate policies and mechanisms that strengthen
    communication and cooperation between customs and the private sector
    and meet the private sector's need for customs information

-   Aligning and harmonizing JCD systems and procedures with ASEZA
    Customs

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-   **Local Governance Development Program:**

> In 9 of the 99 Jordan municipalities, the Jordan Threshold Program
> will provide technical assistance and training to empower local
> government and enhance citizen participation in local level
> decision-making. This will include:

-   Increasing citizen participation, with an emphasis on women, in
    local and national electoral politics through media campaigns,
    public fora, and training

-   Raising civic awareness of and involvement in local level government
    decision-making

-   Establishing effective public-private partnerships for development
    activities and cooperative services at the local level

-   Building the capacity of municipal local government, with an
    emphasis on local councils, to be more representative of and
    responsive to citizens, to deliver higher quality public services
    and to better advocate for municipal development

-   Ensuring effective, sustainable management of municipal development
    programs

-   Providing grants, through a Special Incentive Fund, to fund local
    development projects based on local priorities and developed through
    the collaboration of the local government and the citizens

# Partners

# 

-   Jordan Customs Department

-   Aqaba Special Economic Zone Authority Customs

-   Ministry of Planning & International Cooperation

-   Ministry of Municipal Affairs and pilot municipalities

-   Associates in Rural Development, Inc.