In recent years Jordan has made considerable progress toward achieving macroeconomic stability and implementing economic reform, especially in the areas of privatization and improving the business and investment climate. It stands out in its region as a model of sound, investor-friendly economic policy.
Jordan completed a decade of IMF programs in June 2004. This step marks the successful establishment of a sound budgetary and monetary framework for private sector-led growth. In October 2003, the Ministry of Planning and International Cooperation (MOPIC) started to work on a national plan of reform, in order to be an extension of the IMF program to pick up where the IMF left off and tackle unfinished business. The objectives of the three-year 2004-2006 economic and social development plan were to: reduce poverty and unemployment, remove distortions in the labor market, narrow the deficit in the budget, reduce public debt as a percent of GDP, distribute benefits among governorates, develop water resources, reduce dependence on foreign aid, encourage private sector initiatives, upgrade productivity of manpower, and restructure certain sectors.
Jordan's recent economic performance has exceeded expectations, notwithstanding the negative impact of the ongoing Palestinian-Israeli conflict, the aftermath of September 11, 2001, the global war on terrorism, and ongoing conflict in Iraq. Real GDP growth was 3.2% in 2003 led by a strong export performance. In 2005 growth was 5% and the same growth is forecast for 2006, according to the IMF. Nevertheless, the rate of unemployment in Jordan remains steady at about 15% and underemployment and poverty remain high.
Jordan's intellectual property (IP) laws meet international standards and are regarded as TRIPS-consistent. Effective enforcement mechanisms and legal procedures are still evolving and improving in Jordan.

Strong attention on the safety and security sector
Jordan has traditionally relied upon the security sector to maintain the country's stability in the shadow of regional upheavals. This is one of the most stable and secure countries in the Middle East, and the Jordanian Government gives the safety and security sector strong attention. The local market depends totally on imports, with a market size estimated at $71 million in 2004, and expected growth to be 10-15% per year in the following years. In addition, Jordan is the prime gateway to Iraq, with over 1,500 Iraqi companies operating from Jordan.
The Jordanian Government is firm in its efforts to maintain internal security amid unrest in neighbouring countries. Local business and government contacts confirm that there will be an increase in demand over the next few years for high-quality security equipment in several major product areas including surveillance, detection, and access control.
Currently commercial sales for security sector products and services originate from five separate Jordanian Government entities in the following order of magnitude: the Public Security Directorate, the Civil Defence Department (both within the Ministry of Interior), the General Intelligence Department, the Special Operation Command, and the Airport Security Unit (within the Jordanian Armed Forces). These five entities frequently work together in maintaining security in Jordan, and therefore commercial sales will often involve more than one entity. Virtually no commercial transactions of security equipment or services of any kind occur without the involvement of at least one of the above Jordanian Government bodies.
The Jordanian Government is currently implementing the C4ISR project, which is designed to provide an integrated security and defence system for Jordan through the Jordanian Armed Forces. There is also an imminent need for internal surveillance and interception equipment, as well as airport scanning equipment and hazardous material/weapons detectors for trucks at ports.
In the short term, opportunities are expected for firms in the areas of comprehensive urban surveillance and monitoring, and CCTV and building access control equipment and strategies. There will also be a growing need for eye and hand biometrics. The major long-term security project in Jordan is the Border Security Project. This large project will integrate thermal imaging and detection equipment, communications, and physical barriers along the borders with Jordan's neighbours.

Best Prospects
Access control and intrusion detection systems, identification equipment (such as holograms for identity purposes or products for biometrics based ID cards and finger printing), electronic surveillance equipment and closed circuit television (CCTV), and information security technology.
Products for border control and security: cargo and airport scanning equipment (x-ray, metal detectors, and explosives), products for physical access control and security including items such as road-blockers and tire killers.
General safety and security products: traffic control systems, GRPS, forensic equipment, fire detection systems and smoke alarms, and personal safety products for oil and petrochemical workers. In addition there will be strong demand for security services

Security exhibition in Jordan
SOFEX is a biennial exhibition which took place last time in Amman in March 2006.