Qatar pledges 10,000 jobs, $500 million in investment for Jordan

DOHA, Qatar — Qatar pledges Wednesday to create 10,000 jobs for Jordanians on the territory of the energy-rich Gulf state, as well as invest $500 million in the kingdom hit by anti-austerity protests.

The announcement comes two days after Qatar’s rivals Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates made a $2.5-billion pledge to Jordan in conjunction with Kuwait.

Qatari Foreign Minister Sheikh Mohammed al-Thani visits Amman on Wednesday, where he meets Jordan’s King Abdullah II.

“Ten thousand jobs will be provided in Qatar to the Jordanian youth to help them achieve their aspirations and contribute to supporting the economy of their homeland,” his ministry says in a statement.

The ministry also announces $500 million will be earmarked to support infrastructure and tourism projects in Jordan.

Mass protests against price rises and a proposed tax hike have rocked Jordan in recent days as the government pushes austerity measures to slash the country’s debt in the face of an economic crisis.

— AFP