Jordan Threshold Program

Jordan signed a $25 million Millennium Challenge Threshold grant on October 17, 2006. The program aims to strengthen democratic institutions by supporting Jordan’s efforts to broaden public participation in the political and electoral process, increasing government transparency and accountability, and enhancing the efficiency and effectiveness of customs administration. MCC assistance in Jordan will be used to advance reforms in three of the 16 indicators—“Political Rights,” “Voice and Accountability,” and “Trade Policy”— MCC measures to select countries eligible for funding.

The Threshold Program will help the Government of Jordan accelerate implementation of its homegrown reform initiatives focused on critical improvements in public administration, civil liberties, infrastructure and the economy. Many of these goals will require the passage of legislation by the Jordanian Parliament addressing political parties, elections, and nongovernmental organizations.

  • Signed:
    October 17, 2006
  • Completed:
    August 29, 2009
  • Total Grant Value: $25,000,000

In order to encourage more trade, the Government of Jordan will use MCC funds to improve the customs system including technical upgrades, more streamlined procedures and processes, and staff training. This component aims to improve the efficiency of the Customs Department, implement a “single-window” facility to streamline processes and interactions at the border, and upgrade the Automated System for Customs Data (ASYCUDA), the customs management system.

MCC assistance will be used to modernize customs administration by:

  • Determining the source of bottlenecks in the customs clearance process.
  • Updating procedures for all agencies deployed at the border.
  • Reconvening the interagency Border Management Task Force to design the structure of a single-window facility, where the Customs Department will operate on behalf of all agencies (except security) deployed to the border.
  • Developing processes, plans, and procedures, including interagency coordination mechanisms and information technology requirements, for the single-window system.
  • Drafting policies and procedures manuals that clearly outline risk-based clearance procedures, enforcement procedures, and procedures for the single-window system.
  • Providing training on international best practices and customs integrity using a train-the-trainers methodology; fully implement the revised Arusha Declaration for Customs Integrity of the World Customs Organization, which aims to improve integrity and identify, prevent, and effectively deal with corruption-related issues within customs administrations.
  • Procuring hardware, software, and equipment for the upgrade of the ASYCUDA customs management system.
  • Implementing the ASYCUDA upgrade.
  • Implementing a campaign to inform the public about upgrades to customs processes and procedures.

Country Scorecards

2011 EN FR PT SP
2009 EN FR PT SP

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