Al-Urdun Al-Jadid Research Center (UJRC) created the Jordanian Forum for Economic Development (JEFD) in order to contribute to solving the problems of the economic challenges facing Jordan. The main challenges facing Jordan include the low growth rate of the gross domestic product (GDP), the high growth rate of the population, and the need to cope with globalization, which demands higher productivity and more competitive goods and services. The forum will create the framework for the Centers' economic activities, especially those concerned with enhancing dialogue between the public and private sectors, and academia. The forum will discuss the "hot" economic issues, presenting solutions for these problems. The recommendations will be passed on the legislative and executive authorities, in addition to businessmen, media and economists.

JEFD provides UJRC with terms of reference concerning economic affairs, with an emphasis on encouraging dialogue between the public and private sectors. The objective will be to provide solutions which will raise the growth rate as well as create more job opportunities.

UJRC was launched in mid-1990, starting operations in early 1993. The Center remains active in following the course of internal issues and policies.

On the economic level, the Center has published six studies as a part of the series on the "Economics of Jordan and the Middle East". UJRC has also organized two major conferences, "The Jordanian Economy in its Regional and International Framework" held in May 1996, and "The Regional Economic Cooperation Between Europe and the Mediterranean Countries" held in July 1996.

JEFD was launched in accordance with the recommendations of the above-mentioned conferences, which pointed out the need for dialogue on hot Jordanian economic issues. Jordan has completed nine years of economic reform (the first phase), while the peace process faces many hindrances. Added to this is Jordan's intention to join the World Trade Organization (WTO) and to meet the requirements of the partnership with Europe.