Reuters reported that Jordan's economy picked up slightly in the third quarter, expanding 2.6% YoY as the mining, transport and financial services sectors rebounded.

The Jordanian economy has been at its weakest in the last two years since an economic crisis in 1989, when the country was forced to seek help from the International Monetary Fund.

Officials say it will take time to get back to previous growth levels.

The finance ministry expects the economy to expand just 2.3% in 2011, lower than its earlier projections of at least 3%, while the IMF forecasts a 2.5% expansion in 2011.

In the second quarter, GDP grew 2.4% YoY. The aid dependent economy has been hurt by sluggish private sector growth, while regional political uncertainty has cast a shadow over investment.

(Sourced from www.reuters.com)