AMMAN, July 29 (Xinhua) -- The World Bank will provide 250 million U.S. dollars to Jordan in August to support the country's reforms, said Ferid Belhaj, World Bank vice president for Middle East and North Africa, on Sunday.

He made the remarks during a meeting with the press in Amman, saying that the money is the second part of the 500 million dollars pledged to be given to Jordan in June.

Jordan received the first 250 million dollars last week, he said.

The financing seeks to improve the economy and business climate by reducing business costs, fostering competition and increasing exports, he said.

The financing also seeks to support Jordan to promote inclusive economic growth, create more jobs, and expand the National Aid Fund cash transfer program to cover an additional 85,000 households.

The program will have a specific focus on creating opportunities for young people and women, the World Bank said.

Launched in 2016, the Global Concessional Financing Facility provides concessional financing to middle income countries hosting large numbers of refugees at rates usually reserved for the poorest countries.