AMMAN, Dec. 30 (Xinhua) -- Jordan on Saturday said it received 170 million U.S. dollars in assistance loan from Japan.

Jordan's Minister of Planning and International Cooperation Imad Fakhoury said the loan seeks to support Jordan's fiscal situation, improve the country's business environment and enhance pubic services.

The minister voiced appreciation for Japan's continued support to the Kingdom and aid in various areas of development, according to a statement of the ministry.

The loan, he said, was a true testimony of Japan's willingness to support the development process in the Kingdom in the light of the challenges the Kingdom is facing and regional developments.

Since 1999 to date, Japan extended 1.3 billion dollars in assistance to Jordan, Fakhoury indicated.

Japan focuses on supporting key sectors in Jordan including water, energy, finance, the industrial sector and small and medium businesses.