Latest news with #EconomicModernisationVision
Ammon
10 hours ago
- Business
- Ammon
Cabinet approves JD4.1 mln to subsidise operational costs for public transport operators
Ammon News - The Council of Ministers decided to approve the Ministry of Transport's implementation of necessary procedures to restructure the Land Transport Regulatory Commission (LTRC) to define the roles, tasks and responsibilities between the Ministry and the LTRC. Under the proposed restructuring, a study will be conducted to establish a Board of Commissioners for the LTRC, similar to the Civil Aviation Regulatory Commission (CARC), enhancing the commission's independence, governance and its vital service and economic roles. Relevant legislation will be amended accordingly. The new Board of Commissioners will consist of the Chairperson, the Commissioner for Passenger Transport, the Commissioner for Freight Transport and the Commissioner for Rail Transport. Additionally, there is potential to include a Specialised Transport Commissioner to oversee other modes such as tourism, school and university transport, smart applications and more. The goal is to reduce workload and emphasise the emerging transport models. This restructuring follows a comprehensive study of the current state of the Land Transport Regulatory Commission, its mandated tasks, challenges and obstacles. The objective is to improve the commission's efficiency and effectiveness in advancing the Kingdom's transport system, which alligns with the objectives of the Economic Modernisation Vision. Recent developments in the transport sector include the launch of scheduled services between several governorates, supported by treasury funds, such as the Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) connecting Amman to Madaba. The Council of Ministers approved to earmark JOD4.1 million to subsidise operational costs for public transport operators from June through the end of the year, based on global fuel prices. The Ministry of Transport and the Land Transport Regulatory Commission will develop the implementation mechanism. Support will be disbursed monthly at rates of JOD100 for a medium-sized bus, JOD170 for a large bus, and JOD60 for small vehicles. The Council decided to exempt Syrian buses entering Jordan from fuel subsidies (diesel), set at JOD80 per bus carrying more than eight passengers, contingent upon reciprocity from the Syrian side to benefit both Jordanian and Syrian operators, reinforcing cooperation between the two countries to enhance trade and transport. On tourism, the Council approved the draft Tourist Guide Services Regulations for 2025 and the amended Tourist Guide Association Regulations for 2025, preparing them for submission to the Legislation and Opinion Bureau for approval. The regulations implement provisions of the amended Tourism Law No. (9) of 2024, which replaces licensing requirements with classification and registration via electronic applications, streamlining the licensing process. Regarding agricultural projects, the Council assigned the Ministry of Water and Irrigation/Jordan Valley Authority to set a maximum land lease of 4,000 dunams in the Wadi Araba region for investment, with exceptions possible based on project viability. This aims to stimulate economic activity, attract investments and create jobs in the area, supporting the goals of the Economic Modernisation Vision. The Council approved allocations of land in Al-Ghamr, Umm Mithla, Al-Risha, and Gharandal for food security projects, agricultural ponds and partnership expansion, contributing to national food security and optimising land use. To enhance healthcare services, the Council authorised the Ministry of Health to proceed with establishing the new Ajloun Comprehensive Health Centre, scheduled for completion in 2026 at a cost of JOD1 million. This aligns with the Quality of Life pillar of the Economic Modernisation Vision. In environmental efforts, the Council approved a $1.1 million agreement with the United Nations Human Settlements Program for urban greening and afforestation in Sahab, Zarqa Governorate. The project aims to develop sustainable, resilient urban environments, improve public spaces and address environmental challenges posed by urban expansion. As part of water infrastructure development, the government approved an investment grant from the Dutch government valued at €30 million for the Aqaba-Amman Water Desalination and Conveyance Project, which aims to supply 300 million cubic meters of potable water annually to address the Kingdom's water shortage. In energy and mineral resources, the Council approved the Jordan National Petroleum Company's retention of dues amounting to JOD3.4 million from 2024 revenues to support the Risha gas field development, including drilling 80 wells to increase production. The company aims to reach a production target of 418 million cubic feet per day by 2030. Furthermore, the Council approved land use agreements with Philadelphia Solar (Jordan) and Enertag (Germany) to prepare feasibility studies for green hydrogen projects, part of the government's strategy to develop renewable energy sources. To stimulate economic activity, the Council decided to exempt companies and taxpayers from fines and fees related to installment payments of income and sales taxes, provided dues are settled by the end of 2025. This measure aims to ease financial burdens and support business continuity. Additionally, the Council approved establishing a duty-free shop at the sea pier of the Abu Dhabi Ports Company's "New Port" in Aqaba, enhancing border trade and tourism services, in line with existing agreements with the Jordan Duty Free Shops Company. The Council approved an amended regulation for licensing exchange companies in 2025, allowing them to expand activities, including electronic money transfer services. Finally, the Council endorsed the Yarmouk University Faculty Regulations for 2025 and the grounds for regulating Sufi orders and tekkes in the Kingdom. The regulation aims to organise and supervise these institutions under the Ministry of Endowments and Islamic Affairs, ensuring legal oversight and preventing exploitation.
Zawya
26-05-2025
- Business
- Zawya
Jordanian apparel industry drives economic growth, green shift
AMMAN — The Jordan Chamber of Industry (JCI) has highlighted the leather and garments industries sector as one of the national industries leading in export and production, attributing its success to 'supportive' political will and continuous economic reforms. Ehab Qadri, representative of the sector at JCI, said the sector has become one of the main pillars of Jordanian industry. It now ranks first among export-oriented manufacturing industries, the Jordan News Agency, Petra, reported on Sunday. Qadri added that the sector's export value exceeded $2.5 billion in 2024, accounting for 26 per cent of Jordan's total industrial exports. Total production amounted to more than $3.2 billion. He noted that Jordan has become a strategic industrial base for exporting products to global markets, particularly the United States, benefiting from the free trade agreements signed by the Kingdom. Qadri emphasised that the sector is among the primary drivers of the Economic Modernisation Vision (EMV), launched by His Majesty King Abdullah in 2022. The EMV aims to increase the industry's contribution to Gross Domestic Product (GDP) and create hundreds of thousands of quality jobs by 2033. He said companies in the sector are now working to shift towards higher value-added industries by promoting design, innovation, and the development of national brands. The sector is also moving towards sustainable production that considers environmental and social dimensions. As part of its partnerships, Qadri referred to the signing of a memorandum of understanding with the International Finance Corporation (IFC). The agreement aims to enhance productivity and adopt advanced manufacturing technologies. Qadri explained that the partnership includes initiatives to build institutional capacity, develop value chains, and promote compliance with international standards. These efforts will strengthen Jordan's position as a regional hub for advanced textile and leather industries. According to Qadri, the sector is a leader in human development, currently providing over 90,000 direct jobs. Women make up more than 67 per cent of its workforce. It is also regarded as one of the most supportive sectors for women's economic empowerment, particularly in governorates, productive branches, and industrial zones across the Kingdom. Qadri noted that the sector also appeals to Jordanian youth through specialised training programmes and job opportunities designed to align with the demands of the modern labour market. In line with the global shift towards a green economy, Qadri said major factories in the sector have begun to adopt environmental and social sustainability standards. He added that these standards include the use of solar energy, water treatment technologies, and commitment to responsible production practices, enhancing the competitiveness of Jordanian products in both European and US markets. © Copyright The Jordan Times. All rights reserved. Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc. (
Jordan Times
25-05-2025
- Business
- Jordan Times
Jordanian apparel industry drives economic growth, green shift
Ehab Qadri, representative of the sector at JCI says that the apparel sector's export value exceeded $2.5 billion in 2024, accounting for 26 per cent of Jordan's total industrial exports (Petra photo) AMMAN — The Jordan Chamber of Industry (JCI) has highlighted the leather and garments industries sector as one of the national industries leading in export and production, attributing its success to 'supportive' political will and continuous economic reforms. Ehab Qadri, representative of the sector at JCI, said the sector has become one of the main pillars of Jordanian industry. It now ranks first among export-oriented manufacturing industries, the Jordan News Agency, Petra, reported on Sunday. Qadri added that the sector's export value exceeded $2.5 billion in 2024, accounting for 26 per cent of Jordan's total industrial exports. Total production amounted to more than $3.2 billion. He noted that Jordan has become a strategic industrial base for exporting products to global markets, particularly the United States, benefiting from the free trade agreements signed by the Kingdom. Qadri emphasised that the sector is among the primary drivers of the Economic Modernisation Vision (EMV), launched by His Majesty King Abdullah in 2022. The EMV aims to increase the industry's contribution to Gross Domestic Product (GDP) and create hundreds of thousands of quality jobs by 2033. He said companies in the sector are now working to shift towards higher value-added industries by promoting design, innovation, and the development of national brands. The sector is also moving towards sustainable production that considers environmental and social dimensions. As part of its partnerships, Qadri referred to the signing of a memorandum of understanding with the International Finance Corporation (IFC). The agreement aims to enhance productivity and adopt advanced manufacturing technologies. Qadri explained that the partnership includes initiatives to build institutional capacity, develop value chains, and promote compliance with international standards. These efforts will strengthen Jordan's position as a regional hub for advanced textile and leather industries. According to Qadri, the sector is a leader in human development, currently providing over 90,000 direct jobs. Women make up more than 67 per cent of its workforce. It is also regarded as one of the most supportive sectors for women's economic empowerment, particularly in governorates, productive branches, and industrial zones across the Kingdom. Qadri noted that the sector also appeals to Jordanian youth through specialised training programmes and job opportunities designed to align with the demands of the modern labour market. In line with the global shift towards a green economy, Qadri said major factories in the sector have begun to adopt environmental and social sustainability standards. He added that these standards include the use of solar energy, water treatment technologies, and commitment to responsible production practices, enhancing the competitiveness of Jordanian products in both European and US markets.
Jordan Times
17-05-2025
- Business
- Jordan Times
EMV's tourism initiatives enhance Jordan's status as global destination
The tourism sector is considered one of the 'largest' tributaries of the Kingdom's economy (JT file) AMMAN — The Economic Modernisation Vision's (EMV) economic engine of "Jordan, a Global Destination" includes a number of "qualitative" tourism initiatives that aim to enhance competitiveness and achieve a sustainable growth, according to an official statement. The tourism sector is considered one of the "largest" tributaries of the Kingdom's economy, the Jordan News Agency, Petra, reported. The Kingdom enjoys "unique" attractions in the religious, historical, and nature-based fields, such as Petra, the Dead Sea, Wadi Rum, the Baptism Site, Machaerus, the Cave of the Seven Sleepers (Ahlu Al Kahf) and the Husseini Mosque, in addition to adventure tourism such as diving and water sports sites. Jordan enjoys a "leading" position in the fast-growing medical tourism, and it meets the needs of tourists who are looking for "special" experiences in archaeological, nature and health tourism. The top tourism initiatives under the EMV aim at developing, managing and preserving tourist sites and facilities, improving various types of tourism products, activating the tourism investment initiative, and facilitating travel to and within Jordan, as well as launching a cost competitiveness initiative and providing services at "reasonable" prices. The initiatives also include establishing a programme for skill development, launching the "digital tourist initiative", updating the sector's data to facilitate decision-making, enhance tourism marketing, linking Jordan to wider network of countries, improving tourism-related regulations and simplifying governmental procedures. The Jordan Global Destination Engine comprises two sectors encompassing 25 initiatives, according to Petra. Tourism revenue surged to $2.4 billion in the first third of 2025, marking a 15.3 per cent increase compared with the same period last year, according the data from the Central Bank of Jordan (CBJ). According to the monthly report issued by the Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities, Jordan welcomed about 2.1 million international tourists in the first four months of 2025, marking a 19 per cent increase compared with the same period last year. This growth is attributed to promotional campaigns that target global markets, in addition to resuming direct flights and low-cost airlines.
Jordan Times
17-05-2025
- Business
- Jordan Times
EMV's tourism initiativesenhance Jordan's status as global destination
The tourism sector is considered one of the 'largest' tributaries of the Kingdom's economy (JT file) AMMAN — The Economic Modernisation Vision's (EMV) economic engine of "Jordan, a Global Destination" includes a number of "qualitative" tourism initiatives that aim to enhance competitiveness and achieve a sustainable growth, according to an official statement. The tourism sector is considered one of the "largest" tributaries of the Kingdom's economy, the Jordan News Agency, Petra, reported. The Kingdom enjoys "unique" attractions in the religious, historical, and nature-based fields, such as Petra, the Dead Sea, Wadi Rum, the Baptism Site, Machaerus, the Cave of the Seven Sleepers (Ahlu Al Kahf) and the Husseini Mosque, in addition to adventure tourism such as diving and water sports sites. Jordan enjoys a "leading" position in the fast-growing medical tourism, and it meets the needs of tourists who are looking for "special" experiences in archaeological, nature and health tourism. The top tourism initiatives under the EMV aim at developing, managing and preserving tourist sites and facilities, improving various types of tourism products, activating the tourism investment initiative, and facilitating travel to and within Jordan, as well as launching a cost competitiveness initiative and providing services at "reasonable" prices. The initiatives also include establishing a programme for skill development, launching the "digital tourist initiative", updating the sector's data to facilitate decision-making, enhance tourism marketing, linking Jordan to wider network of countries, improving tourism-related regulations and simplifying governmental procedures. The Jordan Global Destination Engine comprises two sectors encompassing 25 initiatives, according to Petra. Tourism revenue surged to $2.4 billion in the first third of 2025, marking a 15.3 per cent increase compared with the same period last year, according the data from the Central Bank of Jordan (CBJ). According to the monthly report issued by the Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities, Jordan welcomed about 2.1 million international tourists in the first four months of 2025, marking a 19 per cent increase compared with the same period last year. This growth is attributed to promotional campaigns that target global markets, in addition to resuming direct flights and low-cost airlines.
