Syndicates hold ‘key role’ in activating workers’ contribution to economy — King

AMMAN — His Majesty King Abdullah on Thursday said professional associations are deep-rooted national institutions that have a key role in supporting their members and safeguarding their rights while activating their contributions to the economy.

During a meeting with association presidents at Al Husseiniya Palace, King Abdullah noted that the syndicates’ members include talented, capable Jordanians who have helped build the nation, stressing the need to benefit from their expertise in dealing with the challenges facing the Kingdom, a Royal Court statement said.

Nearly 500,000 Jordanians are registered as members of professional associations.

His Majesty called for concerted efforts by all sides to serve the nation’s higher interests, stressing the need for cooperation to finalise a 2019 strategy that identifies priorities and focuses on developing infrastructure, stimulating economic growth and creating job opportunities for youth while overcoming the challenges facing Jordan.

At the meeting — the first of a series of planned meetings with civil society institutions, political parties and youth — the King stressed the importance of focusing on socioeconomic reform, urging cooperation among professional associations and the public and private sectors.

His Majesty referred to the upcoming London conference on Jordan, scheduled to be held in February, to support the Kingdom’s economy, which, he said, shows that the world stands ready to support Jordan, according to the statement.

The King called for coordination among the public and private sectors, and civil society institutions to prepare plans for Jordan to overcome economic challenges, affirming the need to engage young people in the development process.

His Majesty also reiterated the importance of effectively combating corruption.

For their part, the association presidents said syndicates have much to contribute to mitigate economic challenges, adding that having strong unions is in the higher national interest.

They called for developing the education, investment, tourism and agricultural sectors, stressing the need to enhance public services, speed up the delivery of e-government services and nurture the talents of young Jordanians.

Syndicate leaders commended His Majesty’s decision on Baqoura and Ghumar, as well as the King’s directives to the government on the general pardon.

The meeting, attended by Royal Hashemite Court Chief Yousef Issawi and Adviser to His Majesty and Director of the Office of His Majesty Manar Dabbas, also covered the topics of political and economic reform addressed in His Majesty’s discussion papers.