King briefed on programme to implement economic vision in industry, labour and tourism

AMMAN — His Majesty King Abdullah on Wednesday was briefed on the government’s programme to implement the Economic Modernisation Vision in the industry, labour and tourism sectors, within a specific timeframe.

During a meeting at Al Husseiniya Palace attended by HRH Crown Prince Hussein, King Abdullah stressed the importance of working to ensure the projects under the vision are implemented successfully by having the required tools, qualified human resources and funding, according to a Royal Court statement.

His Majesty urged identifying the roles and responsibilities of each employee at the relevant ministries, and tying performance assessments to project implementation.

The King also called for keeping the public informed on the progress of implementing the economic vision, in order to maintain transparency and accountability.

His Majesty said the delivery unit at the Prime Ministry must follow up with each ministry on progress in implementation and check for any delays or inconsistencies.

Prime Minister Bisher Khasawneh gave a briefing on the monthly programme of priorities for the concerned ministries, noting that nine ministries so far have identified these priorities and the projects that fall under them within the Economic Modernisation Vision.

The prime minister noted that work is underway to set up an electronic system to monitor delivery and execution, submitting monthly and quarterly reports on progress.

Minister of Industry, Trade, and Supply and Minister of Labour Yousef Shamali, and Tourism Minister Makram Queisi gave a briefing on their ministries’ programmes and tasks within the economic vision.

Shamali said the industry and labour ministries’ priorities include building and developing a centre for exhibitions, devising and implementing a national strategy for exports over the next two years, and preparing industry policies to focus on high-value sectors such as the textile and pharmaceutical industries.

He also referred to plans to establish a technical training centre specialised in hybrid and electric vehicles, as well as heavy machinery.

Queisi said the tourism ministry’s priorities within the economic vision include developing the tourism product and the historical narrative of archaeological sites, encouraging tourists to extend their stays, and streamlining measures for investors in the sector.

The minister also pointed to plans to regulate adventure tourism, bolster cooperation with the Public Security Directorate to ensure tourists’ security and safeguard tourism sites, implementing promotional campaigns, and developing conference and medical tourism.