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AMMAN — Minister of Government Communication and Government Spokesperson Mohammad Momani on Monday underscored the crucial role of media colleges as key contributors to the national media sector by nurturing young talent.

During a meeting on Monday with deans of media faculties and heads of media departments from public and private universities, held at the Ministry of Government Communication, Momani highlighted the importance of regular dialogues with academia. 

“These meetings aim to create a forward-thinking vision for the media sector, enhancing its development by integrating academic insights and keeping pace with technological and digital advancements in media production,” Momani said, according to the Jordan News Agency, Petra. 

Moman also reiterated the ministry’s commitment to promoting partnerships with media faculties and departments, focusing on revising legislation and curricula to equip graduates with the skills and creativity needed to enrich the national media landscape.

He also noted that the academic media sector has witnessed significant growth under the leadership of His Majesty King Abdullah, which has been marked by increased diversity and broader reach. He Momani also urged media institutions to adopt international best practices and align their academic programmes with international standards and trends to remain competitive and relevant.

AMMAN — The Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources on Monday outlined plans to assess the impact of implementing a time-of-use electricity tariff system on Jordan's industrial sectors. 

During a meeting with industry representatives at the Jordan Chamber of Industry, Minister of Energy and Mineral Resources Saleh Kharabsheh assured participants that the ministry would take necessary measures to mitigate the potential effects of rising electricity costs, particularly on industries that operate around the clock.

The discussions covered a range of energy-related issues affecting the competitiveness of Jordanian factories in both local and international markets, including requests from factories for increased electricity capacity, according to the Jordan News Agency, Petra.

Kharabsheh also said that if the cost of transformers and their installation, as set by electricity companies, proves excessive, the ministry will explore viable alternatives to alleviate the financial burden on industries.

The minister also said that the ministry would review electricity insurance fees and billing processes to help reduce financial pressure on industrial companies and ensure fairness and balance among stakeholders.

Highlighting the ministry’s commitment to supporting the industrial sector's shift to solar energy, Kharabsheh stressed the importance of expediting the completion of a 100 MW solar energy project, a critical step in fostering opportunities for further renewable energy projects.

President of the Jordan and Amman Chambers of Industry, Fathi Jaghbeer commended the ministry's responsiveness to the sector's needs, underscoring the importance of ongoing cooperation between the industrial sector and energy policymakers to enhance competitiveness and promote shared interests. 

He also reiterated that high energy costs remain the primary challenge to improving the competitiveness of Jordanian industries and boosting exports, calling for the expansion of the gas network to cover all industrial zones. 

Jaghbeer also emphasised that the expansion is vital for creating more employment opportunities for the national workforce.

AMMAN — A military source from the General Command of the Jordan Armed Forces-Arab Army (JAF) said that the sounds heard on Sunday evening in the governorates of Zarqa and Mafraq were due to the handling of several old explosives (unexploded ordnance) by the Royal Engineering Corps.

The source pointed out that these detonations did not result in any human or material damage, as they were conducted at night due to the nature and quantity of the explosives, ensuring their detonation in designated areas away from citizens and their properties, according to a JAF statement. 

AMMAN — Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ayman Safadi on Monday paid an official visit to the Jordanian embassy in Damascus to check on its operations and the consular services provided to Jordanians in Syria.

During the visit, Safadi stressed the importance of using all available resources to streamline consular procedures for Jordanians living in Syria, according to a ministry statement. 

He also underlined the embassy's crucial role in serving both Jordanians and Syrians and ensuring high-quality and timely services.

As part of efforts to improve efficiency, Safadi instructed to launch an online platform to manage appointments for visitors to the embassy. 

The minister praised the embassy's staff for their dedication to meeting the needs of the Jordanian community in Syria, providing the necessary support and facilitating processes under various circumstances. 

He reiterated the ministry's commitment to continuously improving services to citizens and meeting their needs efficiently.

AMMAN — Prime Minister Jafar Hassan on Monday met with President of the Jordan Press Association (JPA) Rakan Saaideh, as part of a series of meetings held with various sectors and unions.  

During the meeting, held at the Prime Ministry, Hassan stressed that the government is currently preparing a comprehensive plan outlining the measures needed to advance the vital role of the media sector and boost its digital presence.

He stressed the government’s commitment to promoting professional and objective media and welcomed constructive criticism that serves the public interest.  

Hassan reaffirmed the government’s dedication, as outlined in the Royal Letter of Designation, to keeping pace with developments in the media sector.

He highlighted efforts to encourage media outlets to enhance their digital transformation tools, stressing the government’s intention to collaborate with relevant parties, including the JPA.  

For his part, Saaideh praised the prime minister's initiative, describing these partnerships as positive and essential for addressing national issues.  

He outlined the challenges facing the media sector and underscored the importance of boosting the capabilities of professional and institutional media outlets to improve the sector and its institutions.  

Minister of Government Communications and Government Spokesperson Mohammad Momani, Minister of Political and Parliamentary Affairs Abdul Munim Oudat and Minister of Culture Mustafa Rawashdeh attended the meeting.

AMMAN — As part of its efforts to stimulate economic activity and achieve sustainable development, the government said it has issued 41 economic decisions during its first 100 days in office, aimed at stimulating growth, alleviating burdens on citizens and enhancing the business environment.

Briefing journalists on Saturday on the government's economic plans during the past 100 days, 
Minister of State for Economic Affairs and head of the Economic Team, Mohannad Shehadeh said the Cabinet, almost during each session it held over three months, has taken at least three major decisions by average all of "deep positive impact" on the national economy.

"These decisions were designed to align with the goals of the Economic Modernisation Vision, aiming to achieve economic growth, provide a better quality of life for Jordanians, and ensure the sustainability and long-term impact of these measures," he said.

Among the key measures the government has taken are 22 decisions focused on boosting economic activity and implementing major projects, a Prime Ministry statement said. These initiatives include supporting strategic sectors through the funding of major projects, such as the natural gas port and railway systems. The government also reduced export costs by up to 50 per cent, enhancing the competitiveness of Jordanian products in international markets."Plans were approved to bolster vital productive sectors, including agriculture and industry, with the aim of creating new job opportunities and stimulating sustainable growth."

On measures to improve the quality of life for citizens, the minister said that the government has taken 10 decisions targeting key social and economic challenges, including making essential services more affordable, strengthening social protection programmes, and improving wages in the public sector." The government expanded funding programmes for small projects, providing vital support for youth and women entrepreneurs. These measures are designed to directly benefit individuals and families, easing economic pressures while fostering a more inclusive economy."

"The government has also taken significant steps to enhance the business environment by issuing nine new laws aimed at encouraging investment and simplifying procedures. These reforms focus on reducing bureaucratic hurdles for obtaining licenses, offering investment incentives to both local and international businesses, and promoting transparency and governance within economic systems. By creating a more business-friendly environment, the government aims to attract investments and encourage entrepreneurial growth."

Shehadeh said the decisions reflect the government’s "determination to improve economic performance and achieve comprehensive development. The measures are expected to stimulate growth, reduce unemployment rates, and improve the overall living standards of Jordanian citizens."

"Moving forward, the government remains committed to implementing its long-term strategy, with plans to further support various sectors and achieve balanced development by the end of 2024."

AMMAN — As 2024 draws to a close, Jordanians are adopting diverse financial strategies to navigate a challenging economic landscape.

While some find hope in emerging opportunities and innovative approaches, others remain cautious, prioritising savings and reducing expenses.

Although government reforms aim to provide long-term relief, many citizens are focused on managing present economic hardships.

The International Monetary Fund (IMF) projects Jordan’s economy to grow by 2.3 per cent in 2024 and 2.5 per cent in 2025, signalling resilience despite persistent regional challenges.

Public sentiment reflects a mix of caution and muted optimism. According to the 2023 Arab Barometer survey, only 22 per cent of Jordanians rated current economic conditions positively, showing a slight improvement over previous years.

Meanwhile, 27 per cent expressed optimism about the country’s future economic outlook.

Maha Aboud, a school teacher, told The Jordan Times, “Nowadays, Jordanians are spending less on non-essential items."

Batool Mansour, a graphic designer, sees new opportunities in freelancing: “With international clients on freelancing platforms, I earn better than what local opportunities offer. It’s challenging, but it has allowed me to stay independent.”

Younger Jordanians, like recent graduate Sereen Yousef, are navigating these challenges with determination.  While still seeking her ideal job, Sereen remains optimistic.

“I’m focusing on developing skills that are internationally in demand. Remote work is one of the few options where I can earn a decent income without leaving the country,” she said.

Amid these varying approaches, Jordanians continue to adapt, reflecting resilience and creativity in the face of economic uncertainty.

AMMAN — The Integrity and Anti-Corruption Commission (IACC) on Sunday unveiled the latest edition of the National Integrity Index, measuring the public administration’s commitment to national integrity standards in line with international guidelines and the policies of the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD).

During a ceremony commemorating International Anti-Corruption Day, which this year was held under the theme “Justice and Integrity: The Approach of Every Official and Employee,” IACC Chairman Muhannad Hijazi reiterated the commission’s commitment to transforming Jordan into a corruption-free nation.

Hijazi stressed that the IACC is focused on building a fair, efficient, and transparent administration that delivers quality services to citizens with integrity, as directed by His Majesty King Abdullah, according to the Jordan News Agency, Petra.

He also urged public servants to make bold decisions, warning that indecision weakens public service delivery and erodes trust in state institutions.

Hijazi also said that 176 corruption cases were referred to the judiciary this year, a 41 per cent decrease compared with the previous year, resulting in the recovery of JD141 million for the National Treasury.

UNDP Resident Representative in Jordan Randa Aboul Hosn commended the "fruitful" partnership between the UNDP and the IACC in advancing the national integrity strategy and supporting the government’s public sector modernisation efforts.

 Deputy Head of the OECD Anti-Corruption and Integrity Division Jesper Johnson also commended the IACC’s work, noting that Jordan was one of the first Arab countries to ratify the United Nations Convention Against Corruption in 2005.

He also highlighted the commission’s implementation of numerous integrity strategies and the establishment of a comprehensive integrity framework in Jordan, assuring the OECD’s ongoing support for the IACC.

The ceremony was attended by Justice Minister Bassam Talhouni, Lower House Speaker Ahmad Safadi, and Cabinet ministers.