Cabinet approves key agreements to strengthen water, food security, enhance infrastructure
AMMAN — The Cabinet on Wednesday approved grant and soft loan agreements of 50 million euros and two million euros with the government of Italy and the Italian Development Bank to finance the National Water Carrier Project.
The agreement aims to support the implementation of the Aqaba-Amman National Water Carrier Project for desalination and water conveyance, which seeks to provide 300 million cubic metres of potable water annually, address the chronic water shortage in the Kingdom, and increase water supply across all governorates, the Jordan News Agency, Petra.
During a session on Wednesday, chaired by Prime Minister Jafar Hassan, the Cabinet also approved an amended agreement for the implementation of the Northeast Balqa sanitation project, funded by the French Development Agency, at a value of 60 million euros.
The project, covering an area of approximately 48 dunums, includes the construction of a new treatment plant about 2 kilometres from the King Talal Dam, to replace the existing Baqaa sewage treatment plant. The project aims to improve and enhance the efficiency of the water and wastewater sectors in the area.
The design capacity of the new plant is about 36,000 cubic metres per day, expandable to approximately 54,000 cubic metres per day, Petra said.
The Cabinet endorsed an agreement for the implementation of the Food Security and Inclusive Economic Growth Project, in cooperation with the Italian government, focusing on sustainable rural products and the efficient use of local resources.
The agreement aims to enhance food security in Jordan, empower small-scale farmers, improve the quality of local food production, and develop resilient and sustainable agricultural systems.
The Cabinet also approved an agreement to implement the Circular Solutions Project in Jordan, in cooperation with the Global Environment Facility. The project aims to carry out specific activities in line with the global strategy for circular solutions to plastic pollution. It will improve the regulatory framework to ban certain single-use plastic products and promote a shift towards sustainable packaging by supporting the food and beverage sector's transition to non-plastic alternatives, according to Petra.
It also allocates financial support to small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) to establish businesses related to sustainable packaging and increase the percentage of recycled materials in plastic packaging, in accordance with existing coordination guidelines.
The Cabinet also approved the EU's 'Partnership Implementation Facility' (PIF) Phase II.The agreement aims to support the enhancement of effectiveness and efficiency of public sector institutions in implementing the partnership and cooperation priorities between Jordan and the EU, and to develop regulatory frameworks and policies that align with green, digital, and inclusive economic growth. It also includes defence cooperation with the Jordan Armed Forces – Arab Army, Petra reported.
In terms of investment support across various sectors, the Cabinet approved the extension of the 75 per cent exemption on export-bound horticultural agricultural goods from imposed fees until 31 December 2025.
The Cabinet also decided to extend decisions related to the Abdali Investment and Development (AID) Project for two years from their expiration date, to enable the start of Phase II implementation. The AID Project has already commenced infrastructure work for Phase II in the first half of 2025.
The Cabinet endorsed the settlement of 803 outstanding cases between taxpayers and the Income and Sales Tax Department.
The Cabinet approved two agreements with the German government through the German Development Bank to implement an employment programme through entrepreneurship. The programme aims to create a new financing window within the Industrial Development Fund to boost employment in the private sector in the Kingdom, by providing new job opportunities and improving access to financing for SMEs, especially those led by women.
The Cabinet approved a framework cooperation agreement to establish a joint economic committee between Jordan and Malta. It also approved four memoranda of understanding with Malta in the fields of water, energy, tourism, and archiving.
The agreements are part of efforts to strengthen relations, exchange expertise, and enhance cooperation between the two countries in various fields, Petra said.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Jordan Times
2 hours ago
- Jordan Times
ACT extends partnership with Tkiyet Um Ali for 9th consecutive year
AMMAN — The Aqaba Container Terminal (ACT) on Sunday renewed its partnership with Tkiyet Um Ali (TUA), marking the 9th year in a row of a 'successful' collaboration. This partnership amplifies the distribution of food parcels to beneficiaries according to an ACT statement. Chief Executive Officer of ACT Harald Nijhof and TUA Director General Samer Balkar signed the agreement. Nijhof said: "Our long-standing partnership with Tkiyet Um Ali is a source of immense pride for us at ACT." He added: "We believe deeply in their vital mission of bringing sustainable food aid to Jordanian families, and this collaboration is a cornerstone of our commitment to actively supporting the local community. It's a testament to what can be achieved through consistent, values-driven partnership." Balkar expressed his appreciation for the continued collaboration, saying: "Our partnership with Aqaba Container Terminal is built on shared values of responsibility, sustainability and compassion." "For nine years, ACT has stood by Tkiyet Um Ali in our mission to fight hunger and support the most vulnerable families across Jordan. This continued collaboration reflects the true spirit of corporate citizenship, and we are proud to work hand-in-hand to create lasting impact," he added. The ACT has established partnerships with several NGOs and community-based organisations in Jordan, including the TUA, King Hussein Cancer Foundation, the Jordan Hashemite Charity Organisation (JHCO) and Helping Hands. The ACT is committed to broadening its impact by expanding support to more beneficiaries across three key areas: education, environment, and well-being. This strategic direction underpins its strategy and reflects its deep-seated belief in making a tangible difference to shape a better tomorrow, the statement added. TUA is the first initiative of its kind in the Arab world, working to eradicate hunger through sustainable food aid. It provides monthly food parcels to the most vulnerable families across the Kingdom, ensuring long-term support rooted in dignity and social solidarity, according to the statement.
Jordan Times
2 hours ago
- Jordan Times
Companies' mid-year financial results show ‘accelerated' growth
AMMAN— CEO of the Amman Stock Exchange (ASE) Mazen Wadhafi on Sunday said that the half-year financial results announced by the listed companies reflect a "positive" performance and a "clear" indication of the strength of the national economy and its ability to adapt to challenges. According to ASE data, the profit after tax attributable to the shareholders of public shareholding companies listed on the ASE providing their financial statements increased to $1.5 billion compared with $1.3 billion for the first half of 2024 by 9.4 per cent, the Jordan News Agency, Petra, reported. The increase in the profit before tax for public shareholding companies reached $2.171 billion for the first half of 2025 compared with $2 billion for the first half of 2024, increasing by 7 per cent. The profit after tax for the financial sector increased by 12.5 per cent, the services sector went up by 5.3 per cent, and the profits of the industrial sector rose 4.6 per cent. Wadhafi stressed that these results were driven by a number of economic factors, government policies and reforms that strengthened the investment environment in the Kingdom, pointing out that the increase in the number of gainers to 104 companies compared with 69 companies in the same period last year. He added that the positive performance of the Egyptian index (EGX) was also reflected in the improvement of the general index by 17.1 per cent and the increase in the total return index by 26.6 per cent by the end of last July compared with the beginning of the year. The market value of listed shares increased by $6.5 billion to some $34 billion, marking an increase of 26 per cent since the beginning of this year, he noted. The average daily trading volume also increased to about $15 million compared with last year's levels, reflecting investors' 'increasing interest' in the Jordanian capital market and their confidence in its stability and future prospects. Wadhafi pointed out that the performance of listed companies, especially in the banking, industry and services sectors, had a "direct" impact on macroeconomic indicators, which contributed to increasing tax revenues, enhancing the revenues of the public treasury, improving the ability to service the public debt, and increasing spending on development projects and public services. Professor of Finance at Al Bayt University Omar Gharaibeh stressed that the strong performance achieved by many Jordanian companies listed on the ASE during the first half of this year was a result of a set of integrated factors that reflected a 'remarkable' improvement in the general operational and economic environment in the Kingdom. He noted that one of these factors is the improvement in the operational activity of many companies, as the decline in oil prices globally helped reduce the costs of production and transportation. These led to stimulating domestic demand and increasing expansion in foreign markets, and the restructuring of some departments and the application of more efficient production methods helped to improve overall performance. Gharaibeh pointed out that controlling costs and adopting austerity policies or improving expense management have directly contributed to increasing profitability margins, especially for companies that have adopted digital transformation to reduce operational expenses. He pointed out that part of the profits achieved also stems from higher returns on companies' investments in securities, real estate and joint ventures. The improvement in the local economic climate also played a supporting role, particularly with the stabilisation of the dinar exchange rate, slowing inflation rates, and improvements in indicators such as tourism and remittances from abroad, he added. Gharaibeh referred to the role of the legislative and regulatory environment, with some companies reporting that recent government measures and regulatory easing had helped improve the business environment and open up new avenues for growth. He also added that effective risk management, diversification of revenue streams and reduced reliance on traditional markets also contributed to boosting companies' financial stability. Gharaibeh said that a number of Jordanian companies have begun to link their improved financial performance to the "gradual" shift towards renewable energy, particularly in energy-intensive sectors such as manufacturing, cement, pharmaceuticals, agriculture and hotels. He pointed out that the adoption of solar energy systems has contributed to a 'significant' reduction in operating energy bills, especially in light of the continuing rise in traditional electricity prices.
Jordan Times
3 hours ago
- Jordan Times
Prime minister inspects development projects across Karak, orders upgrade to services
AMMAN — Prime Minister Jafar Hassan conducted on Sunday field visits to six key development and service projects in Karak Governorate, where he affirmed the government efforts to enhance infrastructure, healthcare, education, and vocational training in the region. The tour is part of Hassan's ongoing field visits to governorates to monitor progress on development projects and address local community needs, the Jordan news agency, Petra, said. The prime minister began his tour at Prince Faisal Sports City, his second inspection of the site since November. Accompanied by newly-appointed Youth Minister Raed Adwan, Hassan emphasised the importance of completing all three phases on schedule. He also highlighted the need to enhance green spaces, ensure the operation of sports fields and family facilities to the highest standards, and maintain the semi-Olympic swimming pool through continuous upkeep. The premier also directed that an unfinished government-owned building, purchased by the Ministry of Finance from the Karak Development Corporation in 2016, be allocated to Mutah University for use as a clinical facility for the Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry. Accompanied by Minister of Higher Education Azmi Mahafzah and Mutah University President Salama Naimat, Hassan listened to a briefing about the five-storey building, located 10 minutes away from the university campus, the building will be designated for dental, student and specialised clinics, laboratories and radiology, as well as providing medical services to the local community. Hassan also visited the newly established Moab Integrated Social Services Centre, the first of its kind in the district. The center was announced during a Cabinet session held in Karak last October. In the presence of Social Development Minister Wafaa Bani Mustafa, the prime minister issued directives for the construction of a park and recreational facilities at the centre, and the provision of essential supplies to ensure the effective delivery of services. He also ordered the provision of transportation to facilitate the movement of beneficiaries and expand the use of its services. The prime minister also visited the Moab Vocational Training Institute, toured its facilities and reviewed the various vocational programmes currently offered to 307 trainees, including hairdressing, automotive mechanics, and food manufacturing. He stressed the importance of linking food manufacturing and crafts to the government's dedicated online platform "Khairat Dar," which promotes the marketing of handicraft and food products from small production projects, according to Petra. He also ordered upgrades to computer equipment, the installation of air conditioning units, and greater access to funding from the Development and Employment Fund to support entrepreneurial ventures. The visit included a review of a hydroponic farming project, which the Vocational Training Corporation plans to expand in collaboration with the Ministry of Agriculture. He also inspected the Muhayy Awwali Health Center in the southern Mazar District and instructed that it be equipped with medical staff, its services be enhanced, and required maintenance be carried out. Accompanied by Minister of Health Ibrahim Badour, Hassan toured the health centre's departments and spoke with patients and staff about the centre's needs for medical personnel and equipment. The Prime Minister also inspected the progress of the development project for the archaeological site of Qatrana Castle, which he had directed the Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities to develop last February. The development work includes the construction of a visitor center, rest areas, and facilities that reflect the site's historical and touristic significance, the rehabilitation of the adjacent historic pool, and the installation of lighting for the castle. The project will be completed early next month.
