Jordan: Prime minister says economic growth, job creation remain top priorities for gov't
Speaking during a meeting with the Taqaddum parliamentary bloc, attended by Acting Speaker of the Lower House Mustafa Khasawneh, Hassan said that the recent economic indicators for the first quarter of the year are 'encouraging,' pointing to improvements in growth, trade, and investment figures.
'We hope this momentum continues and that these indicators strengthen further,' Hassan said, adding that the numbers reflect progress despite a decline in the mining sector due to global market conditions. 'Had it not been for this downturn, the current indicators would have reached record levels unseen in recent years.'
The prime minister also outlined 'government interventions' aimed at supporting sectors impacted by regional tensions, most notably tourism. He cited positive signs of recovery expected with the start of the next tourism season in September, the Jordan news agency, Petra, reported.
He also emphasised that economy is the government's number one file, with a focus on achieving sustainable economic growth to help create job opportunities, adding that the Economic Modernisation Vision is fundamentally based on this principle, especially by supporting the private sector, expanding its role, and attracting investments, mainly into industrial cities and development zones across the country.
He also highlighted major strategic infrastructure projects currently under implementation in transport, water, energy, and other sectors, citing their significance in achieving economic goals and attracting foreign investment, according to Petra.
Hassan said employee efficiency remains the primary performance metric, emphasising ongoing efforts to accelerate digital transformation, upgrade institutional culture, and implement training programmes, all designed to improve public service delivery.
The prime minister reaffirmed the government's commitment to political modernisation, particularly through reforms to the Local Administration Law. 'We have initiated dialogue and will expand its scope,' he said, emphasizing that better municipal governance is essential to addressing challenges such as debt and weak services, Petra reported.
'Our goal is to maintain the path of democracy and reform while striking a balance between performance improvement and stronger governance,' he added.
Khasawneh praised government outreach efforts, including visits to governorates, which he said reflect the Royal vision of modernisation across economic, political, and administrative tracks. 'These efforts noted, are especially important amid ongoing economic challenges.'
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Zawya
an hour ago
- Zawya
Al Meera and Al Rayan Bank launch the "I am not made of plastic" initiative on International Plastic Bag Free Day
Doha, Qatar: In a joint effort to drive environmental awareness and promote responsible shopping habits, Al Meera Consumer Goods Company (Q.P.S.C.), in partnership with Al Rayan Bank and the Ministry of Environment and Climate Change, commemorated International Plastic Bag Free Day with a nationwide campaign urging customers to make the switch to eco-friendly shopping bags under the slogan 'I am not made of plastic.' Launched last Thursday, and coinciding with the global awareness day on July 3, the initiative saw the introduction of a limited-edition series of reusable shopping bags, available across all Al Meera branches, to encourage community members to use eco-friendly shopping bags instead of plastic ones in order to reduce waste. The bags were designed not just as a sustainable alternative, but as a statement of collective action toward reducing plastic pollution in Qatar. Similarly, the Ministry of Environment and Climate Change organized an awareness event in Al Mansoura branch, aiming to educate the public and enhance awareness of the importance of adopting environmentally friendly habits in daily life. Customers also had the opportunity to participate in a fun competition for a chance to win shopping vouchers provided by Al Meera, with a total value of QAR5000. Al Meera stated: 'Recognizing that the fight against plastic pollution demands a collective effort from institutions and individuals alike, we are actively empowering our customers to contribute to a more sustainable future. We are achieving this by integrating environmentally conscious practices that enrich their shopping experience through eco-friendly alternatives and strengthened sustainability initiatives, such as Reverse Vending Machines across our branches. We extend our sincere gratitude to Al Rayan Bank for their invaluable support and collaboration in these vital endeavours.' Observed annually, International Plastic Bag Free Day aims to reduce the environmental damage caused by single-use plastics. In addition, the day serves as a global call to rethink consumption habits and adopt more sustainable lifestyles. The collaboration with Al Rayan Bank brought added momentum to the campaign, aligning both brands' values around ethics, sustainability, and long-term impact. Mrs. Eman Al Naemi, Assistant General Manager, Corporate Communications at AlRayan Bank commented: 'Our participation in the International Plastic Bag Free Day initiative is a reflection of our broader commitment to supporting environmental work and meaningful community initiatives. We are proud to collaborate with Al Meera on this important step that we hope will inspire community members to take simple yet effective steps towards a cleaner and more sustainable future.' As part of its broader sustainability agenda, Al Meera continues to invest in impactful, customer-facing green initiatives. Its network of Reverse Vending Machines, available across select branches, allows customers to recycle plastic bottles and cans in exchange for Meera Rewards points, merging environmental action with everyday convenience. This campaign marks another milestone in Al Meera's growing portfolio of planet-friendly retail practices, reinforcing its commitment to supporting Qatar's environmental goals and inspiring conscious consumer behaviour at scale. About Al Meera Consumer Goods Company (Q.P.S.C.) Established in 2005, Al Meera Consumer Goods Company (Q.P.S.C.) aspires to be the leading retailer in Qatar, offering the best shopping experience to customers. Today, Al Meera operates the largest network of branches in the country, that provide a wide range of product mix and services to shoppers with the aim of becoming the most trusted retailer by choice. Currently, Al Meera's chain consists of over 69 branches and aims to fulfill customers' daily needs by building a presence in every neighborhood. Press Contacts Jasmin Afifi
The National
4 hours ago
- The National
UK restores diplomatic ties with Syria as Lammy visits Damascus
Britain said it was re-establishing diplomatic relations with Syria on Saturday as Foreign Secretary David Lammy visited Damascus. 'There is renewed hope for the Syrian people,' said Mr Lammy. 'It is in our interests to support the new government to deliver their commitment to build a stable, more secure and prosperous future for all Syrians.' Mr Lammy met his Syrian counterpart Asaad Al Shibani and President Ahmad Al Shara. It was the first time a British government minister had visited the country in 14 years. The visit by the British politician included a pledge of financial support of £94.5 million ($129 million) to provide urgent humanitarian aid and support Syria's long-term recovery through developing areas such as education. The West has been slowly resetting its approach to Syria since insurgent forces led by Hayat Tahrir Al Sham ousted Bashar Assad as president in December, following more than 13 years of civil war. Mr Lammy's visit comes days after President Donald Trump signed an executive order terminating a US sanctions programme on Syria, ending its isolation from the international financial system and helping it rebuild after the war. Britain also eased its sanctions in April, unfreezing the assets of Syria's central bank and 23 other entities, including banks and oil companies, to encourage investment, though it kept in place those targeting members of the former regime. Mr Lammy said that a stable Syria will reduce the risk of 'irregular migration', ensure chemical weapons are destroyed and tackle the threat of terrorism. During his meetings in the Syrian capital, Mr Lammy reiterated the importance of an 'inclusive and representative political transition' and offered Britain's continued support. Mr Lammy is also due to travel to Kuwait, where regional security and strengthening bilateral relations will be top of the agenda. He is expected to announce a new partnership with the Gulf monarchy to tackle the humanitarian crisis in Sudan.
The National
7 hours ago
- The National
Syria willing to work with US to revive 1974 disengagement deal with Israel
Syria has said it wants to work with the US to reimplement the 1974 disengagement agreement with Israel, which created a UN-patrolled buffer zone separating the two countries' forces. During a phone call with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Foreign Minister Asaad Al Shibani expressed Syria's 'aspiration to co-operate with the United States to return to the 1974 disengagement agreement', the Syrian Foreign Ministry said in a statement. Israel violated the agreement when its troops entered the zone after the rebel forces toppled Syrian president Bashar Al Assad in December. Washington has been driving diplomatic efforts towards a normalisation deal between Syria and Israel, with US envoy Thomas Barrack saying last week that peace between the two was needed. Speaking to The New York Times, Mr Barrack confirmed this week that Syria and Israel were engaging in 'meaningful' US-brokered talks to end their conflict. Israel launched hundreds of air strikes on military targets in Syria and carried out incursions deeper into the country's south after the overthrow of Mr Al Assad, whose regime survived nearly 14 years of civil war with the help of Iranian and Iran-backed forces. Syria's new authorities refrained from responding to the Israeli attacks and admitted to holding indirect talks with Israel to reduce tensions. The two countries have no official diplomatic relations, with Syria not recognising Israel and the two nations technically at war since 1948. Israel conquered around two-thirds of the Golan Heights from Syria during the 1967 Arab-Israeli war, before annexing it in 1981 in a move not recognised by any country other than the United States. A year after the 1973 war, the two reached an agreement on a disengagement line. As part of the deal, an 80km-long United Nations-patrolled buffer zone was created to the east of Israeli-occupied territory, separating it from the Syrian-controlled side. Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar said on Monday that his country had an 'interest' in normalising ties with Syria and neighbouring Lebanon. He added, however, that the Golan Heights 'will remain part of the State of Israel' under any future peace agreement. Syrian state media reported on Wednesday that 'statements concerning signing a peace agreement with the Israeli occupation at this time are considered premature'. During the call with Mr Rubio, Mr Al Shibani received a formal invitation 'to visit Washington as soon as possible', the Syrian Foreign Ministry said on Friday. It said the two men also discussed Syrian President Ahmad Al Shara's participation in the upcoming UN General Assembly. Mr Al Shibani visited the UN headquarters in New York in April, where he raised Syria's new flag. He and Mr Rubio also talked about 'the Iranian threat in Syria', with Damascus expressing 'its growing concern over Iran's attempts to interfere in Syrian affairs, especially following the strikes that recently targeted Tehran', the Foreign Ministry said, referring to last month's Israel-Iran war.
