Latest news with #Irbid
Zawya
3 days ago
- Business
- Zawya
Jordan: $112.6mln exports of Irbid Chamber of Industry in May
AMMAN — The value of certificates of origin on Sunday issued by the Irbid Chamber of Industry (ICI) during last May amounted to $112.6 million, compared with $100.2 million for the same month of 2024, an increase of 12.4 per cent. According to the Chamber's report, the number of certificates of origin issued by the Chamber last month reached 1,386, compared with 1,440 certificates for the same period last year, the Jordan News Agency, Petra, reported. The report pointed out that the knitting and leather sector maintained the first place in the export sectors with a value of $101.961 million, followed by supplies, food and agricultural materials with a value of $4.299 million, then chemical and cosmetics industries with a value of $2.732 million At last come therapeutic industries and medical supplies with a value of $2.490 million, and the rest of the exports were distributed in the sectors of plastic and rubber industries, construction industries, packaging industry, paper, cardboard and office supplies, and engineering and electrical industries. Al Hassan Industrial Estate (HIE) accounted for the majority of exports, accounting for about 95 per cent, followed by Cyber City with more than 4 per cent of total exports. President of the ICI Hani Abu Hassan, said that the growth witnessed by the total values of certificates of origin issued by the ICI in May is the net result of a growth in the exports of four main sectors, led by the leather and knitting industries sector. He added that the exports of the ICI in accordance with the Arab agreement decreased by 15.4 per cent on a monthly basis for the month of May to reach about $7.2 million, compared with $8.4 million during May 2024. Abu Hassan explained that exports to the European and the US agreements grew and exceeded 33.6 per cent and 27.4 per cent, respectively, on a monthly basis for May, noting that the exports of the ICI in accordance with the trade agreements amounted to 81.2 per cent of total exports.
Jordan Times
25-05-2025
- Business
- Jordan Times
Agricultural sector marks ‘major' growth since independence
By JT - May 25,2025 - Last updated at May 25,2025 A recent photo of a farm in Irbid, 80 kilometres north of Amman. The Agriculture Ministry on Sunday says that the added value of the sector's production has reached JD1.691 billion, registering a 9 per cent growth rate (Photo by Issa Mubaidin) AMMAN — The Agriculture Ministry on Sunday said that the added value of the sector's production has reached JD1.691 billion, registering a 9 per cent growth rate. Development of the agricultural sector is among the 'most significant' achievements since the independence of Jordan, the ministry said in a statement on the occasion of the 79th Independence Day, carried by Al Mamlaka TV. According to the statement, vegetable production has increased by 91 per cent, while fruit tree produce has risen by 141 per cent. The variety of vegetables and fruit trees grown has also expanded to meet both local and international demand. To date, Jordanian agricultural produce has reached 112 countries, and the value of agricultural exports has risen by 441 per cent, achieving JD1.5 billion, the ministry noted. Regarding livestock, on which residents of rural regions and the Badia rely for income, the ministry reported an increase of 54 per cent, bringing the total number of animals to 3.8 million. The value of animal products has grown by 279 per cent, reaching JD1.305 billion. Employment in the agricultural sector now stands at 261,000 workers, an increase of 38 per cent. This, the ministry said, reflects the sector's potential to generate job opportunities in rural areas. The capital of the Agricultural Credit Corporation (ACC) has grown by 213 per cent, reaching JD100 million. Annual loans provided to farmers now total JD55 million, with 11,000 farmers benefiting from the corporation's services. The ACC has also guided farmers towards cultivating high-value crops and adopting modern technologies, including solar energy systems. The ministry added that it has prioritised food production to ensure integration among economic sectors and generate further employment. It has adopted the development of agricultural industries through several projects, including the Agricultural Industries Complex in the southern Jordan Valley. This initiative, in partnership with the private sector, will see the establishment of three factories. Investments in these factories are expected to reach JD12 million. They will produce 3,800 tonnes of tomato paste and 2,500 tonnes of frozen vegetables, creating 200 job opportunities for the local community. To stimulate agro-industrial activity within industrial estates, the ministry has launched an initiative to encourage private sector investment by covering rent costs for hangars used by investors for five years. Following the signing of 20 agreements with the private sector, it is expected that the facilities will produce 34 tonnes of processed potatoes, 100 tonnes of mushrooms, 2 tonnes of vegetables prepared for export, and 1,500 tonnes of locally farmed fish. The total value of private investment in this area is projected to reach JD30 million, generating approximately 2,500 jobs, the ministry said. Additionally, the ministry has launched the Agricultural Production, Marketing and Manufacturing Accelerator Project. This initiative provides soft loans of up to JD500,000 per company, with a 2 per cent interest rate, to support agricultural industries. The ministry also supports small agricultural enterprises due to their role in job creation. It has helped implement nine agricultural alliance projects at a total cost of approximately JD755,000. These initiatives have enhanced agricultural products and created 135 additional jobs in remote areas. The ministry plans to expand the alliance programme to include 100 alliances by the year 2030.
Jordan Times
25-05-2025
- Jordan Times
Man detained for allegedly torching tailor shop, killing employee — PSD
By Rana Husseini - May 25,2025 - Last updated at May 25,2025 AMMAN — The Criminal Court prosecutor levelled arson charges that led to the death of a person against a man who allegedly torched a tailor's place, killing a 22-year-old employee in Irbid, official sources said. The victim was working in the shop when the suspect allegedly set the place on fire, Police Spokesperson Lt. Col. Amer Sartawi said. 'The Civil Defence Department was called to extinguish a fire at the tailor shop, and when they extinguished the fire, they discovered the victim inside,' Sartawi told The Jordan Times. The victim was rushed to a nearby hospital but was declared dead on arrival, according to the police official. A special team was tasked with investigating the incident, and investigators became suspicious of an individual who is known to the victim, Sartawi added. Upon summoning the suspect, the police official maintained he reportedly confessed to setting the place on fire because he had a dispute with another employee'. A post-mortem conducted by a team of pathologists at the Irbid National Institute of Forensic Medicine indicated that the victim died of blood poisoning and smoke inhalation, a senior medical source said. 'The burns covered almost 70 per cent of the victim's body, which resulted in blood poisoning,' the senior medical source told The Jordan Times. The suspect was ordered detained for 15 days at a correctional facility by the Criminal Court prosecutor pending further investigations into the incident. Sartawi added that investigations are ongoing in the case.
Jordan Times
18-05-2025
- Jordan Times
Through the lens: Capturing the wild beauty of northern Jordan
A rare black vulture soaring against a clear blue sky in northern Jordan (Photo by Ammar Omari) IRBID — In the quiet hills and valleys of northern Jordan, where morning mist brushes over olive groves and birdsong breaks the silence, Ammar Omari has found his calling. A mechanical engineer by training and a teacher by profession, Omari is also one of Jordan's most passionate wildlife photographers, devoted to revealing the hidden beauty of the Kingdom's natural life. Hailing from Irbid, Omari began his journey into wildlife photography in 2013 with modest equipment and a simple goal: to capture the birds he saw in the countryside near his home. 'I started with basic gear, just trying to photograph the surrounding birds,' Omari told The Jordan Times. 'I was amazed by the variety and beauty of the wildlife in our area, especially the birds.' Over the past three years, Omari has sharpened his skills and invested in advanced equipment, focusing on northern Jordan's rich ecosystems, a haven for migratory and resident date, he has photographed approximately 95 bird species, both resident and migratory, including the Dead Sea sparrow, the common kingfisher, the black-winged kite, and the greenfinch. He also turns his lens towards land animals, capturing images of Arabian red foxes, golden jackals, and chameleons.'One of my favourite sightings was the black vulture,' he said. 'It is a migratory bird and extremely rare to spot in the Middle East. The photo I took isn't my best in terms of quality, but the rarity of the bird makes it one of my most special moments.' Omari's dedication has earned recognition. In 2024, he won first place in a local wildlife photography competition organised by the Jordan Photography Society. His work has also crossed regional borders. National Geographic Arabic published three of his photos, bringing attention to Jordan's lesser-known biodiversity. 'I hope through my work to spread awareness about the beauty of natural life in Jordan and the importance of keeping it safe and alive,' Omari said. His fieldwork often requires long hours of silence, patience, and stealth. 'This craft needs a lot of patience,' he acknowledged. 'Sometimes, I have to disguise myself and hide for hours just to get close enough for the perfect shot.' 'I want my photos to inspire admiration and action,' Omari said. 'Jordan's natural heritage is precious, and we must protect it for future generations.' His images tell a story of resilience and beauty, urging viewers to appreciate the ecosystems that thrive in this small but vibrant country. Balancing teaching with his passion, Omari dreams of the future. 'I hope to host my own exhibition one day,' he said, 'to share Jordan's wild wonders with the world.' For now, he continues his quiet mission, one frame at a time, revealing vast worlds that invite us to explore and safeguard Jordan's natural legacy.
Jordan Times
18-05-2025
- Politics
- Jordan Times
House speaker highlights Jordan's legislative reforms on rights
By JT - May 17,2025 - Last updated at May 17,2025 AMMAN — Lower House Speaker Ahmad Safadi has affirmed Jordan's 'firm' commitment to upholding human rights and public freedoms, citing ongoing legislative reforms and Royal initiatives. Speaking at the National Human Rights Forum in Irbid on Friday,Safadi said that under the leadership of His Majesty King Abdullah, the Kingdom has made human rights a top national priority. He pointed to the establishment of a Royal commission for enhancing human rights and the creation of the National Centre for Human Rights, which is 'guided by Islamic values, Jordan's Constitution, and international conventions,' the Jordan News Agency, Petra, reported. Safadi also highlighted the King's international advocacy, particularly his condemnation of the ongoing Israeli aggression on Gaza, calling it a form of genocide and ethnic cleansing. He urged the international community to assume its moral and legal responsibilities. 'The legislature continues to prioritise human rights and public freedoms, reflecting Jordan's efforts to strengthen its rights system and reinforce the rule of law,' he said. Safadi noted recent amendments to the Penal Code aimed at promoting restorative justice, including reduced fines and increased reliance on non-custodial measures such as community service. First Deputy Speaker Mustafa Khasawneh highlighted the launch of the 2016–2025 national human rights planand the establishment of the Higher Council for the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, the National Centre for Family Affairs, the Government Coordination Unit for Human Rights and the Constitutional Court as 'milestones' in enhancing the status of human rights and public freedoms in the country. NahlaMomani, Acting Protection Commissioner and Head of Freedom of Expression at the National Centre for Human Rights, said Jordan is evolving a "deepening human rights identity" and remains committed to addressing ongoing challenges. The event was organised by the Nour Al Salam Society for Human Rights.
