Latest news with #ItalianDevelopmentBank
Zawya
15-05-2025
- Business
- Zawya
Jordan's Cabinet approves key agreements to boost 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 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. © Copyright The Jordan Times. All rights reserved. Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc. (
Jordan News
15-05-2025
- Business
- Jordan News
Minister Highlights Italian Funding as Key Step for Jordan's National Water Carrier - Jordan News
Minister Highlights Italian Funding as Key Step for Jordan's National Water Carrier Minister of Water and Irrigation Raed Abu Saud today highlighted the strategic importance of a newly approved financing agreement with the Italian government, through the Italian Development Bank, for Jordan's national water carrier project. The Cabinet's decision earlier today secured a EUR 50 million soft loan and a EUR 2 million grant for the vital initiative. اضافة اعلان Minister Abu Saud characterized the agreement as a significant milestone in consolidating international support for this critical national infrastructure endeavor. He directly linked this achievement to the successful diplomatic initiatives undertaken by His Majesty King Abdullah II during his recent engagements with the European Union. "The Cabinet's endorsement of this agreement is a tangible manifestation of the fruitful outcomes of His Majesty's dedicated efforts to forge international partnerships in support of this project," Minister Abu Saud affirmed. He stressed that securing the necessary financial resources remains a paramount objective for the government, in alignment with Royal directives, and that this new funding will expedite the project's implementation schedule. The national water carrier project, identified as a foremost infrastructure priority, is designed to mitigate the Kingdom's severe water deficit by providing 300 million cubic meters of desalinated water annually, adhering to stringent international standards. Minister Abu Saud reiterated the indispensable role of international collaboration in ensuring the project's long-term viability and successful execution. He further elaborated that the initiative is anticipated to yield substantial improvements in potable water distribution nationwide, thereby addressing the requirements of approximately 4 million inhabitants. Critically, the project will also serve to reduce the strain on Jordan's over-utilized groundwater reserves, enabling the gradual replenishment of aquifers over the next decade to fifteen years. Furthermore, the project is expected to contribute to a reduction in non-revenue water and enhance the nation's resilience to the multifaceted impacts of climate change. Petra
Jordan News
15-05-2025
- Business
- Jordan News
Cabinet Approves €112 Million in Strategic Projects with Italy and Global Partners - Jordan News
Cabinet Approves €112 Million in Strategic Projects with Italy and Global Partners The Cabinet on Wednesday approved a key agreement with the Government of Italy and a financial agreement with the Italian Development Bank to support the National Water Carrier Project. The agreement includes a soft loan worth €50 million and a €2 million grant. اضافة اعلان This move is part of the Kingdom's strategic push to secure long-term water sustainability. The funding will help advance the Aqaba-Amman National Water Carrier a flagship infrastructure project that will supply 300 million cubic meters of desalinated drinking water annually. The project is central to the nation's response to its severe water scarcity and aims to boost supply across all governorates. The initiative is a pillar of the Economic Modernization Vision and represents the most ambitious national effort yet to confront water poverty head-on. In parallel, the Cabinet approved an amended agreement to move forward with the Northeast Balqa Wastewater Project, backed by €60 million in funding from the French Development Agency. The project will replace the existing Baqaa treatment plant with a new, state-of-the-art facility located 2 km from the King Talal Dam. It will also eliminate the Ain Al-Basha station, streamlining operations with a gravity-fed pipeline to the new site. The new plant will significantly improve sanitation infrastructure and environmental outcomes in the region. With an initial treatment capacity of 36,000 cubic meters per day expandable to 54,000 the project is designed to grow with demand. All required environmental, technical, and regulatory approvals have been secured. Tendering has been split into two packages, with both now through the prequalification and bid-opening phases. The project is moving toward contract awarding. The Cabinet also gave the green light to a new food security and inclusive growth project, developed in partnership with the Italian government. The program aims to empower small farmers, improve local food production quality, and promote sustainable agricultural systems. It aligns with the Economic Modernization Vision's high-value industries pillar and supports the national food security strategy (2021–2030), the Sustainable Development Agenda 2030, and other national plans. Key interventions include: * Technical and financial support to rural farmers to enhance productivity and quality * Training on modern farming techniques, business skills, and sustainability * Introduction of agricultural machinery to reduce labor intensity * Empowering rural women through small-scale food manufacturing initiatives * Establishing cold storage and waste processing units to reduce loss and improve quality * Expanding market access for smallholder farmers * Promoting circular practices and efficient resource use to minimize environmental impact The program targets smallholders, rural women, seasonal farmworkers, and members of agricultural cooperatives aiming to boost job creation, reduce poverty, and strengthen rural communities against economic and climate challenges. In the environmental space, the Cabinet approved a partnership with the Global Environment Facility (GEF) to launch Jordan's Circular Solutions Project. The initiative will align with global strategies to combat plastic pollution by banning certain single-use products, promoting sustainable packaging, and supporting SMEs developing eco-friendly packaging solutions. It will also push for higher recycled content in plastic products in line with global standards. The project will focus on environmentally impacted cities and will run for 60 months, beginning at the end of June 2025 and concluding in 2030. The Cabinet further approved an agreement with the European Union for the "Partnership Implementation Facility – Phase II" program, aimed at enhancing public sector effectiveness in executing key reform and partnership priorities with the EU. It will also support policy development in areas like green and digital economy growth and defense cooperation with the Jordan Armed Forces. To strengthen exports, the Cabinet extended the 75% tariff exemption on horticultural exports through December 31, 2025. This aims to sustain agricultural operations, protect jobs, and enhance Jordan's global market competitiveness. In support of investment, the Cabinet also extended special incentives granted to the Abdali Investment & Development Project for an additional two years. The goal is to accelerate Phase II implementation and attract investors to capitalize on the project's growing potential. Work on Phase II infrastructure began in early 2025. These exemptions will apply to necessary imported goods and services not available locally, provided they meet Jordanian standards, and are subject to Customs Department oversight. On the tax front, the Cabinet approved the settlement of 803 outstanding cases between taxpayers and the Income and Sales Tax Department part of broader efforts to ease the burden on businesses and citizens, encourage compliance, and improve the business climate. To boost employment and entrepreneurship, the Cabinet also approved two agreements with the German government, via the KfW Development Bank, to launch the "Employment Through Entrepreneurship" program. The initiative will introduce a new financing window under the Industrial Development Fund to increase access to capital for SMEs, especially women-led businesses, and support job creation. The program offers investment grants that support business growth and sustainable employment in line with the Economic Modernization Vision. The Cabinet also approved a draft regulation to license domestic cleaning service companies, referring it to the Legislation and Opinion Bureau for processing. This comes following amendments to the Labor Law requiring regulations to organize all aspects of hiring and managing domestic workers, including licensing conditions and ministry oversight. The new regulation aims to regulate the sector and reduce violations. On the international cooperation front, the Cabinet approved a framework agreement with the Republic of Malta to establish a Joint Economic Committee, along with four Memoranda of Understanding in the fields of water, energy, tourism, and archiving. In other decisions, the Cabinet appointed Omar Malhas as Chairman of the Social Security Investment Fund and accepted the resignation of Bilal Al-Hafnawi from the Board of Commissioners of the Telecommunications Regulatory Commission. Petra
Jordan Times
14-05-2025
- Business
- Jordan Times
Cabinet approves key agreements to boost water, food security, enhance infrastructure
Prime Minister Jafar Hassan chairs a Cabinet session on Wednesday, during which a number of agreements with Italy, France, Germany, EU, Malta were signed to enhance water and food security (Petra photo) 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 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.
Jordan Times
14-05-2025
- Business
- Jordan Times
Cabinet approves key agreements to strengthen water, food security, enhance infrastructure
Prime Minister Jafar Hassan chairs a Cabinet session on Wednesday, during which a number of agreements with Italy, France, Germany, EU, Malta were signed to enhance water and food security (Petra photo) 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 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.
