Latest news with #Jordan
Zawya
19 minutes ago
- Business
- Zawya
Jordan ranks 2nd among 7 Arab countries on global entrepreneurship monitor
AMMAN — Ministry of Digital Economy and Entrepreneurship on Thursday released the Jordan National Report on the Global Entrepreneurship Monitor 2024-2025. The report, launched in cooperation with the German Jordanian University (GJU) and the Jordan Strategy Forum, showed "remarkable" progress for the Kingdom in a number of entrepreneurship indicators. Minister of Economy and Entrepreneurship Sami Smeirat said that the results reflect the government's commitment to supporting the environment of entrepreneurship, stressing that "accuracy" in data is the "basis" for effective policies, the Jordan News Agency, Petra, reported. GJU President Alaadeen Halhouli said that survey researches contribute to understanding the real status of entrepreneurship and better directing programmes. The report is part of project "Entrepreneurship for sustainable economic development and employment in Jordan", implemented by the German Corporation for International Cooperation (GIZ) with the support of the Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development and the EU. Among seven Arab countries participating in the report, Jordan came second on the total early-stage entrepreneurial activity, with a large drop in the gender gap from 9.2 per cent down to 3 per cent. Jordan also ranked second on the Existing Business Ownership Index, indicating the sustainability of entrepreneurial projects. The report recorded improvements in the enabling environment for entrepreneurship, particularly in indicators of market dynamics, government policies and support programs, and regulation of market entry. Also on Thursday, the ministry, GJU and the forum signed an agreement that aims to enhance the research capabilities and encourage regular participation in the report. © Copyright The Jordan Times. All rights reserved. Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc. (
Zawya
19 minutes ago
- Business
- Zawya
Jordan: Agriculture Ministry, International Fertiliser Association discuss environmental sustainability, food security
AMMAN — Minister of Agriculture Khaled Hneifat on Thursday reiterated Jordan's commitment to supporting the transition towards environmentally friendly and sustainable fertiliser production. He also stressed the government's encouragement for national companies to invest in renewable energy and innovation, in line with Jordan's national objectives and ambitious policies for environmental sustainability and enhanced food security, in cooperation with international partners, the Jordan News Agency, Petra, reported. Speaking during a meeting with CEO and Director General of the International Fertiliser Association (IFA) Alzbeta Klein, Hneifat highlighted the leading role of the Arab Potash Company (APC) in Jordan's fertiliser industry. The minister, in the presence of APC CEO Maen Nsour, praised the company's contributions to local communities, national projects, and its support for the water-retaining environmental cocoon project, implemented by the Royal Scientific Society for Nature Conservation under the supervision of the Ministry of Agriculture and in cooperation with the company. Hneifat underscored the vital role played by the IFA as the global voice of the fertiliser industry, particularly in promoting sustainable agricultural practices, encouraging efficient fertiliser use, innovating nutrient management, and providing market information to improve the efficiency of global supply chains. He noted that the Kingdom is a 'key' partner in the global food security ecosystem, owing to its natural resources, particularly the production of potash and phosphate, two essential elements for crop growth and food security. Klein expressed appreciation for Jordan's pivotal role in supporting the global fertiliser industry through its production of phosphate and potash. She commended the APC as a national 'success' story and a key contributor to the global fertiliser sector. She also stressed the importance of the company's active participation in IFA committees and specialised programmes, particularly those focused on sustainability, innovation, and support for start-ups. © Copyright The Jordan Times. All rights reserved. Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc. (
Zawya
20 minutes ago
- Business
- Zawya
‘Efforts underway to ease Jordan-Syria goods movement'
AMMAN — Jordan and Syria on Thursday explored measures to streamline the flow of goods and passengers across their shared border to revive trade and logistics cooperation. An economic delegation from Jordan, led by President of the Jordan Chamber of Commerce (JCC) Khalil Al-Hajj Tawfiq, on Wednesday met in Damascus with Head of Syria's General Authority for Land and Maritime Ports Qutaiba Badawi. The meeting focused on eliminating logistical barriers, reducing transport costs and boosting cross-border commerce, the Jordan News Agency, Petra, reported. Discussions addressed practical steps to ease customs procedures, facilitate the movement of passengers, goods, tourists, and tour buses, and develop transit trade through both countries. The two sides also reviewed proposals to capitalise on the strategic location of Aqaba Port, simplify foreign company registration, regulate customs clearance fees, and ensure re-exported goods from Jordan's Zarqa Free Zone are "properly" certified with Jordanian certificates of origin. Hajj Tawfiq called for "sustained" coordination between the two countries on matters related to border management. He stressed the value of Jordan's experience in customs clearance, transport, logistics and free zone operations. "The Jordan Chamber of Commerce remains committed to building strong economic ties with Syria through partnership with the Federation of Syrian Chambers of Commerce," Hajj Tawfiq said, adding that the goal is to establish a "model" of regional economic integration. For his part, Badawi reaffirmed Syria's commitment to facilitating trade and transit with Jordan, calling it a 'strategic priority' for enhancing bilateral economic relations. He said that Syria seeks to upgrade its logistical infrastructure and transform its free zones into regional trade hubs connected to international transport networks. Badawi noted that the Syrian government is pursuing a clear strategy to revitalise the transport and logistics sectors, attract investment and stimulate economic activity. He highlighted "ongoing" rehabilitation efforts at land crossings, aimed at accelerating customs processes and lowering costs for traders on both sides. He also stressed that economic stability and growth in Syria would have a "positive" impact on Jordan and the wider region, pointing to significant untapped potential for cooperation in trade, logistics and investment. © Copyright The Jordan Times. All rights reserved. Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc. (
Zawya
20 minutes ago
- Business
- Zawya
Jordan: ASEZA approves new agreements to boost research, investment, culture, sports in Aqaba
AMMAN — The Board of Commissioners of the Aqaba Special Economic Zone Authority (ASEZA) on Thursday decided to approve an "initial" agreement with the Spanish PharmaMar Company for the Access and Benefit-Sharing (ABD) of scientific research. This decision comes within the authority's vision related to the pillar of sustainable growth, investment encouragement and the development of scientific research, for the purposes of exploration, collection and examination of marine organisms from Jordanian territorial waters. The aim of the decision is to launch biological research and drug discovery, provided that the procedures for obtaining the necessary approvals under the protocol on access to genetic resources and the fair and equitable sharing of benefits arising from their utilisation to the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) No. (20) of 2021 are completed. In regards to the pillar of institutional development and investment promotion, ASEZA decided to approve the amended bylaw for the "temporary" admission of vehicles for the ASEZA, which will provide a number of incentives to investors and companies. This decision comes within the authority's vision to promote investment, enhance Aqaba's position as a "regional" logistics hub, and encourage companies to register and benefit from the investment incentives offered by ASEZA to investors and investment companies. In regards to the pillar of leadership, innovation and community development, ASEZA decided to agree to contribute to supporting a cultural association to organise and establish a forum for art and culture in Aqaba, with the participation of artists from Arab countries. This decision comes within the authority's vision to promote and develop a culture of entrepreneurship and innovation in the culture and arts sector, as this forum seeks to promote cultural tourism within the authority's vision to make it an international centre for holding artistic and cultural events. The board also decided to approve the contribution in supporting a sports club in order to participate in the championships of Jordan Football Association in the 2025/2026 football season, through the participation of multiple age groups. The football club aims to encourage sports tourism and support young people in various sports, which contribute to activating the sports and commercial movement in Aqaba. © Copyright The Jordan Times. All rights reserved. Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc. (
Zawya
20 minutes ago
- Business
- Zawya
Jordan: SEPCO generates 30% of Jordan's electricity — minister
AMMAN — Minister of Energy and Mineral Resources Saleh Kharabsheh said on Thursday that the Samra Electric Power Company (SEPCO) provides around 30 per cent of Jordan's electricity needs, making it one of the country's largest and most critical energy providers. During a ceremony organised by the Samra Company in the Hashemiyah area of Zarqa Governorate to celebrate Jordan's 79th Independence Day, Kharabsheh highlighted the Economic Modernisation Vision as a strategic roadmap for the Kingdom, positioning the energy sector as a critical enabler of other industries and a cornerstone of the national economy. He also underscored the importance of addressing current challenges, transforming them into opportunities, and working toward achieving long-term national goals, according to an Energy Ministry statement. Kharabsheh also noted that the government is working to fully meet the Kingdom's natural gas needs from the Risha gas field within the next five years, through the efforts of the National Petroleum Company. Kharabsheh also highlighted the sector's key milestones, noting that SEPCO began commercial operations in 2005 with a single 100-megawatt gas turbine. "Today, its nominal generation capacity has reached 1,241 megawatts, with a projected total capacity of 1,834 megawatts by 2025," he added. He also commended the plant's efficient operation, managed by highly skilled Jordanian professionals, many of whom are residents of Zarqa, underscoring the company's role in supporting local communities and creating employment opportunities. For his part, SEPCO Director General Engineer Sami Zawatineh hailed the company's achievements since its establishment, reporting a nearly twelvefold increase in electricity production. He also noted the broader progress Jordan has made in developing its energy sector, particularly in electricity generation. © Copyright The Jordan Times. All rights reserved. Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc. (
