Amman: The Council of Ministers has approved a comprehensive array of legislative and administrative measures designed to modernize public services, promote digital transformation, and enhance infrastructure development. These initiatives aim to foster economic growth and improve overall national service delivery.
According to Jordan News Agency, the Cabinet's session on Monday saw the approval of a draft law amending the Notary Public Law of 2025, which will allow notarial transactions to be conducted electronically. This change will enable electronic transactions to hold the same legal status as traditional paper-based ones, expanding the notary's jurisdiction and reducing associated costs and effort. Additionally, amendments to the Electronic Transactions Law of 2025 were approved to facilitate swifter service delivery by eliminating legal barriers against electronic services.
In public sector reform, the Cabinet sanctioned the Administrative Organisation Bylaw for the Public Service and Administration Authority for 2025. This move aims to streamline executive management and eliminate departmental overlap, thus aligning with the Public Sector Development Roadmap to enhance governance.
Infrastructure development is set to receive a boost with the approval of a draft amendment to the Road Traffic Services Allowance Bylaw (2025). This amendment provides a legal framework for operating the Kingdom's first alternative road and enables the collection of user fees for road maintenance. Furthermore, the Cabinet advanced the National Water Carrier Project, focusing on desalination and water transport from Aqaba to Amman, with preparatory works already underway.
To stimulate industrial growth, the Cabinet approved amendments supporting subsidized electricity supply to factories, especially in industrial cities. This aims to reduce production costs, enhance competitiveness, and create job opportunities. Moreover, mutual funds will now be subject to a flat tax on share sales, encouraging investment fund development while keeping dividends tax-exempt.
In tourism, the Cabinet amended the bylaw for the Tourist Guides Association, removing licensing requirements and establishing an electronic platform for guide data. This reform aims to increase professionalism and employment in the tourism sector.
The Council also approved tax settlements for 239 taxpayers as part of an initiative to ease tax burdens and promote compliance. In health, a project to strengthen epidemic preparedness was sanctioned, in collaboration with international organizations like WHO and UNICEF.
Key appointments were made, including Yazan Khudair as the new Secretary-General of the Ministry of Tourism and Dr. Manar Lawama as Secretary-General of the Jordanian Medical Council, reflecting the government's focus on leadership and efficient governance.