Ma'an: The government announced the Council of Ministers' decisions to support development, tourism, and industry during a session in Ma'an on Wednesday. Minister of Government Communication Mohammad Momani revealed several significant measures to journalists following the session at Ma'an University College / Balqa Applied University.
According to Jordan News Agency, the government decided to exempt commercial establishments and tourism businesses in the Petra Development and Tourism Zone from professional license fees for 2025. This decision aims to bolster the region's commercial and tourism sectors, stimulate economic activity, and create job opportunities.
The Council of Ministers has introduced an export fee of JOD35 per ton on specific types of cardboard and waste paper for a year. This measure is intended to support local industries and ensure a stable supply of raw materials for Jordanian paper and cardboard manufacturers.
Momani highlighted an agreement between the Ministry of Social Development (MoSD) and the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) to implement programmes addressing violence prevention, gender-based violence, and child protection in Jordan. Furthermore, the Council approved an agreement recognizing the training and certification of Jordanian seafarers on Norwegian-flagged ships, marking a step toward strengthening ties with Norway.
The ministers agreed to amend the agreement to avoid double taxation between Jordan and Kuwait, aiming to improve economic cooperation. On public sector modernisation, the Council of Ministers endorsed an amended administrative organisation for the Jordan Atomic Energy Commission to improve efficiency and address the growing demand for its services.
Momani acknowledged Ma'an's significance as the first capital of Jordan and its role in national development. He noted ongoing discussions about the region's needs, focusing on the Ma'an land port project, which aims to link the governorate to Aqaba's port and boost regional trade. Prime Minister Jaafar Hassan also visited Ma'an during the session and inaugurated the Comprehensive Government Services Centre, which provides 125 services from 24 government institutions.
The government plans to open additional centres in the coming months as part of public sector modernization efforts. Momani said the government is committed to establishing a diabetes and endocrinology centre in Ma'an over the next three years to enhance healthcare services in the region.