King lauds commitment of industrial sector to National Employment Charter

AMMAN — Prime Minister Omar Razzaz on Saturday conveyed His Majesty King Abdullah’s regards to the industrial sector for its support to the National Employment Charter. 

Addressing members of the industrial sector at a meeting organised by the Jordan Chamber of Industry (JCI), the premier said that under King Abdullah’s directives, he was attending the meeting held to familiarise the industrial sector with the charter, according to the Jordan News Agency, Petra. 

“The National Employment Charter is the top economic priority,” Razzaz said, highlighting the industrial sector’s commitment to the charter. 

Razzaz said that the employment of Jordanians requires time and cannot be achieved “overnight”, adding that it should not be separated from the incentives bundle that is required by the national industry, whether related to energy costs or “routine procedures”. 

The government has been receiving complaints regarding measures, “the least of which is precautionary attachment that is carried out without firm rationale or following protocol”, Razzaz said, voicing dismay at the fact that the attachment by customs and taxes could cover an entire institution.

Such procedures inflict harm upon national institutions, which produce and export, Razzaz said, adding that despite these obstacles, Jordan has achieved positive economic indicators through a rise in the volume of exports and the improvement of Jordan’s ranking according to international institutions.

“According to Moody’s Corporation, which ranks global economies, Jordan’s economy is neither shrinking nor experiencing a slowdown, and is rather in recovery,” the premier said. 

“Rejuvenation and recovery require cooperation, listening to the industrial sector and resolving problems as they arise,” Razzaz highlighted, reiterating the importance of joint efforts to employ youth in view of high unemployment rates. 

Razzaz said that, despite issues in the educational sector, and the teachers’ strike, “our differences fall under the national and constitutional umbrella, and we refer to the law to solve our disagreements and prevent escalation”.

For his part, Labour Minister Nidal Bataineh said his ministry is working to achieve “real partnership” with the private sector that “brings the public more comfort and stability”.

He noted that the government is adhering to Royal Directives on communication with the private sector and benefitting from its experiences and capabilities, which requires the facilitation of procedures to boost growth and provide training to Jordanians. 

“This also requires the provision of a suitable work environment for Jordanian labourers by offering more social insurances and appropriate wages that match the skills and experience of workers, within reasonable hours in accordance with current legislation,” he said. 

The labour minister called on the industrial sector to benefit from the National Service Programme recently revamped by the ministry, as a component of the National Employment Charter, which was founded by the government in cooperation with the public and private sectors.