LH financial committee concludes deliberations over 2022 state budget draft laws

AMMAN — The Lower House Financial Committee on Wednesday concluded its meetings with the ministers and general directors over the draft laws of the 2022 state budget and budgets of independent public institutions. 

The committee, during a meeting chaired by MP Mohammed Saudi and attended by the ministers of planning, tourism, finance, energy, industry and trade, justice, environment, labour, investment, digital economy, entrepreneurship and media, as well as the minister of state for follow-up and government coordination, and the governor of the Central Bank of Jordan, shared its recommendations in this regard. 

Minister of Planning and International Cooperation Nasser Shraideh said that the government will consider the panel’s notes, adding that several recommendations are in line with the ministries' plans and strategies. 

Finance Minister Mohamad Al-Ississ said that this year’s budget is “non-traditional” with no tax or fees hikes, increasing capital spending by 43 per cent to create jobs and combat tax evasion. 

Minister of Digital Economy and Entrepreneurship Ahmad Hanandeh said that the communication sector, since 1996, has provided the Treasury with JD2 billion, stressing that the government owns 45 per cent of the sector, in terms of fees, taxes and customs, as well as the collections made from the operators. 

Energy Minister Saleh Kharabsheh highlighted the ministry’s efforts to enhance oil exploration in 2022.

Investment Minister Khairy Amr highlighted plans to impose tax on profits rather than sales. 

The committee will refer its recommendation to the Lower Chamber to start marathon deliberations.