MPs ban independent business societies

AMMAN — MPs on Sunday prohibited the establishment of independent societies of businesspeople, unless under the supervision of the government.

During their deliberations of the new amendments to the 2011 Industry and Trade Law, lawmakers removed a provision that allowed Jordanian businesspeople to establish financially and administratively independent societies.

Also on Sunday, a group of lawmakers called on the government to reduce electricity tariffs, citing the negative consequences of high electricity prices for the national economy.

In a memorandum submitted to the Lower House, the 20 MPs argued that high electricity prices have an impact on the industrial and commercial sectors and consequently on citizens.

Lawmakers began the session by reading verses from the Koran in memory of His Majesty the late King Hussein.

Speaking on behalf of MPs, House Speaker Atef Tarawneh thanked His Majesty King Abdullah for his "historic speech" at the recently concluded Supporting Syria and the Region conference in London, saying the Monarch had shed light on Jordan's generosity towards refugees and its pivotal role in protecting the region's and world's security. 

In his speech last Thursday, the King urged the world to take a meaningful stand on Jordan and to adopt its new approach on Syrian refugees.

He said Jordan is not merely a poor country that only takes, but instead it has always done the right thing and has been compassionate and generous to people in need.