PM attends launch of ABJ’s social responsibility initiative

AMMAN — Prime Minister Bisher Khasawneh on Tuesday attended the launch of the Association of Banks in Jordan’s (ABJ) second initiative to support the Ministry of Social Development, which is part of the ABJ’s commitment to social responsibility.

Khasawneh highlighted the sustainable impact of the initiative, which has supported the rehabilitation and expansion of many facilities serving underprivileged communities, expressing gratitude to the ABJ and bank leaders for organising this initiative, the Jordan News Agency, Petra, reported. 

Khasawneh also expressed pride in the Kingdom’s unwavering support for just Arab causes, particularly the Palestinian issue, affirming Jordan’s steadfast position, under the leadership of His Majesty King Abdullah, towards the establishment of an independent Palestinian state with full sovereignty, based on pre-1967 borders with East Jerusalem as its capital. He also acknowledged the King’s role as the custodian of Islamic and Christian holy sites in Jerusalem.

The premier also emphasised that the Kingdom’s commitment to supporting the Palestinian cause does not contradict its efforts to boost the economy and confront national challenges. 

Minister of Social Development Wafa Bani Mustafa thanked the Jordanian banks and the Central Bank of Jordan (CBJ) for their generous support.

 CBJ Governor Adel Sharkas commended the government’s support for the banking sector and its role in leading the development process, highlighting the economic successes achieved by Jordan, including a drop in the inflation rate, an increase in the economic growth rate, and an improvement in national economic indicators.

ABJ President Basem Salem announced a new social initiative aimed at supporting and expanding the services of the Ministries of Education and Social Development. 

ABJ General Manager Maher Mahrouq affirmed the banking sector’s commitment to social responsibility and its leading role in supporting national initiatives. He also noted that the sector, whose assets equal twice the Kingdom’s GDP, is a key player in achieving financial stability and economic growth in Jordan, adding that the initiative underscores the banks’ commitment to supporting projects that contribute to social development and provide support for needy groups.

Mahrouq also noted that banks’ spending on social responsibility amounted to about JD30 million in recent years, and around $10 million this year in partnership with the Jordan Hashemite Charity Organisation to support efforts to assist Palestinians in Gaza.