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AMMAN — Prime Minister Jafar Hassan on Wednesday received Secretary-General of the Digital Cooperation Organisation (DCO) Deemah Al Yahya at the Prime Ministry. 

Al Yahya was accompanied by the heads of delegations attending the DCO’s fourth General Assembly, which is currently chaired by Jordan and being held at the Dead Sea, the Jordan News Agency, Petra, reported. 

The prime minister commended the DCO’s pivotal role in advancing digital cooperation among member states, supporting digital transformation and enabling the digital economy to drive sustainable development. 

He also highlighted the National Council for Future Technology, established under the directives of His Majesty King Abdullah and chaired by the prime minister, with oversight from HRH Crown Prince Hussein. 

The council is set to play a key role in shaping Jordan’s digital policies, fostering private-sector partnerships and staying ahead of technological developments.

Hassan emphasised the importance of Jordan’s hosting of the meeting, especially amid the rapid global shift toward digital transformation. 

He noted that Jordan’s vision for digital development aligns closely with the DCO’s objectives, reinforcing the country’s commitment to advancing digital innovation.

Al Yahya expressed her appreciation for Jordan’s hospitality, saying that the General Assembly marks a significant milestone in strengthening digital cooperation among member states. 

She also highlighted that the event in Jordan is a reflection of a shared commitment to building an inclusive, thriving digital ecosystem that creates sustainable economic opportunities in line with future needs.

Minister of Digital Economy and Entrepreneurship Sami Smirat stressed that hosting the fourth General Assembly underscores Jordan’s dedication to bolstering digital cooperation with the DCO’s 16 member states.

The heads of delegations reiterated their countries’ commitment to enhancing collaboration and supporting the DCO’s ambitious vision of creating an inclusive and sustainable digital economy.

AMMAN — During the official visit of Kazakhstan's President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev to Jordan, several key memorandums of understanding (MoUs) were signed, marking a significant step in strengthening bilateral relations between the two countries.

The agreements spanned various sectors, underscoring the growing cooperation between Jordan and Kazakhstan, the Jordan News Agency, reported. 

One of the main agreements was an executive programme for cultural cooperation between the Ministry of Culture and Kazakhstan's Ministry of Culture and Information, covering the years 2025-2027. 

Additionally, a MoU was signed between the Ministry of Environment and Kazakhstan's Ministry of Environment and Natural Resources to enhance cooperation in environmental protection efforts.

Another MoU focused on administrative and technical cooperation between Jordan Free and Development Zones Group (JFDZG) and Kazakhstan's Ministry of Industry and Construction.

The two countries also formalised a MoU between the countries' ministries of agriculture on the mutual recognition of veterinary certificates for the import of animal products from Kazakhstan into Jordan. 

In addition, a MoU was signed between Al Mamlaka TV and Kazakhstan's Radio and Television Complex to promote media cooperation.

The agreements were signed on behalf of Jordan by Minister of State for Economic Affairs Muhnned Shhadeh, and on behalf of Kazakhstan by Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of National Economy Serik Jumangarin, Kazakhstan's Ambassador to Jordan Talgat Shaldanbay, Minister of Agriculture Aidarbek Saparov and Director General of the Kazakh Presidential Radio and Television Complex Raushan Kazibayeva.

Also on Wednesday, a memo meant to promote cooperation in uranium exploration and mining was signed between the Jordan Uranium Mining Company and Kazatomprom of Kazakhstan. 

AMMAN — The Lower House on Wednesday approved amendments to the residency and foreigners' affairs draft law.

The amendments, approved during a session chaired by Lower House Speaker Ahmad Safadi and attended by Cabinet members, will take effect 90 days after publication in the Official Gazette, including significant changes to the 1973 law. 

Lawmakers approved setting fines at JD200 for violations of Articles 11 and 14 of the law, the Jordan News Agency, Petra, reported.

During the session, MPs noted that the cost of detaining residency violators exceeds the cost of deportation.

Head of the Chamber's Legal Committee Mustafa Amawi said that increased fines for foreign labour violations would not apply to Gaza residents, who will face a reduced fine of JD10, as agreed with Labour Minister Khaled Bakkar.

Minister of Political and Parliamentary Affairs Abdul Monem Odat stressed that the law represents state sovereignty and border control.

"The state has the right to know who enters its borders, their destination, and place of residence," he said.

Odat noted that the amendments were not primarily about increasing residence fees but rather updating a 50-year-old law whose original provisions no longer served their intended purpose.

The amendments were deemed necessary after observations showed that most foreigners entering the Kingdom legally failed to submit personal status declarations within specified periods.

Hotel managers often failed to report foreign guests' information to authorities within legal timeframes, with existing penalties proving insufficient as deterrents.

AMMAN — President of the Royal Scientific Society (RSS) HRH Princess Sumaya Bint El Hassan said during the graduation ceremony for 40 Jordanian entrepreneurs from the Orange Corners Jordan programme that entrepreneurship is not merely a business activity, but an embodiment of self-reliance and the ability to create opportunities where none exist.

Princess Sumaya stressed that entrepreneurship should empower individuals and communities, fostering innovation and driving sustainable development. 

She noted that entrepreneurs do not seek only personal success, but are part of a broader movement shaping the future of Jordan and the Arab world, according to a RSS statement.

She added that the world is influenced by individuals who choose to build rather than destroy, innovate rather than stagnate and advance societies instead of exploiting them.

The princess also commended the spirit of Jordanian entrepreneurship, highlighting its pivotal role in enhancing self-reliance, investing in human capital and strengthening the nation.

Speaking about the Orange Corners Jordan programme, she described it as a beacon of hope, demonstrating that when young minds are given support, guidance and opportunity, they not only thrive but bring prosperity to their communities and nations.

The Orange Corners programme aims to support young entrepreneurs by providing training, networking and funding to help them grow their startups. The Netherlands provided the initiative.

She also highlighted Altibbi, a Jordanian health technology startup that has revolutionised healthcare access for Arabic-speaking communities. 

She praised the company for creating the first online Arabic medical dictionary and a remote medical consultation platform that connects patients with certified doctors, calling it a great success story for Jordan.

Dutch Ambassador Harry Verweij commended the graduates, noting that young entrepreneurs are the next generation of Jordanian business leaders and innovators. 

He remarked that the Orange Corners programme significantly contributes to creating a positive social and economic impact.

iPARK Business Incubator Manager Sereen Duwairi noted the importance of the Orange Corners Jordan programme in supporting entrepreneurship.

She said the programme provides valuable resources, guidance and networks that help startups accelerate their growth, adding that opportunities for aspiring entrepreneurs are still available.

Launched in 2022 in partnership with iPARK at the Royal Scientific Society and the Queen Rania Centre for Entrepreneurship at Princess Sumaya University for Technology, the programme has supported 80 Jordanian startups, offering practical services and consultations in marketing financing, branding, and legal matters.

AMMAN — Despite the rapid growth of Jordan’s green economy, women remain significantly underrepresented in sustainability-focused jobs, particularly in technical and leadership roles. 

Structural barriers, restrictive social norms and a lack of gender-sensitive policies continue to limit their access to opportunities in this emerging sector, according to experts.

As the country transitions towards a more sustainable economic model, integrating women into green industries is not only a matter of social equity but also an economic imperative.

In a high-level discussion attended by government officials, industry leaders, civil society representatives and media, experts explored strategies to close the gender gap in Jordan’s green economy.

The session featured the presentation of a pioneering study, “Advancing Gender Inclusion in Jordan’s Green Economy: Towards an Eco-Feminist Future,” led by Founder of JoWomenomics and Chairperson of the Feminist Economy for Training and Development Mayyada Abu Jaber. 

The research was conducted in cooperation with the International Development Research Centre (IDRC).

The study emphasised the urgent need for gender-responsive policies to ensure that women can equally benefit from the opportunities within Jordan’s sustainability-driven labour market.

While the green economy offers significant prospects for economic growth and environmental resilience, experts warn that excluding women from this sector risks exacerbating existing gender inequalities, as highlighted by JoWomenomics.

The discussion underscored the importance of swift policy action, workforce development programmes and industry incentives to foster a more inclusive and equitable economic future.

Jordan’s labour market is plagued by structural challenges, such as occupational segregation, which has confined women to administrative and lower-wage roles rather than technical or leadership positions, the study noted. 

The study also showed that the absence of targeted policies and incentives has discouraged private-sector employers from prioritising gender diversity in green industries.

Drawing on international best practices, the research proposed the introduction of gender-based certification as a powerful tool to boost women’s participation in sustainability-focused sectors. 

The study also called for immediate action to implement policy incentives, expand capacity-building programmes and raise awareness to shift societal perceptions about women’s roles in the workforce. 

"By adopting these measures, Jordan can build a greener, more inclusive economy that aligns sustainability with gender and social justice."

Regional Director at IDRC Wissam Bayeh commended the study for highlighting gender disparities in Jordan’s green economy and reiterated the centre’s commitment to fostering inclusivity in environmental policymaking.

MP Dina Bashir, a member of the Advisory Council for Feminist Economy for Training and Development, emphasised the significance of the research, commending IDRC’s collaboration in developing gender-responsive policies.

During the discussion, Secretary-General of the Jordanian National Commission for Women Maha Ali expressed strong support for the study’s recommendations. 

She also stressed the critical role of national institutions in driving gender-sensitive economic reforms and noted the disproportionate impact of climate change on women and girls in Jordan and the wider Arab region.

Ali also pointed out that environmental challenges such as water and food security risks pose significant socio-economic and health-related threats to women.

AMMAN — Second Secretary at the Indianembassy in Amman Sandeep Singh on Tuesday announced the launch of direct flights between Jordan and India starting in April, a move expected to enhance bilateral tourism and tradebetween the two countries.

The announcement was made during a meeting organised by the Indian embassy in Amman in collaboration with the Jordan Society of Tourism and Travel Agents.

The event gathered Jordanian travel agents and tourism companies to promote tourism in India and enhance bilateral tourism exchange.  

Singh highlighted that tourism and hospitality are among India's largest service industries, playing a crucial role in economic development.

He noted that the sector serves as a stimulant for infrastructure growth, including world-class hotels and resorts, fine dining establishments, efficient transportation networks, and modern healthcare facilities.  

"Our focus today is on showcasing the tourism potential of Madhya Pradesh, known as the 'Heart of India.' It is a treasure trove of historical, cultural, and natural wonders, offering diverse geographical landscapes and specialised tourism experiences such as adventure tourism and wildlife tourism," Singh added.  

Chairperson of the Jordan Society of Tourism and Travel Agents Talal Majali underscored the "strong" ties between Jordan and India, stressingtheir rich cultural and historical heritage. 

He noted the significant potential for expanding tourism cooperation and increasing visitor exchanges between the two nations.