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AMMAN — The Jordan Food and Drug Administration (JFDA) has approved registration of 90 medicines, aimed to achieve Jordan's drug security, in accordance with the 2024 Special Drug Registration Instructions.

In a statement Sunday, JFDA Director General, Dr. Nizar Mheidat, said the administration received 147 registration applications on the Drug Security List from relevant warehouses and local manufacturing companies.

Mheidat added that the drug items approved for registration are mainly life-saving medications for chronic diseases, heart illnesses and cancer, including medicines required for government tenders or the local market and are unavailable locally.

Mheidat noted the JFDA is "continuously" working to update these items based on drug inventory indicators and spur local pharmaceutical companies to manufacture and register medicines that may see shortages in their supply to the local market.

Mheidat stated this process encourages companies to prioritize registration, inspection, and the necessary technical consultations when submitting their applications.

Meanwhile, he indicated that some applications are still pending to complete submission of the necessary documents.

AMMAN — British Minister for International Development Baroness Chapman arrived in Jordan on Sunday, reaffirming her country’s ongoing support for refugees and the communities that host them.

The British embassy in Amman said that, given Jordan’s role in hosting one of the largest refugee populations in the world, funding provided through the Global Concessional Financing Facility (GCFF) helps improve essential services, create economic opportunities, and develop vital infrastructure for refugees, providing better living conditions and a more sustainable future.

As part of this continued support, the UK has pledged £4 million to alleviate the pressures driving refugees toward irregular migration, according to a British embassy statement.

During her visit, Chapman is set to meet with Finance Minister Abdulhakim Shibli and Minister of International Cooperation and Planning Zeina Toukan. She will also visit the Azraq refugee camp for Syrians and oversee the departure of aid convoys destined for Gaza. Additionally, Chapman plans to discuss the challenges of delivering humanitarian aid to Gaza with the Jordan Hashemite Charity Organisation (JHCO), amid the ongoing Israeli blockade.

"My visit comes at a critical time," Chapman said, stressing the need for immediate violence cessation in Gaza. "Diplomacy, not bloodshed, is the only path to security for both Palestinians and Israelis."

She also underscored Jordan’s pivotal role in supporting humanitarian efforts in Gaza and spearheading an Arab reconstruction plan. "By working with international partners, we can help ensure a secure future where the Palestinian people can remain in their homeland," she added.

The visit follows a recent call between His Majesty King Abdullah and UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer on Saturday, where Starmer expressed gratitude for Jordan’s leadership in regional stabilisation efforts and reaffirmed his commitment to pursuing lasting peace between Palestinians and Israelis.

AMMAN — The Jordan Strategy Forum (JSF) on Sunday underscored the urgent need to integrate advanced technology into production processes, calling for a comprehensive national strategy to drive technological adoption, enhance productivity, and strengthen Jordan’s economic competitiveness.

In a policy brief titled "Future Technology and Its Role in Enhancing Productivity," the JSF highlighted the critical role of the National Council for Future Technology, established in response to Royal directives, in positioning Jordan within the global digital economy. 

The council focuses on key areas such as digital transformation, artificial intelligence (AI), the Internet of Things (IoT), blockchain, and robotics, according to Al Mamlaka TV.

The report also pointed to the rapid expansion of the international advanced technology market, citing a United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) study that projects revenues will soar from $1.5 trillion in 2020 to $9.5 trillion by 2030.

Assessing Jordan’s economic landscape, the JSF also referenced the World Bank’s Middle East and North Africa Growth Report, which found that Jordan’s per capita income stands at just 18 per cent of that of leading economies like the US. Additionally, Jordan’s total factor productivity, a measure of how efficiently capital and labour are utilised, was reported at only 48 per cent of the level seen in top-performing economies.

The report also examined the technological makeup of Jordan’s manufacturing sector, revealing that medium-high-tech industries, such as pharmaceuticals and medical equipment, account for only 9.8 per cent of total industrial output. 

"Low-tech industries, including textiles, furniture, and paper products, contribute 36.2 per cent, underscoring the need for policies that support a transition to more advanced industries to boost global competitiveness."

The report also found that 31 per cent of productivity differences between firms can be attributed to variations in technological progress. It also noted that several emerging economies have successfully leveraged modern technologies and innovative business models, leading to increased technology penetration.

The JSF concluded by advocating for a holistic approach to technology adoption, emphasising the need for investment, technology diffusion, and innovation. The forum also stressed the crucial role of the National Council for Future Technology and urged greater investment in human capital, education, and infrastructure, along with efforts to attract foreign technology firms. 

AMMAN — Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ayman Safadi on Sunday participated in a meeting of the Arab-Islamic Ministerial Committee on Gaza with High Representative of the EU for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy and Vice-President of the European Commission Kaja Kallas.

Hosted by Egypt, the meeting brought together the foreign ministers of Jordan, Saudi Arabia, Palestine, Qatar, Egypt, Turkey, Bahrain, the UAE, and Indonesia, along with the Secretary-General of the Arab League and the Secretary-General of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation.

The participants discussed the latest developments in the occupied Palestinian territories, voicing deep concern over the collapse of the Gaza ceasefire and the resulting civilian casualties from renewed airstrikes, according to a Foreign Ministry statement. 

The officials called for the immediate reinstatement of the ceasefire and the release of all hostages and detainees. They also stressed the need for its full implementation, including moving to its second phase, which entails the release of all hostages, a permanent end to hostilities, and the full withdrawal of Israeli forces from Gaza, in accordance with UN Security Council Resolution 2735.

The participants also urged full adherence to international humanitarian law and demanded the immediate removal of all restrictions on humanitarian aid to Gaza. They also emphasised the urgent need to restore essential services, including electricity and water desalination.

The officials also endorsed the Arab Recovery and Reconstruction Plan presented at the Cairo Summit on March 4, later endorsed by the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation and welcomed by the European Council, stressing its role in ensuring Palestinians remain on their land. 

They also firmly rejected any forced displacement of Palestinians from Gaza or the West Bank, including East Jerusalem, warning of the grave consequences of such actions.

The ministers also underscored the importance of the early recovery and reconstruction conference for Gaza, set to be held in Cairo, and called for unifying Gaza with the West Bank under the Palestinian National Authority. 

They stressed the necessity of preserving the unity and territorial integrity of the occupied Palestinian territories as a step toward establishing a Palestinian state along the pre-1967, borders, with East Jerusalem as its capital, in line with UN resolutions and the two-state solution framework. They also reiterated that Gaza is an integral part of the occupied Palestinian territories and must remain part of a future Palestinian state.

Expressing deep concern over Israeli military incursions into the West Bank, the ministers condemned settlement expansion, home demolitions, and settler violence, warning that these actions undermine Palestinian rights, escalate the conflict, and jeopardise prospects for a just and lasting peace. They stressed that Israel, as the occupying power, must uphold its obligations under international humanitarian law and protect civilians.

AMMAN — Prime Minister Jafar Hassan praised the Jordan Phosphate Mines Company's (JPMC) initiative allocate JD40 million within its social corporate responsibility  to support the health and education sectors over the next three years. 

JPMC;s gesture came after last week's initiative by the Jordanian Banks Association to allocate JD90 million for the same purpose.

During an Iftar event organised by the company on Sunday to announce the initiative, attended by representatives from the private sector, Hassan underlined the importance of JPMC's initiative in the context of its social responsibility, commending the company's ongoing developmental and charitable support. "The company represents a significant milestone in the history of the mining industries in Jordan," according to a Prime Ministry statement. 

The prime minister stressed that social responsibility is not about collecting donations, providing grants, or charity work, "rather, it is developmental policies that establish sustainable partnerships, achieve priorities, and address current challenges."

"It is the other side of the real partnership triangle between the private sector, public sector, and local communities."

He also emphasised that "social responsibility is not a temporary effort or a reaction to exceptional circumstances, but an "ongoing approach and policy and a national policy to ensure that our efforts remain focused on goals and priorities."

Hassan thanked the private sector for its contributions to supporting developmental efforts in many areas, expressing hope that other private sector institutions will take similar and active steps within the framework of institutional partnership and national priorities. "We are  all partners in development and modernisation efforts."

He also praised the phosphate company’s continued success in line with the economic modernisation vision, to improve the mining sector, diversify options, expand and localise manufacturing industries to face price fluctuations, and its focus on seizing available opportunities and promising investments. 

The prime minister highlighted the role of the company in the national economy and its initiatives within the framework of social responsibility to support local communities. "It is one of the largest contributors in this field."

PMC Chairman Mohammad Thneibat affirmed the company's commitment to its national developmental and social role as a partner with state institutions to contribute to the nation's progress.

He  said that the company aided government’s efforts in 2020 during the COVID-19 pandemic by donating 30 per cent of its net profits for the year 2019.

He also said that a special bank account would be opened at the Central Bank of Jordan for the JD40 million donation to be spent on development projects based on well-defined executive programmes and timetables.

He added that the new support would not affect the company's other social responsibilities, which amounted to JD24 million in 2024 and reached JD84 million over the past six years.

AMMAN — The Ministry of Digital Economy and Entrepreneurship, in partnership with the INJAZ organization, has launched the "Training Trainers in Startups" project, aimed at empowering young people and strengthening the startup ecosystem in Jordan.

According to a statement from the ministry on Sunday, the initiative is part of Jordan’s broader public policy on entrepreneurship, designed to foster innovation and address the challenges faced by startups, including limited funding and the difficulty in finding qualified talent to meet market needs, the Jordan News Agency, Petra, reported.

This two-year project is targeting 250 trainees to equip graduates with the skills necessary to thrive in local and international markets. The initiative also seeks to provide startups with a pool of qualified talent to support their growth and sustainability.

The programme offers nine-month training placements within local startups, covering the trainees' monthly expenses, and aims to achieve a 50 per cent employment rate among participants by the project's conclusion.

Registration for both startups and beneficiaries will be available on the StartupsJo platform until April 3. 

AMMAN — Police on Sunday announced the arrest of several suspects who allegedly posed as law-enforcement officers and robbed foreign workers of JD4,000 in Amman.

The suspects allegedly entered the house of some foreign labourers and claimed to be law-enforcement officers, Police Spokesperson Lt. Col. Amer Sartawi said.

“The five suspects threatened the foreign labourers and took JD4,000 and left their house,” Sartawi told The Jordan Times.

The police official said a special police task force was immediately formed to follow up on the complaint by the foreign labourers.

“The task force was able to identify one of the cars that the suspects used and issued an all-points bulletin with the vehicle’s description,” the police official said.

One of the patrol units in Irbid identified the vehicle and pulled it over, he added.

“Patrol officers arrested four men and are looking for the fifth suspect who remains at large,” according to Sartawi.

He added that arresting officers managed to retrieve part of the stolen money but did not specify an amount.

In a statement that was issued on Sunday, the Public Security Directorate (PSD) warned foreign nationals residing in the Kingdom to exert utmost caution when dealing with any individual who claims to be working for an official entity.

“Foreigners residing in the Kingdom have the right to ask any person claiming to be from an official entity to see some form of identification or can call 911 to report any suspicious activities,” the PSD statement said.

AMMAN — Gold prices in Jordan have experienced a significant surge since the start of the year, following global trends that have driven the precious metal to record highs, according to industry stakeholders.

President of the Jordanian Jewellers Association Rabhi Allan noted that "gold prices in the local market have risen by 15 per cent in less than three months." The price per ounce increased from $2,638 at the close of 2024 to $3,057 last week, before stabilising at $3,022 on Friday. 

The sharp rise in prices has begun to affect consumer behaviour in the Kingdom. Allan observed a noticeable decline in demand for gold jewellery, with many consumers opting to delay major purchases.

Saleem Mohammad, a jeweller based in Amman, said that while gold traditionally enjoys high demand for weddings and special occasions, many customers are postponing such purchases due to the escalating prices. 

Mohammad also pointed out a shift in sales patterns, with an increase in the purchase of gold bars and coins. "People are viewing these as a safer investment amid rising prices," he said.

The impact of rising prices was also evident during Mother's Day, when many customers sought lighter gold pieces or gold-plated alternatives rather than solid gold, as they looked for more affordable options amidst the price hikes.

International media outlets report that Wall Street analysts expect gold prices to continue rising throughout the year. As a result, gold remains a preferred safe-haven asset for investors, with expectations of further price increases in the near term.

AMMAN — The Association of Banks in Jordan (ABJ) announced on Sunday that its JD90 million social responsibility initiative, designed to support the health and education sectors, will be managed through a dedicated account at the Central Bank of Jordan (CBJ) under ABJ's supervision.

A special account, titled “Banking Association Initiative: Building Schools and Health Centers,” will be set up at the CBJ, where participating banks will directly deposit their contributions.

“The ABJ has been designated as the sole authorised entity to oversee and approve transactions related to the initiative,” said the ABJ in a statement sent to The Jordan Times.

In the first phase, the government will identify 18 schools in various governorates that are not included in the current year’s budget. These schools will be built using funds from the initiative to address critical educational infrastructure needs.

The ABJ emphasised that “this initiative underscores the banking sector’s commitment to corporate social responsibility and long-term national development.”

The association also noted that banks in Jordan are increasingly prioritising social impact initiatives, recognising that sustainable economic growth is closely linked to investments in vital sectors like education and healthcare.

“The ABJ has been designated as the sole authorised entity to oversee and sign off on transactions related to the initiative,” according to an ABJ statement sent to The Jordan Times.

Moreover, it noted that as part of the first phase, the government will identify 18 schools across various governorates that are not covered in the current year’s budget. “These schools will be constructed using funds from the initiative to address educational infrastructure needs.”

The ABJ emphasised that “this initiative reflects the banking sector’s commitment to corporate social responsibility and long-term national development,” 

The association also highlighted that banks in Jordan have increasingly prioritised social impact initiatives, recognising that long-term economic stability is closely tied to investment in essential services such as education and healthcare.