Amman, Aug 30 (Petra) – Sectoral workshops preparing the second executive program of the Economic Modernization Vision (EMV) (2026–2029) continued at the Prime Ministry on Saturday with a session dedicated to the trade sector under the “future services” driver.

Minister of Industry, Trade and Supply Yarub Qudah said that after the successful completion of the first phase of the vision, the second phase now moves to refining initiatives and projects, building on enablers implemented by the end of 2024.

He said the first phase involved evaluating initiatives and analyzing performance, which helped set future priorities, while the second stage aims to consolidate and expand initiatives with necessary adjustments to achieve targeted outcomes.

Qudah stressed that the upcoming program requires launching new projects to ensure continuous progress and long-term impact. Discussions at the session focused on simplifying trade processes, facilitating domestic and foreign trade, and building an integrated e-commerce system to expand international market access. Participants also reviewed new initiatives, emphasizing regulatory and economic reforms and strengthening public-private partnerships.

He added that the initiatives are designed to stimulate Jordan’s economy, empower citizens to participate in e-commerce, and establish performance monitoring tools to track progress.

Khaled Abu Hassan, head of parliament’s Economy and Investment Committee, said the vision had already produced positive results, noting that successful investment requires sound decisions and development initiatives. He stressed the importance of improving the business environment as a key competitiveness indicator, calling for sustained reforms and monitoring the impact of initiatives on institutions.

The session also reviewed completed projects under the first program, including the launch of the E-Regulation Jordan portal for business procedures, reforms to sectoral licensing systems such as nurseries and private schools, and improvements to government services in the business sector.

In e-commerce, initiatives included drafting legislation to regulate online trade, developing customs procedures for postal parcels, and launching a development support project.

On competition, authorities amended the Competition Law and Companies Law, introduced new regulations, issued consumer protection guidelines, and conducted sectoral studies.

Planned initiatives under the second program include developing a modern regulatory environment to facilitate trade through automated customs and tax procedures, integrating the informal economy into the formal sector by offering clear regulations and compliance incentives, and establishing a comprehensive legislative framework for e-commerce to support SMEs with online platforms and e-payment tools.

The program also seeks to expand access to international markets by reviewing free trade arrangements in transport, storage and logistics; expanding trade agreements; creating a re-export portal; and providing exporters with detailed trade data. Financing initiatives include innovative tools, direct and non-traditional incentives, and encouraging family businesses to convert into public shareholding companies.

Human capacity building will target logistics, digital marketing, and supply chain management to improve productivity, while a central open digital platform for goods and services trade data will be created. Plans also include establishing specialized wholesale trade zones for large importers and distributors, complete with warehouses and logistics facilities.

Participants also discussed restructuring the vehicle sector by adjusting specifications and reducing customs and tax burdens to boost safety, consumer protection and trade.

The session concluded with a reaffirmation of strategic objectives: positioning Jordan as a regional hub for trade and re-exports, modernizing traditional commerce, strengthening e-commerce, supporting SME growth, improving the business environment, enhancing fair competition, reducing operating costs, upgrading logistics infrastructure, and generating jobs, particularly for women in the trade sector.

//Petra// AF
30/08/2025 20:22:31