Tafilah, May 26 (Petra) — The Cabinet convened today in Tafilah and issued significant decisions announced by Minister of Government Communications Mohammad Momani during a press conference following the session.

Highlights of the Cabinet’s decisions include:

Incentives for investors in Tafilah Industrial Zone
The Cabinet approved a package of incentives aimed at attracting investment and boosting employment in the region, including full exemption from electricity charges for new investors establishing or registering projects in the Tafilah Industrial Zone within one year of the decision.

The incentive package ensures free electricity supply for three years from the date the projects become operational, a 50% reduction in land prices within the zone, bringing the cost down from JD10 to JD5 per square meter (originally JD25), to encourage production and reduce operational costs.

Development of judicial and recreational facilities
The Ministry of Justice will initiate procedures for issuing tenders for the design and studies of the Palace of Justice in Tafilah, with implementation expected to commence next year.

Construction of Abel Environmental Park will begin, including a service building, at an estimated cost of approximately JD660,000.

Agricultural and community projects
The Cabinet approved leasing the Al-Tawana Agricultural Station in Jurf al-Darawish, covering 224 dunums, to the Agricultural Engineers Association for five years. The lease aims to develop a training centre to promote local agricultural development, transfer modern farming techniques and increase productivity of value-added crops.

The project will establish a model farm utilising modern systems like hydroponics, livestock farms (sheep and goats) and training facilities, potentially creating over 50 permanent jobs and numerous seasonal opportunities.

Support for freight transport
The Cabinet authorised the import of locomotive heads manufactured less than eight years ago, provided that older licensed locomotive heads are withdrawn from service through delisting or re-export.

The move seeks to modernise fleet operations, enhance safety and reduce operational costs, aligning with Jordan’s Economic Modernisation Vision.

Settlement of municipal contractor claims
The Cabinet approved procedures to settle municipal contractor arrears amounting to approximately JD50 million, with disbursements planned for June. The initiative aims to facilitate ongoing projects, stimulate the local market and reinforce the government’s commitment to service delivery.

The government will enable contractors to obtain bank loans against these claims, backed by a pledge from the Ministry of Finance.

Road infrastructure and ecotourism development
The Ministry of Public Works and Housing has been tasked with constructing a road leading to the ecolodge in Yarmouk Forests, Bani Kinanah District, Irbid Governorate, fostering ecotourism and local employment.

The project aims to bolster eco-friendly tourism, support local communities and create employment opportunities.

International cooperation
An MoU was approved with the Malaysian government to enhance collaboration in the health sector, allowing both countries to exchange expertise and best practices.

Remarks and context
During the conference, Momani highlighted the government’s commitment to implementing development projects across Jordan. He emphasised that today’s session is part of a broader initiative to hold cabinet meetings in various governorates, fostering closer ties with local communities.

Momani congratulated Jordanians on the 79th Independence Day, expressing pride in national achievements.

Personnel Matters
The Cabinet decided to retire Salman Qudah, Director General of the Civil Consumer Corporation, as part of routine administrative adjustments.

The series of decisions underscores the government’s focus on economic development, infrastructure, social services and international cooperation, with a clear aim to improve citizens’ quality of life and promote sustainable growth across Jordan.

//Petra// AK
26/05/2025 16:39:58