Ma’an, January 12 (Petra) — Minister of Labor Khaled Bakkar emphasized the government’s commitment to a genuine partnership with the private sector across commercial, industrial, agricultural, and tourism sectors, affirming its intent to align decisions with private sector needs amid current regional challenges.

During a meeting with sector representatives in Ma’an Governorate on Sunday, Bakkar stressed the importance of continuous feedback from the private sector to refine ministry procedures and decisions.

Highlighting the role of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), Bakkar noted their significant impact on citizens’ livelihoods. He pointed to the Development and Employment Fund as a vital resource for financing SMEs, complementing the ministry’s broader development agenda.

Bakkar announced plans to launch a vocational training workshop in Ma’an for mobile phone maintenance and other key trades, underscoring the Vocational Training Corporation’s efforts to equip local youth with skills that align with labor market demands.

The minister also detailed programs such as the Social Security Corporation’s private sector empowerment initiatives and the National Employment Program, which supports Jordanian workers’ wages. He highlighted the productive branches initiative, aimed at creating factories and other projects in areas like Ma’an to localize development and create employment opportunities for Jordanians.

Assuring that the ministry does not intend to disrupt business operations, Bakkar said its measures are focused on regulating illegal labor while addressing sector-specific needs for non-Jordanian workers. He added that individual cases requiring non-Jordanian labor would be reviewed to ensure continued operation and sustainability.

During the meeting, representatives from Ma’an’s commercial and industrial sectors raised concerns over a shortage of non-Jordanian workers, which they said was affecting the continuity of operations in various establishments.

//Petra// AJ
12/01/2025 16:12:03