Day: 6 April 2024

Amman: Saturday will see a drop in temperatures, and the weather will be pleasant almost countrywide and warm in the Jordan Valley, the Dead Sea, and Aqaba, Jordan Meteorological Department (JMD) said in its daily update.

According to the JMD report, the weather Sunday will be pleasant almost nationwide and warm in the Jordan Valley, the Dead Sea and Aqaba. There is a weak chance in the afternoon hours for a short period of light and scattered showers of rain in limited parts of the Kingdom’s northern and central regions.

On Monday, the Kingdom is gradually affected by a state of air instability during the late hours of night and scattered showers are forecast to fall in parts of the northern and central regions.

As for Tuesday, the Kingdom remains under influence of atmospheric instability and scattered rain will fall in various areas across the Kingdom, accompanied by thunder and hailstones in some areas.

Also today, temperatures in the capital Amman will reach hit a high of 22 degrees Celsius, dropping
to 9C degrees at night, while the port city of Aqaba will see a blazing 33C, sliding to 17C during night hours.

Source: Jordan News Agency

Amman: Jordanian industrialists have emphasized the imperative of strategic planning to bolster export diversification, underlining key measures such as facilitating connectivity to global supply chains through e-commerce, and ramping up promotion and marketing efforts for domestic products.

They also called for expanding outreach to foreign markets, fostering collaboration between the government and the industrial sector, and targeting non-traditional markets.

These calls come amidst efforts to fortify the national economy, which has weathered numerous challenges including the COVID-19 pandemic, geopolitical tensions such as the Russian-Ukrainian crisis, and regional disturbances like the Israeli war on the Gaza Strip and the developments in the Bab al-Mandab and Red Sea regions.

In response, the government has implemented various measures to stimulate domestic exports, improve market access, and maximize the benefits of existing free trade agreements.

Speaking on the matter, Minister of Industry, Trade,
and Supply, Youssef Shamali, highlighted the launch of the economic modernization vision for the period 2023-2033, which aims to bolster national exports through collaborative efforts across sectors and segments of society.

Shamali underscored the significance of the national export strategy for 2023-2025, designed to cultivate a conducive business environment for Jordanian industrial and agricultural goods and services, thereby fostering balanced and sustainable economic growth.

The strategy, built upon several pillars including identifying productive opportunities and challenges within the industrial sector, enhancing export competitiveness and quality, and diversifying the product portfolio, underscores the importance of accessing non-traditional markets and exploring new avenues for growth.

Shamali outlined a comprehensive action plan comprising over 100 activities annually, aligned with the core objectives of the national export strategy. Notably, the government has prioritized policies and procedures
aimed at bolstering the structure of Jordanian exports, with a focus on diversifying the export base to reduce reliance on traditional sectors.

This includes fostering innovation, supporting emerging sectors, and investing in capacity-building initiatives for exporters, particularly small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs).

Initiatives such as the Jordan Support for Industry Development Fund, launched in collaboration with the World Bank, and the Export Acceleration Program, implemented by Exports Company, aim to equip SMEs with the necessary tools and resources to expand their presence in international markets.

Moreover, efforts to strengthen infrastructure and logistical networks, including the acceptance of electronic documents by the Customs Department and the launch of the Jordanian e-commerce facilitation portal, seek to streamline trade processes and reduce costs.

Despite progress, challenges persist, including shipping procedures, technical requirements, and market competitiveness. The government
is committed to addressing these obstacles through targeted interventions such as specialized export readiness programs, awareness-raising workshops, and enhanced private sector representation in trade committees.

In parallel, industry leaders underscored the need for concerted action to capitalize on untapped export opportunities, citing the need for enhanced promotion, reduced production costs, and expanded access to global markets.

Fathi Jaghbir, head of the Jordanian and Amman Chambers of Industry, highlighted the concentration of exports in a few countries and commodity groups, underscoring the importance of diversification to unlock the full potential of Jordanian exports.

Jaghbir emphasized the pivotal role of the private sector in driving export growth, pledging continued collaboration with government entities to facilitate market access and promote Jordanian products internationally.

Efforts to enhance participation in international exhibitions, expand networking opportunities, and leverage logis
tical services underscore the commitment to sustaining export momentum and driving economic prosperity.

In conclusion, stakeholders reaffirmed their commitment to advancing export diversification efforts, recognizing the importance of strategic collaboration between the public and private sectors to unlock new opportunities and drive sustainable economic growth.

Source: Jordan News Agency

Amman: The National Center for Human Rights (NCHR) Saturday welcomed a United Nations Human Rights Council resolution demanding a halt to arms sales to Israel.

In a statement, the NCHR also welcomed a resolution calling for an immediate ceasefire in the Gaza Strip and the access of humanitarian aid, particularly through land crossings and roads, into Gaza.

It decried Israel’s use of starvation as a tool of war, noting the council’s call on the occupying power to lift the siege on Gaza, stop collective punishment and end the occupation of the palestinian territories, including East Jerusalem.

It stressed the need for a reliable and comprehensive accountability for violations of international law by the occupying power against the Palestinians in order to achieve justice for the victims, as well as its assertion that the statements of Israeli officials rise to incitement to genocide. It also noted the UN body’s demand for adherence to the provisional measures issued by the International Court of Justice in t
his context.

What is happening to the people of the Gaza Strip amounts to war crimes, crimes against humanity and genocide, which require immediate accountability, the center stressed, calling for an end to the aggression and the immediate, sustainable and unhindered entry of aid and medical and food supplies to Gaza.

Source: Jordan News Agency

Amman: Saturday, the market price for 21-carat gold, a popular choice among local buyers, surged to JD46.80 per gram at goldsmiths’ shops, marking a significant increase from the previous purchasing rate of JD44.80.

For those considering other karat options, the buying rate per gram stands at JD53.80 for 24-karat gold and JD42 for 18-karat gold.

Rabhi Allan, head of the General Union of Jewelry Shop Owners, shared insights into market dynamics, indicating that the Al-Rashadi lira, weighing 7 grams, is priced at JD330 dinars, while the English lira, weighing 8 grams, is valued at JD377.

Speaking with the Jordan News Agency (Petra), Allan noted the subdued activity in the local gold market, primarily due to the prevailing high prices.

However, global gold prices continue to climb, with the yellow metal closing last week’s trading sessions at $2,328 per ounce, exceeding expectations worldwide.

Source: Jordan News Agency

Amman: The top-ranked team in the Professional Football League, Al-Hussein Irbid Club, settled for a goalless draw against Al-Wehdat in their Friday match. The game, which took place at Amman International Stadium, saw both sides unable to find the back of the net.

Meanwhile, Al-Faisaly delivered an outstanding performance, clinching a convincing 6-2 victory over Shabab Al-Aqaba. The highlight of the match was Rizq Bani Hani’s impressive hat-trick, alongside goals from Wanga, Khaled Zakaria, and Arif Al-Hajj. Shabab Al-Aqaba displayed resilience with goals from Kanga and Faraj Eid, but ultimately couldn’t match Al-Faisaly’s firepower.

Over at Petra Stadium in Al-Hussein Youth City, Mugheer Al-Sarhan and Al-Ahly played out a 2-2 draw. Goals from Qusay Danous and Moataz Obeidat for Mugheer Al-Sarhan were matched by strikes from Muhammad Maraaba and Khaled Al-Dardour for Al-Ahly.

With these results, Al-Hussein Irbid Club maintains their position at the top of the league with 44 points, followed closely by Al-
Faisaly with 39 points and Al-Wehdat with 32 points. Mugheer Al-Sarhan Club moves up to ninth place with 15 points, while Al-Ahly sits just behind with 14 points. Shabab Al-Aqaba remains in fifth place with 22 points.

The final match of the sixteenth week will see Sahab take on Al-Jalil at Amman Stadium today, with kickoff at 10:30 pm.

Source: Jordan News Agency

Amman: -Social Security Investment Fund (SSIF) held meetings with Jordan Securities Commission, Amman Stock Exchange (ASE), and Securities Depository Center.

During the meetings, talks went over ways to enhance attractiveness of the Kingdom’s financial market to investors, protect rights of small shareholders, develop regulatory and legislative environment.

The meetings also tackled companies’ commitment to disclosure and transparency standards and sustainable development goals to achieve requirements for upgrading the ASE rating.

According to a statement Saturday, the SSIF CEO Dr. Izzaldeen Kanakrieh stressed the fund’s keenness to perform its role as one of the “largest” institutional investors in the ASE.

Kanakrieh added that SSIF’s investments amount to about JD2.1 billion in the capital of listed companies, with a percentage of 12.4% of the stock market’s value.

Additionally, Kanakrieh stressed the importance of the role of major investors in the ASE in supporting efforts of supervisory institutions
and regulatory bodies, which aim to enhance institutional practices in the stock exchange and improve level of corporate governance practices.

Kanakrieh said this drive is reflected in the companies’ performance and thus value of the SSIF’s investments and the remaining shareholders.

He praised achievements made by capital market institutions and their interest in contacting with investors and obtaining feedback from them on legislative and regulatory procedures in line with best practices.

This process, he noted, aims to provide an “attractive” environment for investment and improve the Kingdom’s ranking in global indicators.

Source: Jordan News Agency

Gaza: The death toll from Israel’s war on the Gaza Strip soared Saturday to 33,137 and the number of wounded to 75,815, according to the Gaza health Ministry.

It said in its daily casualty update that Israeli occupation forces carried out 4 massacres during the past 24 hours, which left 46 people dead and 65 injured.

It said many victims were still under the rubble of buildings targeted by air strikes or on roads out of reach of ambulances and civil defense crews.

Source: Jordan News Agency

Amman: The Jordan Standards and Metrology Organization (JSMO) said Saturday it will carry out a tight control plan for markets across the Kingdom over the Eid Al Fitr Holidays.

It said in a statement that it will continue market oversight before and during the holidays, particularly products that are in high demand to ensure they meet specifications and technical standards.

The organization said its staff will particularly check on merchandise, including pre-packaged products in sweet shops, weights and scales used in commercial stores as well as children’s toys, cosmetics, clothing, and other items as well as brands.

The JSMO will also continue sudden and periodic visits to gas distribution centers, vehicles and fuel stations and tanks to check on meters and fuel quality.

It also said its staff will continue to work 24 hours a day at border crossings and customs centers throughout the Eid holiday.

Source: Jordan News Agency

Zarqa: The March industrial exports of the Zarqa and Mafraq governorates soared by 14 percent to $115.9 during the month of March, compared with about $101.4 million in the same period of 2023, according to latest figures.

Head of Zarqa Chamber of Industry Fares Hamoudeh said the Arab and US markets accounted for 41.7 percent and 44 percent respectively of the volume of industrial exports for the first quarter of 2024, as the total value of exports reached $344 million, compared to the same period of 2023. which amounted to $303 million, marking an increase of 14 percent.

Hamoudeh told Petra in an interview that industrial exports to the United States through the Zarqa Chamber of Industry rose by 36 percent to $152.6 million, compared to $111.4 million during the comparison period, accounting for 44 percent of the volume.

Industrial exports to Arab countries saw an 11 percent increase to $143.9 million during the first quarter of the current year, compared to the same period of 2023, amounting to $130 mill
ion, about 41.7 percent of the total volume of exports.

Hamoudeh said industrial exports to Iraq particularly surged by 142 percent, reaching a total of $53.0 million, compared to $21.9 million during the comparison period.

Source: Jordan News Agency

Amman: The Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) Saturday welcomed United Nations Human Rights Council resolutions calling on Israel to be held accountable for possible war crimes in the Gaza Strip.

In its resolutions yesterday, the council expressed “grave concern at reports of serious human rights violations and grave breaches of international humanitarian law, including of possible war crimes and crimes against humanity in the occupied Palestinian territory”. It also demanded a halt to arms sales to Israel.

The UN body’s decisions reflected an international consensus on supporting the right of the Palestinian people to self-determination and rejecting all illegal measures and ongoing crimes perpetrated by Israel, the OIC said in a statement.

It called for following up on the immediate implementation of the resolution, urging the international community to shoulder its responsibility by taking practical steps to stop Israeli crimes and provide international protection for the Palestinian people.

So
urce: Jordan News Agency

Jeddah, The Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) welcomed Saturday the resolutions adopted by the United Nations Human Rights Council on Palestine, lauding the positions of states that voted for these resolutions, underscoring the international consensus on supporting the right of Palestinian people to self-determination.

Voting for these resolutions also reflects their rejection of all illegal measures and the persistent crimes being perpetrated by the Israeli occupation, including military aggression, organized terrorism, colonial settlement, ethnic cleansing, and genocide against the Palestinian people, OIC reported in a statement.

The statement emphasized the importance of implementing these resolutions immediately, calling on the international community to uphold its responsibilities towards taking practical steps to stop these Israeli crimes and ensuring accountability and justice, as well as providing international protection for the Palestinian people.

The UN Human Rights Council adopted a res
olution Friday during the 55th session of Human Rights Council held at the UN headquarters in Geneva. The resolution stresses the right of the Palestinian people to self-determination and establishing the independent State of Palestine.

The draft resolution submitted by Spain, Ireland, and Ecuador, as well as Pakistan on behalf of OIC was voted in favor by 42 countries, with the United States and Paraguay opposing it.

At the same session, the council voted on two resolutions, one of them is related to the status of the rights of the Occupied Palestinian Territories, including East Jerusalem and the commitment to ensuring accountability and justice, which calls for stopping the arms sales to the Israeli entity. The other resolution calls on countries to respect their obligations under international law and prevent financial and economic transactions with settlements and stop supplying products from those settlements.

Source: Qatar News Agency

Port Sudan: A Qatar Fund for Development (QFFD) delegation visited two shelter centers for displaced people in Port Sudan to inaugurate shelter tents in addition to distributing food baskets in cooperation with the Qatar Red Crescent (QRCs) and Qatar Charity (QC).

This was in the presence of HE Ambassador of the State of Qatar to Sudan Mohamed Ibrahim Alsada, HE Sudans Federal Minister of Social Development Ahmed Adam Bakhit, and Governor of Port Sudan Mustafa Mohammed.

The delegation participated in delivering food baskets to the beneficiaries coming via the Qatari air bridge, in addition to inspecting the tents in the school yard in preparation for the return of teaching in schools.

This visit comes as a continuation of the State of Qatar’s ongoing efforts to help the Sudanese people and support their steadfastness in light of the current difficult events.

Source: Qatar News Agency