Category: General

Amman: In recent operations, the Anti-Narcotics Department (AND) has made strides against drug-related crimes across various regions of the Kingdom, resulting in the arrest of 19 individuals, including one deemed highly dangerous and armed.

The spokesperson for the Public Security Department highlighted that the AND dealt with 9 specific cases, apprehending drug dealers, traffickers, and smugglers.

Notably, in the Capital Governorate, a major operation thwarted an attempt to smuggle 25,000 narcotic pills concealed within a photo frame sent as a postal parcel. Concurrently, law enforcement teams arrested three individuals involved in the smuggling attempt.

Furthermore, in the Capital Governorate, arrests included a highly dangerous individual with multiple security warrants against him. Additionally, two drug traffickers were arrested in possession of 36 palm-sized blocks of hashish and 36 small canisters with hashish oil, while another case saw the seizure of a deadly crystal meth substance from two dealer
s.

In Mafraq Governorate, four drug dealers were apprehended, and 10,000 narcotic pills were seized, following extensive surveillance and intelligence gathering. Similarly, in the northern desert, authorities arrested a drug dealer along with the seizure of firearms and narcotics.

In Ma’an Governorate, a drug dealer was raided, resulting in the confiscation of 4,000 narcotic pills, while in Irbid Governorate, three individuals that planned to sell 7 palm-sized blocks of hashish were arrested.

Similarly, in Karak Governorate, two drug dealers were apprehended with 2,000 narcotic pills in their possession and 6 palm-sized blocks of hashish.

All cases have been forwarded to the Public Prosecutor of the State Security Court for further legal action.

Source: Jordan News Agency

Damascus, President Bashar al-Assad issued on Wednesday decree (No.3) stipulating the establishment, governance and management of public joint- stock companies and joint venture ones.

The law aims to contribute to the development of the public economic sector, through regulating the foundation of public joint-stock and holding joint stock companies, along with joint companies, in which the State, represented by the public treasury or public institutions and corporation, enters into the ownership or management, taking into account standards of governance with the aim of ensuring administrative and economic efficiency.

Source: Syrian Arab News Agency

Amman: Minister of Industry, Trade, and Supply, Yousef Shamali, emphasized that commercial, industrial, and investment affairs remain top priorities for the Kingdom since His Majesty King Abdullah II assumed his constitutional powers.

These priorities are reflected in a series of structural and qualitative reforms aimed at achieving comprehensive development and integrating the national economy with the global one through building economic partnerships worldwide.

Shamali, speaking in an interview with the Jordan News Agency (Petra), highlighted His Majesty the King’s relentless efforts to elevate Jordan’s global economic competitiveness.

He noted the Kingdom’s participation in several significant trade agreements, including accession to the World Trade Organization, establishment of a free trade zone with the United States, partnership agreements with European Union countries, and various other trade deals with nations such as Canada and Singapore.

Underlining His Majesty’s commitment to developing the na
tional industry, Shamali pointed out the establishment of industrial cities across various governorates, aimed at attracting local investments and fostering economic growth.

He stressed the importance of economic modernization, championed by His Majesty, which positions the industrial sector as a key driver of growth by leveraging competitive advantages and embracing diversity.

Shamali highlighted Jordan’s policy of economic openness since His Majesty’s ascension to power in 1999, leading to increased national exports and trade diversification.

He credited trade and industrial agreements with various countries for the significant growth in Jordan’s export volume, noting the removal of trade obstacles and the attraction of foreign investment.

Citing the impact of free trade agreements, Shamali pointed to the substantial increase in exports to the United States since the establishment of a free trade agreement, underscoring the industrial sector’s significant contribution to the Gross Domestic Product.

Obs
erving the prosperity across various governorates as evidence of economic growth, Shamali emphasized the government’s commitment to supporting the private sector and enhancing the competitiveness of Jordanian products.

He highlighted the allocation of funds in the Kingdom’s draft budget for 2024 to support national industries development programs. Shamali also outlined the government’s initiatives to bolster the industrial sector, including the launch of the National Export Strategy, the Industry Support Fund, and the Industrial Observatory.

He emphasized ongoing efforts to promote small and medium enterprises, enhance competitiveness, and modernize the economic system in line with His Majesty’s vision for sustainable development.

Source: Jordan News Agency

Amman: The Palestinian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Expatriates welcomed the sincere and courageous fraternal positions of His Majesty King Abdullah II during the summit he held with US President Joe Biden regarding all aspects of the conflict, especially his emphasis on the urgent need for a ceasefire, protecting civilians, and securing all their basic humanitarian needs in a sustainable manner.

In a press statement distributed by the Palestinian Embassy in Amman on Wednesday, the Ministry stressed the importance of His Majesty’s warning during the summit of the dangers posed by the escalation of settler attacks and the expansion of settlements on the entire region and his clarification that military and security solutions do not solve the problem and do not lead to peace, and that what is required is an international effort and joint action to open the political horizon to resolve the conflict.

“These positions are a continuation of the Kingdom’s supportive positions for the just and legitimate nationa
l rights of our people in all forums and for all practical steps it takes in support of and standing by our people,” the Ministry concluded.

Source: Jordan News Agency

Amman: The Jordan Loan Guarantee Corporation (JLGC) significantly enhanced its support for the small and medium enterprise (SME) sector in 2023, offering guarantees for approximately 2,391 SME projects, with a collective value of JD312 million.

The figures underscore JLGC’s commitment to fostering economic growth and entrepreneurship in Jordan.

In a detailed breakdown provided by JLGC, it was noted that the corporation extended guarantees to 256 startups, injecting JD18 million into the burgeoning sector last year. This strategic move is aimed at bolstering the foundation of the Jordanian economy by nurturing new enterprises.

Amid the ongoing efforts to mitigate the economic fallout from the COVID-19 pandemic, JLGC continued to offer guarantees to SMEs as part of the national program orchestrated in collaboration with the Central Bank of Jordan.

The program, which was extended until the end of April 2023, benefited 552 companies with financing totaling JD109.4 million, demonstrating a robust support mecha
nism for businesses grappling with the pandemic’s impacts.

The corporation also reported substantial activity within its microenterprise support program, backing 533 projects with guarantees worth approximately JD3.6 million. This initiative reflects JLGC’s dedication to empowering microenterprises, a critical sector for job creation and economic diversification.

Further expanding its support, JLGC played a pivotal role in facilitating trade and local sales through its export and local sales credit guarantee program. In 2023, the program covered 5,736 shipments, with a guaranteed value of around JD187.7 million, including 2,466 export shipments and 3,270 local sales shipments.

This extensive coverage not only aids in sustaining business operations but also encourages the expansion of Jordanian products into new markets.

Looking ahead to 2024, JLGC anticipates increased participation in its export credit guarantee program, especially following the initiation of the Industrial Support and Development Fund p
rogram in the latter half of 2023.

Forty-six Jordanian industrial exporters received approval to benefit from the program last year, with subsidies covering up to 35 thousand dinars per company annually for insurance costs, including guarantee fees and external buyer inquiries.

JLGC celebrated a 22% growth in total revenues for 2023, amounting to JD6.8 million, compared to JD5.6 million in 2022. This financial upturn was attributed to an increase in both operating and investment revenues, highlighting the corporation’s effective management and strategic initiatives.

The corporation’s total shareholders’ equity saw an increase to JD41.3 million at the end of 2023, from JD39.5 million the previous year, with total assets rising to JD740 million from JD715 million. JLGC’s net profits after tax also rose to JD1.8 million in 2023, up from JD1.2 million in 2022, marking a successful fiscal year.

In line with its strategy to reinforce its capital base, JLGC’s Board of Directors recommended against dividend distr
ibution for the 2023 fiscal year. A call has been made for the General Assembly to convene for its thirtieth regular meeting on March 26, 2024, to discuss future directions and strategies.

Source: Jordan News Agency

Beirut’s Martyrs’ Square is witnessing the gathering of thousands of supporters of the Future Movement, in anticipation of former Prime Minister Saad Hariri’s arrival at the tomb of his father, martyr Prime Minister Rafic Hariri.

The different areas of Beirut are also witnessing roaming comvoys carrying the flags of the Future Movement, heading towards the center of the capital, as popular delegations continue to flock to Martyrs’ Square from all regions amidst intense security measures by the army and security forces to ensure the safety of the crowds.

Source: National News Agency – Lebanon