The Cabinet, in its Wednesday session chaired by Prime Minister Jafar Hassan, approved considering the costs of treated and reclaimed water from the South Amman Treatment Plant owed to the Cooperative Societies Coalition in Central Badia as government support for the coalition.
اضافة اعلان
This decision comes in light of the fact that the cooperative societies in Central Badia use the treated and reclaimed water for fodder cultivation, such as alfalfa, which has helped establish developmental projects providing employment opportunities for local residents, while aiming to enable them to achieve economic feasibility and sustainability. The decision also encourages the continuation of fodder provision for livestock breeders and contributes to combating desertification.
The Cabinet also approved the settlement of 408 pending cases between taxpayers and the Income and Sales Tax Department, following recommendations of the relevant committee, continuing government efforts to support economic actors and investors in regularizing their tax status.
In a related move, the Cabinet approved tax settlements between taxpayers and the Aqaba Special Economic Zone Authority, under legal provisions, requiring full payment within two months to benefit from these settlements. This aims to support and sustain economic activity in Aqaba.
Within public sector reforms, the Cabinet approved the draft amended Integrity and Anti-Corruption Law for 2025, to be sent to the House of Representatives for legislative procedures. The amendments aim to strengthen national integrity, promote compliance with international standards, and enhance preventive measures and risk assessments. The law also enables coverage of witness expenses, expert fees, and recovery of assets from corruption cases, aligning with the UN Convention against Corruption. It also aligns certain provisions with the Judicial Independence Law and grants Integrity Council members financial rights equivalent to Supreme Court judges.
The Cabinet approved the 2025 Public Sector Employee Scholarship Guidelines, focusing on rare specializations, professional programs, and alignment with government priorities to enhance human resources and prepare future leaders. The guidelines ensure fairness, governance, and the dissemination of opportunities across all relevant institutions.
Regarding infrastructure and citizen services, the Cabinet approved a German government/ KfW financing agreement worth €47 million for developing new water sources in Hasban, improving water quality and providing 15 million cubic meters annually. It also approved EU financing of €25 million for the second phase of the “Education for All” program, targeting quality education for children, particularly in remote areas.
On international cooperation, the Cabinet approved the rationale for the ratification of the 2025 Extradition Agreement between Jordan and Uzbekistan, continuing legislative steps following King Abdullah II’s recent visit. The agreement aims to enhance cooperation in combating crime and upholding justice, respecting sovereignty and human rights.
Finally, the Cabinet approved a joint statement to establish diplomatic relations between Jordan and both Togo and Trinidad and Tobago, reflecting mutual interest in diplomatic ties and broader cooperation.
