Day: April 27, 2025

Amman: The Labor Minister has set in motion preparations for the “2025 National Employment Day,” slated to take place across the capital and all governorates on Tuesday, May 6.

According to Jordan News Agency, the Ministry reported that during a meeting at the Central Employment Directorate, the Minister urged labor directors and employment section heads throughout the Kingdom to forge connections with the private sector to ensure widespread participation. This initiative aims to create meaningful job opportunities for Jordanians across all regions of the country.

The Ministry highlighted that the event underscores the government’s dedication to bolstering partnerships with the private sector, acknowledging its vital role as the primary employment generator for Jordanian citizens. The National Employment Day seeks to reinforce ongoing efforts to increase job placements throughout both urban centers and outlying governorates.

The statement stressed that the Ministry’s mission extends well beyond regulating
foreign labor. Its core responsibilities include bridging the gap between job seekers and private employers, monitoring labor market trends, safeguarding workers’ rights, and conducting inspections of private establishments to ensure adherence to occupational safety and health standards.

The Ministry has invited employers interested in participating in the National Employment Day to reach out to the Central Employment Directorate in Amman or contact employment sections at labor directorates across the governorates.

Amman: Jordan has strengthened its position in the global halal industry after the Directorate of Conformity Certificates at the Jordan Standards and Metrology Organization (JSMO) received official recognition from Malaysia’s Department of Islamic Development (JAKIM) for its halal certification system.

According to Jordan News Agency, the recognition followed a comprehensive evaluation process conducted by a specialized Malaysian delegation. The assessment included a visit to the Organization’s headquarters, a review of certification procedures, and inspections of several Jordanian companies holding halal certificates to ensure compliance with JAKIM’s rigorous standards.

The Director General of JSMO, Abeer Al-Zuhair, noted that this achievement represents a significant step forward for Jordan, particularly in light of the expanding global demand for halal products. She added that Jordan’s recognition by JAKIM enhances the credibility of its products and opens new export opportunities to Malaysia, one of the largest halal markets worldwide.

Al-Zuhair emphasized that the recognition offers a strategic opportunity to improve the competitiveness of Jordanian exports, especially as international demand for halal products continues to grow.

The Malaysian delegation commended the Organization’s efforts, highlighting the Directorate’s commitment to adhering to international best practices in halal certification.

The statement also noted that the Directorate had previously obtained international accreditation from the Emirates International Accreditation Centre (EIAC) in halal certification, further facilitating Jordanian products’ entry into global markets with greater confidence.

Amman: Dutch Ambassador to Jordan, Harry Verweij, highlighted the enduring and robust relationship between the Netherlands and the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan: Marking 74 years of diplomatic ties, the Ambassador emphasized that the connection is built on a foundation of mutual respect and shared interests, further strengthened by the long-standing friendship between the two Royal Houses.

According to Jordan News Agency, this partnership manifests across diverse areas, including significant support for Jordan’s hosting of refugees, cooperation on water and climate resilience, and fostering economic development. A recent testament to this commitment is the pound 31 million grant signed by the Netherlands for the vital Aqaba-Amman Water Desalination and Conveyance Project, underscoring the depth of the bilateral cooperation and the Netherlands’ dedication to Jordan’s development priorities.

Ambassador Verweij affirmed the Netherlands’ view of Jordan as a crucial partner in promoting and maintaining regional peace and stability. He specifically valued the Kingdom’s significant humanitarian contribution in hosting large refugee populations. The Netherlands recognizes Jordan’s constructive engagement in mediation and peace efforts as significant contributions to regional calm, also reiterating Dutch commitment to the status quo and support for Jordan’s custodianship of the Holy Sites.

Economically, the Netherlands stands as one of Jordan’s key European trading partners. Bilateral trade primarily involves agricultural products, machinery, and pharmaceuticals. Ambassador Verweij pointed out a positive trend, highlighting that as of November 2024, the Netherlands emerged as Jordan’s top European export destination, with Jordanian exports reaching JD 80 million, reflecting a 9.6% year-on-year growth. He also expressed pleasure that Jordan’s Investment Promotion Strategy designates the Netherlands as a priority European partner, anticipating further enhancement of trade relations.

Beyond trade, the Netherlands actively contributes to Jordan’s economic development, aligning with the Economic Modernization Vision. Since 2019, Dutch funding instruments have supported Jordan’s private sector, focusing on creating decent jobs, especially for women, youth, and vulnerable groups. Future cooperation, spanning the next four years, will concentrate on macro-economic reforms, ICT nearshoring, improving SME access to finance, and promoting green industries. A notable initiative is the “Orange Corners” entrepreneurial program, which has successfully provided over 70 young entrepreneurs with training, networking, and funding since 2022.

The Ambassador expressed deep appreciation for Jordan’s sustained generosity in hosting refugees, particularly from Syria, affirming the Netherlands’ commitment to supporting both refugees and Jordanian host communities. This commitment was recently reinforced with an additional $98 million investment in the second phase of the Prospects Partnership, running until 2028. This program, implemented with partners like ILO, IFC, UNHCR, UNICEF, and the World Bank, aims to improve access to quality education, decent work, water, and legal services for both refugees and the Jordanian communities that host them.

Addressing the ongoing conflict in Gaza, Ambassador Verweij conveyed the Netherlands’ deep concern regarding the violence and humanitarian crisis, urging all parties to return to the ceasefire deal and to continue negotiations. The Netherlands consistently calls for the protection of civilians and respect for international humanitarian law, remaining committed to a lasting two-state solution supported by both parties.

The interview concluded with Ambassador Verweij reaffirming the strength and multifaceted nature of the Dutch-Jordanian partnership, a relationship poised to continue fostering stability, promoting development, and addressing shared challenges in the years to come.

Amman: Leading cancer experts gathered at the 26th International Oncology Association Conference emphasized the urgent need for continued awareness campaigns and early detection initiatives to combat cancer.

According to Jordan News Agency, Dr. Sami Al-Khatib, Association President and Secretary-General of the Arab League for Cancer Control, highlighted the importance of making early screenings accessible and affordable, particularly in underserved areas, during the conference’s closing session.

The conference underscored several key strategies aimed at reducing cancer’s impact, including the promotion of healthy lifestyles through proper nutrition and physical activity, while discouraging harmful habits such as smoking.

Empowering cancer survivors to share their personal stories was a major focus. Participants noted that patient voices serve as powerful tools for both awareness and support.

The business community was called upon to enhance their involvement through corporate social responsibility programs, which could offer employee screenings and support awareness events like charity runs and community outreach activities.

Dr. Hani Al-Taani, Chairman of the Scientific Committee, discussed the remarkable progress in oncology science, noting the ability to identify specific cancer ‘fingerprints’ that assist in determining the most effective treatment approaches, whether they be chemical, immunological, or targeted therapies.

Additional recommendations from the conference included integrating cancer education into school curricula and promoting preventive vaccinations, such as those for HPV and Hepatitis B.

The event concluded with a call for improved psychological and social support systems for patients and families as they navigate cancer treatment and recovery.

Amman: The Scientific and National Conference on Alternative Care was launched Saturday evening at Hussein Cultural Center, organized by Sumou Association in partnership with Amman Arab University to address critical challenges facing care leavers in Jordan. The initiative aligns with His Majesty King Abdullah II’s directives on social protection mechanisms and vulnerability reduction strategies for disadvantaged populations, particularly youth transitioning from institutional care.

According to Jordan News Agency, representing Social Development Minister Wafa Bani Mustafa, Assistant Secretary-General for Protection Affairs Nasser Al-Shuraida outlined the ministry’s integrated approach to post-care transition services for individuals who have aged out of the care system at 18. “Our aftercare programming includes educational pathways, vocational training, and psychosocial support interventions,” Al-Shuraida explained, highlighting collaborative frameworks with Princess Taghrid Foundation and Al-Aman Fund that provide housing assistance, employment facilitation, and startup capital for microenterprises.

Al-Shuraida announced the implementation of a digital case management platform developed jointly with the Ministry of Digital Economy to enhance service delivery within the national orphan care strategy framework launched by Crown Prince Hussein bin Abdullah II under the provisions of the 2024 Social Development Act.

Dr. Falah Al-Amoush, Association President, emphasized their commitment to evidence-based advocacy for care leavers, noting the conference’s dual focus on empirical research and policy reform to address systemic barriers facing this vulnerable demographic. Dr. Mohammed Al-Widyan, University President, stressed the heightened risk factors affecting care leavers and called for strengthened cross-sector partnerships to enhance the child protection ecosystem and deinstitutionalization efforts.

The conference agenda featured a documentary screening and comparative analysis of alternative care models from regional contexts, alongside a multi-disciplinary arts program including an operetta performed by the Armed Forces Orchestra under Awni Haddad’s direction with the Creative Youth Choir. A concurrent exhibition titled “Be Human” showcased works from 40 artists representing diverse stylistic approaches to humanitarian themes related to care experiences.

The conference continues with technical sessions at Amman Arab University featuring child welfare experts from Morocco, Tunisia, Iraq, Egypt, Palestine, Oman and Jordan, concluding Tuesday with cultural heritage site visits to Qasr Al-Harrana, Azraq Wetland Reserve and Amman.

Amman: The number of registered patents during the first quarter of 2025 reached 20, including one local patent, according to data issued by the Industrial Property Protection Directorate at the Ministry of Industry, Trade, and Supply.

According to Jordan News Agency, the data showed that the number of registered trademarks reached 999 by the end of March, while 1,608 trademarks were renewed during the same period. In addition, the Directorate renewed 138 patents, granted five industrial property use licenses, processed 310 name and address changes for industrial properties, and approved the transfer of ownership for 499 properties.

In comparison, 2024 saw the registration of 5,687 trademarks, the renewal of 6,245 trademarks, and the registration of 111 patents, including eight local patents. Under the law, a patent is defined as any creative idea developed by an inventor in any technological field whether related to a product, a manufacturing method, or both that offers a solution to a specific problem in that field.

Patent registration encompasses all procedures related to patent applications, beginning with advising inventors on filing requirements and concluding with the issuance of the final patent certificate. The process includes both technical and formal examinations to ensure that applications meet all legal requirements, as well as procedures that serve public interests, such as publication in the Official Gazette and record review processes. Meanwhile, a trademark is defined as any visible sign used or intended to be used by an individual or entity to distinguish their goods, products, or services from those of others.