ASE Turnover Reaches JD9.9 M, Index Down 0.52%


Amman: Trading turnover on the Amman Stock Exchange (ASE) on Thursday reached JD9.9 million, as 3.9 million shares were traded through 2,830 transactions. The general share price index closed at 3,628 points, marking a decline of 0.52%, compared with the previous session.



According to Jordan News Agency, the sector performance showed varied results, with the services index experiencing a fall of 1.42%. The industrial and financial indexes also saw declines, falling by 0.35% and 0.16%, respectively.



Out of the 105 listed companies whose shares were traded, 21 managed to post gains. In contrast, 52 companies recorded losses compared to their previous closing prices.

82% Completion Rate Achieved in Economic Reform Matrix


Jordan: Jordan has made substantial headway in delivering on its economic reform commitments, completing 82 percent of the measures outlined in its reform matrix launched in connection with the London Initiative conference. Figures released by the Economic Reform Implementation Support Unit at the Ministry of Planning and International Cooperation show that 330 out of 403 pledged reforms have been finalized, with the remaining 73 currently being implemented.



According to Jordan News Agency, since its launch, the reform matrix has evolved in scope and structure. Originally built around nine pillars, it has been expanded to 12, reflecting a broader and more integrated approach to reform. The number of focus areas has also increased from 37 to 44, underscoring the government’s effort to address emerging priorities and deepen structural change.



The updated framework is closely aligned with the Economic Modernization Vision, incorporating 30 initiatives directly drawn from the reform matrix. This alignment ensures that reform efforts are not only procedural but also strategically tied to long-term national growth objectives.



Developed with technical backing from the World Bank and international development partners, the reform matrix was formally introduced at the London Initiative Conference titled “Jordan: Growth and Opportunity” in February 2019. Since then, it has served as a roadmap for strengthening macroeconomic stability, modernizing legislation, improving the business climate, and stimulating investment and exports.



Regarding progress by sector, data indicate varying levels of achievement. The agriculture sector recorded the highest completion rate at 100 percent, covering five reform areas and 23 measures, followed by the water sector at 91 percent across two reform areas and 23 measures.



In public finance, the completion rate reached 90 percent, covering three areas and 31 reform measures. The public sector efficiency enhancement pillar achieved an 89 percent completion rate across six reform areas and 46 measures.



Progress in improving the business environment reached 86 percent across three areas and 29 measures, while the labor market and skills development sector also recorded 86 percent completion, covering four areas and 44 measures.



The investment and export promotion sector achieved a 78 percent completion rate, encompassing six areas and 65 reform measures. The social protection enhancement pillar recorded an 82 percent completion rate, covering one area and 28 measures.



In the energy sector, the completion rate stood at 81 percent across four areas and 36 measures, while tourism reached 73 percent across three areas and 22 measures.



The transport sector recorded a 71 percent completion rate across four reform areas and 28 measures. The access to finance and capital market sector registered the lowest completion rate at 63 percent, covering three areas and 28 reform measures.



The reform matrix is subject to annual review to ensure responsiveness to shifting economic conditions and development priorities. The process includes consultations with government agencies, private sector representatives, development partners, and technical experts to maintain momentum and alignment with Jordan’s broader economic strategy.

King Sends Cable to Saudi Monarch on Founding Day


Amman: His Majesty King Abdullah II has sent a cable to Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud of Saudi Arabia, on the occasion of Saudi Founding Day, expressing wishes of further prosperity and progress for the people of Saudi Arabia.



According to Jordan News Agency, the cable reflects the strong ties between the two nations and highlights the importance of the occasion, which marks the founding of the first Saudi state in 1727. King Abdullah II conveyed his hopes for continued development and success for Saudi Arabia under King Salman’s leadership.



The message from King Abdullah II underscores the longstanding relationship and mutual respect shared between Jordan and Saudi Arabia. It also signifies the commitment of both nations to fostering regional stability and cooperation.

Yarmouk University Pledges JD100,000 in Financial Aid for Eligible Students


Irbid: Yarmouk University (YU) has announced its plan to provide loans and financial aid totaling JD100,000 to 300 students who meet specific eligibility criteria, including three international beneficiaries. YU President Dr. Malek Sharairi emphasized the university’s commitment to supporting students’ educational pursuits and preparing them for the job market.



According to Jordan News Agency, Dr. Sharairi shared these remarks during a meeting with the management committees of YU’s donations and student funds at the Deanship of Student Affairs. He highlighted that financial support for students from underprivileged backgrounds reinforces the university’s role in education and its national and humanitarian responsibilities.



Dr. Sharairi stated that this initiative aligns with the King’s directives to make education accessible and alleviate financial burdens on students and their families. He underscored that investing in students is crucial for the Kingdom’s future and praised the contributions of donors, including faculty, administrative staff, and the local community.



He also noted that this collective effort, along with the university’s financial contributions, has enabled students to overcome financial challenges. With the holy month of Ramadan approaching, Dr. Sharairi urged donors to contribute to the student support funds at the Deanship of Student Affairs, emphasizing the importance of benefaction in education as a form of social solidarity.

FM Represents Jordan at U.S.-Led Peace Board Meeting


New york: Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign and Expatriates Affairs Ayman Safadi, on Thursday, represented the Kingdom at a Peace Board meeting chaired by U.S. President Donald Trump, with the participation of 48 countries.



According to Jordan News Agency, on the sidelines of the meeting, Safadi conveyed greetings from His Majesty King Abdullah II to President Trump and expressed appreciation for the U.S. President’s efforts to consolidate stability in Gaza. Safadi also met with U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio, where they discussed a range of bilateral issues within the framework of the shared commitment to strengthening the strategic partnership between Jordan and the United States. Regional developments were also addressed during the talks.



Safadi underscored the importance of convening the Board of Peace and implementing all elements of President Trump’s plan regarding Gaza. He also held meetings with heads of delegations and foreign ministers participating in the gathering.



The Foreign Minister affirmed that Jordan will contribute to implementing President Trump’s Gaza plan by training Palestinian police personnel in Jordan. He stressed that Jordan will continue supporting Gaza by enhancing the work of its field hospitals in the Strip, continuing to treat Gazan patients in the Kingdom, and delivering Jordanian and international humanitarian aid.



On Thursday, Safadi also participated in the monthly United Nations Security Council briefing in New York on developments in the Middle East, including the Palestinian issue.

55 Job Seekers to Engage in Antiquities Training Program-ASEZA


Aqaba: Commissioner for Tourism and Youth Affairs at Aqaba Special Economic Zone Authority (ASEZA), Dr. Thabet Nabulsi, emphasized the protection of Aqaba’s cultural heritage as a developmental and investment priority. Nabulsi outlined that this vision is part of ASEZA’s strategy to invest in national talent and empower the youth to lead archaeological work professionally using advanced standards. He highlighted the significant role of the archaeological sector in enhancing the city’s historical identity and reinforcing its position on the cultural tourism map. His comments were made during the launch of the authority’s ad hoc training program, “Guardians of Antiquities,” in collaboration with the Aqaba Department of Antiquities.



According to Jordan News Agency, the program aims to train specialized national workers and align training outcomes with the needs of Aqaba’s archaeological and tourist projects. It targets 55 job seekers from the local community, who will be trained in the exploration and maintenance of archaeological sites based on scientific principles. The program’s professional approach enables trainees to engage directly in the fieldwork environment, thereby enhancing performance efficiency and supporting existing projects with skilled personnel.



The program was developed after a thorough study of the needs of archaeological sites and the identification of required specializations, in coordination with the Department of Antiquities. Nabulsi remarked that the program is a practical step towards supporting the tourist sector, preserving Aqaba’s historical identity, and providing sustainable employment opportunities for young people. He emphasized that ASEZA is committed to developing specialized training activities for strategic projects in collaboration with relevant stakeholders. These future activities are expected to enhance institutional integration and establish Aqaba as a national model for using cultural heritage to drive economic and social development.