Irbid: President of the Irbid Chamber of Industry Hani Abu Hassan said on Tuesday that the government's proactive approach to meeting the industrial sector's needs is essential for bolstering national economic resilience and fostering a stable investment environment.
According to Jordan News Agency, Abu Hassan highlighted the Cabinet's recent decision to freeze natural gas prices for factories throughout May, with the government absorbing the difference in rising global costs. He noted that such measures provide critical support to the industrial sector amid regional instability that continues to impact the area.
Abu Hassan emphasized that these policies reflect a clear commitment to protecting national industries, which currently employ approximately 25% of the Kingdom's total workforce. He also praised the Cabinet's decision to maintain current prices for heavy fuel oil used in industry and to keep electricity rates stable. He described these moves as well-considered strategies that prioritize the industrial sector and shield production costs from global fluctuations, thereby maintaining the competitiveness of Jordanian products in foreign markets.
In a related development, Abu Hassan welcomed the Cabinet's approval to release financial dues to 72 industrial facilities for exports made between 2019 and 2021. He stressed that this move strengthens trust between the government and the industrial sector and directly improves corporate liquidity, enabling firms to sustain production despite global economic challenges.
Abu Hassan underscored the need to accelerate the development of the public transport system, citing its direct impact on production costs and labor mobility. He called for intensified efforts to transform Irbid into an integrated economic hub, noting that the governorate possesses the necessary infrastructure and resources to play a pivotal role in the national economy.
Furthermore, Abu Hassan noted that the Chamber is focused on enhancing Irbid's competitive advantages by supporting initiatives that integrate the industrial, agricultural, and tourism sectors. He commended government plans to renovate Irbid's historic city center and rehabilitate tourism sites such as Malka Park, which he expects will yield comprehensive developmental benefits for the province.
Abu Hassan concluded by stating that the Cabinet's field visits to various governorates open direct channels for dialogue and allow challenges to be translated into concrete decisions that serve the path of sustainable development.