AMMAN (Petra) - Prime Minister-designate Marouf Bakhit on Sunday underscored the need to shoulder national efforts to achieve the needed progress in the fields of political and economic reform.
During a meeting with Chairman of the Jordan Chamber of Commerce Nael Kabariti and representatives of the trade sector, he highlighted the importance of coordinating and consulting with the private sector to ensure good and early planning in the face of economic challenges.
Representatives of the commercial sector voiced their demands, which include developing an investment map on a national level to promote investments locally and internationally, and taking the interests of the local market into account when signing agreements with third parties.
The trade representatives stressed that corruption is not limited to the public sector, but also includes the private sector, highlighting the importance of initiating economic dialogue among the concerned parties to discuss difficulties faced by the sector.
Underscoring the importance of the trade sector as a vital partner in political and economic reform, Bakhit noted that it is necessary to keep the door open for dialogue, which will reflect positively on citizens.
Also yesterday, the premier-designate met with Jordan Chamber of Industry President Hatem Halawani and representatives of the industrial sector, and highlighted the pressing need to address economic problems.
During the meeting, Bakhit was briefed on the status of the industrial sector in the Kingdom and the challenges facing its development.
The sector representatives said industry has the potential to solve unemployment problems among young people, which will have a positive impact on social conditions and support security and stability in the country.
They called for encouraging Jordanian investors to return to the local market through a series of measures to remove all obstacles facing them and to open up to neighbouring markets such as Iraq.
Describing corruption as a "significant burden" and an obstacle to any economy, Bakhit stressed the need to hold accountable those responsible.
Also on Sunday, the premier-designate said the government will set programmes that seek to activate the role of the younger generation and enhance their ability to express themselves.
At a meeting with representatives of the youth sector, Bakhit highlighted the need to align educational outputs with labour market needs.
The youth representatives, affiliated with the Higher Council for Youth, stressed the need to strengthen dialogue between young people and public institutions.
They pointed to the disguised unemployment in many government institutions, which has affected the quality of services provided to citizens.
Late Saturday, Bakhit also met with a delegation from the professional associations and the Jordanian Writers Association, during which he stressed the need to take serious measures to support the political and economic reform process.
The delegation called for increasing coordination with the government to set up development programmes, stressing the need to control markets, protect consumers, review tax policies and support the agricultural sector.
The meetings are part of a series of consultations undertaken by Bakhit before forming the new government.
© Jordan Times 2011
