IRBID (Petra) - Prime Minister Marouf Bakhit on Tuesday said the government has adopted a new approach in the development process that focuses on setting up industries and directing investments to governorates with the aim of creating job opportunities.
During a visit to Kura District in Irbid Governorate yesterday, the premier noted that the government, through enacting legislation, especially the new Investment Law, is ready to give incentives to investors wishing to set up companies and factories in governorates, pointing out that the required investment criteria should focus on creating jobs for Jordanians.
At a meeting with representatives of the district's consultative council and youth centres yesterday, Bakhit said the government will focus on implementing small- and medium-sized ventures in the governorates, adding that grants worth JD40 million will be offered to university graduates to help them set up income-generating projects.
The premier, who was accompanied by a ministerial team, said the government has urged the private sector, mainly large companies, to shoulder their responsibilities by helping local communities and supporting civil society organisations in the governorates.
Bakhit, who was briefed on the education, agriculture, health and infrastructure needs of the district, said the visit comes as part of the government's commitment to reach out to citizens in their regions and listen to their demands.
He told area residents that His Majesty King Abdullah directed the government to take swift and tangible measures to achieve the envisioned political, economic, social and administrative reforms.
Noting that the National Dialogue Committee has embarked on its meetings with various segments of society with the aim of arriving at a consensus over the elections and political parties laws, Bakhit added that amendments to the Constitution, which are currently being studied by the panel, mainly aim at boosting the legislative role of the Lower House.
He said administrative reform is based on achieving justice in appointments, salaries and distributing development gains evenly, pointing out that the government is currently conducting a study on restructuring the salary scale, which will be completed on April 23.
In addition, the government is currently working on preparing a municipalities law, which will be ready within two months and then sent to the Lower House, the prime minister noted.
Although the government is committed to holding the municipalities elections on schedule, Bakhit said there is a possibility that the polls might be postponed for a month or two to organise them according to the new municipalities law.
© Jordan Times 2011
