The General Directorate of Gendarmeries

   
The General Directorate of Gendarmeries
General Information
Introduction

A new vision in eyes of the leader

since his majesty king Abdullah II assumed the reins of power, he has been faced the challenges of changes in a difficult time, when many people failed to do that, he  rely on his people, future and youth and he succeeded, the noble king connected with his Jordanian family by working hard during day and night in all directions to initiative for the advancement and overall development.

Because the security of the nation and the citizens are the main focus of his majesty, the royal decree was issued to form the general directorate of gendarmerie, with a royal vision and the need for security, not a luxury, the effective contribution in the system of global security and stability enjoyed by Jordan to professionalism and specialization for different tasks, including  the containment of any defect in the internal security or out for public order.

Since its inception, the general directorate of gendarmerie has sought to achieve these vision to carry a message of trust and achieving security and preserving the right of society to protect the gains of prosperity and social welfare of the citizens and to lay the foundations of justice and stability to enjoy all live on the soil of Jordan by grace of safety and security and distinguish it from other countries in the region and the world.

This lead us to regard the general directorate of gendarmerie in charge with the protection of society and strengthen the pillars of security in conjunction with the relevant security agencies under applicable laws and systems so that all members of the community starting for the hard work and production reassured about their property,  which is necessary for all segments of the society and its responsibility active participation with security institutions for the integration of the overall security system, and because the sense of security before they can be measures for the security services or systems and safeguards guaranteed by the laws, the feeling of peacefulness and tranquility is the aim sought by any society.

As a complement to the strategy taken by this directorate in the construction, modernization and training, which it is a real and realistic translation approaches for the royal directives in order to communicate with citizens in different position, the initiative came from the general directorate of gendarmerie to establish a website for the directorate, a translation of transparent information policy which we pursue in our work so the nature of the work of the general directorate of gendarmerie through the units deployed within the Hashemite kingdom of Jordan so that we can communicate with citizens and take advantage of views through a dialogue to assess the weaknesses and strengths, in order to raise the cultural level of the security to the citizen a partner to work together to promote a achieve sustainable development and conservation of the country and their achievements.

God bless this country and save it under the patronage of his majesty king Abdullah II bin al Hussein.

The general directorate of gendarmerie.

Civil Status and Passports Department

   
Civil Status and Passports Department
General Information
Introduction

In 1921, when the Emirate of Trans Jordan was created, Prince Abdullah Bin Al Hussein started issuing one-year passports to the citizens of the Emirate, in order to facilitate their travelling outside the Emirate. Before the creation of the Emirate, passports were first issued in the name of the Arab Hashemite Government, and later in the name of the Arab Orient Government. The validity of the passport was for one year and the destination was indicated on the passport. In 1928, the first Citizenship Law for the Emirate of Trans Jordan was issued as a draft law published in the Official Gazette no. (191) dated 7/5/1922, and its implementation was declared in the Official Gazette no. (193) dated 1/6/1924. An additional law to the Citizenship Law no. (56) for the year 1949, was published in the Official Gazette no. (1004) dated 20/12/1949, by which all people regularly residing in the East Bank or the West Bank territories that are administered by the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan, who have the Palestinian citizenship and are not Jews, were granted the Jordanian citizenship. The Citizenship Law no. (6) for the year 1954 was published in the Official Gazette no. (1171) dated 16/2/1954. In 1927, the first Passport Law was issued, and in 1929, a law regulating the issuance of passports was issued. The Passport Department was dependent on the Command of the Arab Jordanian Army, and was headed by one of the army’s officers. On 8/9/1941, the Council of Ministers decision no. (51) was issued, and according to this decision, the Passport Department was no longer dependent upon the army, and became dependent on the Minister of Interior. This decision was published in the Official Gazette no. (720) dated 1/10/1941. In 1942, Law no. (5) for the year 1942 was issued. It was a temporary and unified law conceived as a modification of the Passport Law. It was published in the Official Gazette no. (134) dated 9/3/1942. In 1969, the Passport Law no. (2) for the year 1969 was issued, and according to this law, the issuance of all types of passports was regulated. In 1987, Law no. (22) for the year 1987 was issued, allowing double citizenship for Jordanians, in order to preserve their ties with their land.



Civil Status:



The government created the Civil Status Department in order to carry out the task of registering citizens, instead of delegating this duty to several ministries and official departments such as the Ministry of Health, the Ministry of Interior, the Islamic Courts and the Statistics Department. Within this framework, Law no. (32) for the year 1966 was issued (this law was later cancelled by Law no. (34) for the year 1973). It was the first law that created the Civil Status Department, as an independent department, with the competence of applying the law. This Department was subordinated to the Minister of Interior. In 1968, following the 1967 war, the Civil Status Department started carrying out part of the competences that were limited to issuing family books and identification cards to citizens. The Civil Status Department and the Passport Department had one Director General. This was the case until 1977, when a Director General was appointed for the Civil Status Department, with the duty of applying the regulations of Law no. (34) for the year 1973.



The Department started its activities on 1/7/1977, and its offices were distributed all over the Kingdom. In 1989, the Department had 45 offices, and had grown to 73 offices in 1998.

Civil Defense Directorate

Civil Defense Directorate
General Information
Introduction

The Civil Defense is the official systematic force entitled and qualified to carry out specific duties, mainly the protection of people's lives and their properties by enacting and adopting instructions and procedures of precaution and self-protection and also dealing with rescue, aid and fire fighting in all regions of the Kingdom, by all Civil Defense Units spread over the Kingdom in governorates, districts and provinces.

Established in 1956, the Civil Defense has developed in various areas including spreading awareness amongst citizens, taking precautionary and protective measures and dealing with accidents.

All throughout, maintaining and preserving the accomplishments of the comprehensive development movement was the main objective of all Civil Defense plans.

Civil Defense history goes back to the time when the country was still known as Tran Jordan. Civil Defense was then carried out by groups of civilians working in Amman municipality armed only with basic gears and entrusted with limited duties. From there, procedures followed to expand civilian defense duties by issuing orders to set up national voluntary forces to assist and support the civilian groups.

The need to find a body to protect people's lives and properties became imminent. The nucleus for a Civil Defense was found in 1956 followed by Civil Defense Law no. (12) for the year 1959. The Law stated the establishment of a Civil Defense Directorate and defined its duties under the Public Security Department. The Civil Defense Directorate remained so until 1970 when it became directly under the Ministry of Interior with the General Director of Public Security Department at the head of its organizational structure.

The Civil Defense Directorate witnessed a rapid growth, and plans were laid down to develop performance, expand services and upgrade training. The call for this came in line with the Directorate's vision taking it many steps ahead. As a result, knowledge became the means, good performance a method and training and readiness the tools for better services.



Development of the Civil Defense Directorate:



·            Deepening the contents of the Civil Defense concepts and education.

·            Drafting the Civil Defense Law no. (18) for the year 1999 and the National Comprehensive Plan in the face of Emergencies and Disasters.

·            Generating outstanding development in all areas of work, which resulted in better performance in the field due to the emphasis on comprehensive development in the following areas:

a.        Selecting and training Civil Defense ranks proportionate to specific work needs.

b.        Machinery: introducing new and advanced machinery as allowed by the budget.

c.        Upgrading equipment and tasks of the job.

d.        Restructuring the organizational structure of the Civil Defense Directorate such as the Rescue Department, creating new managements to meet the needs such as the Department of Study and Research and Preventive Education Section.

e.        Setting up development plans and locating sources through the government to fund these projects, such as grants.

Public Security Directorate

Public Security Directorate
General Information
Introduction



On 11/4/1921, the Hashemite leadership assumed its governing responsibilities upon the demand and request of the people in the Country, and then decided to establish a Force for security purposes and keeping order. This consisted of Gendarme units at fixed stations in the cities, a reserve battalion of Gendarme, a battalion of regulars and a Hajjanah Unit, in addition to a mobilized force, whose Commander was then called the Councilor Advisor for Security and Discipline equivalent in rank of a Minister in the final Government that was formed in the Emirate of East Jordan.



Consequently, this was considered as the establishing date of the Public Security, and was decided by the Public Security Directorate to celebrate every year due to its importance in the modern history of Jordan and the importance of the achievements and realization to this first force in imposing the State authority at that sensitive stage and consolidating its foundations.



On 11/09/1923, the post of the Public Security Director was postponed. The units that were linked to it were incorporated to the Arab Army. The Security units continued to perform their duties with the Arab Army until 14/07/1956 when a law was issued for separation. They were re-linked again to the army on 25/04/1957. Then law number (29) for the year (1958) was passed which separated the Public Security from the Army and was linked to the Ministry of Interior.



In 1965, the Law for Public Security number (38) was passed. Section Four of that law specified the duties of the Force as follows:



1.           Preservation of order and security and the protection of lives, honor and properties.

2.           Prevention of crimes and endeavor to discover and pursue them, to arrest and apprehend their perpetrators and deliver them to justice.

3.          Administration of prisons and guarding of prisoners.

4.          The implementation of laws and regulations, Judicial and legitimate orders, and assisting the Public Authorities in executing their functions according to the stipulations of laws.

5.           Receiving unclaimed items and properties and dealing with them according to the stipulations of laws and regulations.

6.           Supervising and organizing Traffic on roads.

7.           Controlling the public meetings and processions on roads and in public places.

8.           Carrying out any other duties imposed by the enforced laws.

Ministry of Interior

Ministry of Interior
General Information
Introduction
About the Ministry of Interior:


The establishment of the Ministry of Interior coincided with the formation of the first central government in Trans Jordan in 1921.  Over the past eight decades, the Ministry’s name was linked with the process of building the modern Jordanian state institutions, the task of preserving security and public order, and providing the best service to citizens in urban, rural and Bedouin areas.



Like other state institutions, the Ministry of Interior kept abreast with the social and economic development of the country, forming the framework through which Jordanian innovative, administrative and legal potential have interacted leading to the achievement of the best form of the modern state that is based on the sovereignty of law and respect of rights of individuals and groups.



In 1931, the Ministry of Interior acquired its naming and assumed its vast and various tasks, which, in addition to its main task of preserving security and public order, included protecting lives and public and private property, and providing services.



Supervision of projects and programs:

One of the royal initiatives of His Majesty King Abdullah II bin Al Hussein was to assign the governors the task of following up and supervising developmental projects in the governorates.  This was done in order to develop and improve all types of services provided to citizens and with the aim of raising the individual’s standard of living, as well as investing the legal and administrative authorities granted to governors through the laws, regulations and instructions in effect. This is done through:



1.        Preparing a suitable environment for all levels of investment and strengthening cooperation between the private and public sectors.

2.        Following up on the implementation of developmental projects and their level of compliance with set timelines.

3.        Addressing causes of failure of developmental projects through the governors using all legal and administrative and otherwise accountability.

4.        Preparing capital budgets for governorates in cooperation with executive and investment councils leading to the preparation of a capital budget that guarantees the fulfillment of citizens’ needs in their different residential locations.

5.        Training and qualifying promising leaderships to follow up and supervise developmental plans, through the development unit at the Ministry and the development units in the governorates.



Under His Majesty King Abdullah II bin Al Hussein, the Ministry continues its efforts to maintain and strengthen its accomplishments by:

·            Entrenching modern administrative concepts on the basis of facilitating matters for citizens.

·            Avoiding forms of complications and bureaucracy.

·            Raising the level of efficiency and productivity of Ministry employees.

·            Expanding the authorities of governors in the field and directors at headquarters for the sake of sustainable development and the implementation of developmental projects.

·            Reconsidering laws and regulations that govern its work.

·            Keeping up with the public national policy of encouraging investment and tourism.

·            Facilitating the arrival and residency of Arab and foreign investors in the Kingdom.

Postal Savings Fund

Postal Savings Fund
General Information
Introduction
   
Postal Savings Fund
General Information
Introduction

Ministry of Information and Communications Technology

   
Ministry of Information and Communications Technology
General Information
Introduction

Ministry of Information and Communications Technology



Established in April 2002, the Ministry of Information and Communications Technology [MoICT] is the governmental entity responsible for articulating policy in the areas of information technology, telecommunications, and post in the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan.

In addition to developing, incubating, and supporting ICT initiatives at a national level, the Ministry’s mandate includes stimulating local and foreign technology investments as well as promoting awareness and adoption of ICT by all segments by all segments of the population, in an all-inclusive approach.

The Ministry, through a dynamic public-private partnership process, works to create, promote, and drive new ICT opportunities in Jordan, which will facilitate the positioning of the Kingdom as a regional player in technology adoption and development, a key step to creating a knowledge-based economy.

The Ministry is currently articulating Jordan’s policies and strategies for liberalization of the telecommunications sector in both mobile and fixed line telephony, overseeing the creation of a more independent regulator and the formation of a combined national spectrum unit. These, as well as the formulation of national IT policies, are within its mandate of charting a strategic plan for the development of the ICT sector in Jordan.

Structured as a “think tank”, the Ministry’s work plan reflects its objective of creating the enabling legal, commercial, and regulatory environment receptive for technology introduction as a catalyst towards the larger socio-economic development of Jordan.

Department of Companies Control

   
Department of Companies Control
General Information
Introduction

Companies Control Department (CCD) is one of the governmental Departments that submits the services for investment enterprises and provides a safe and stable investment environment within the provisions of companies law No. (22) of 1997 and its amendments and the issued regulations by virtue of it and the related laws.

CCD has been established as an independent Department from the Ministry of Industry and Trade since early 2002 and it submits all services that Justify the customer and the investor. It provides simple, quick and accurate performance.

 In accordance with developing the methods of submitting services to the investor, facilitating the official procedures as a guarantee for his ownerships, protecting his achievements, supporting the investment, preparing the investment climate, guarantying  its safe and stability and the right of every investor to practice his business, so it works efficiently on providing him with the needs and requirements.

The Department is abiding by submitting a simple and perfect service to the customers by this guidebook which shows the submitted services by the department and explaining the requirements and the adopted procedures to register the investment enterprise in a legal form.
CCD with its continuous efforts, looking to become a modernized service center, presents its services in a simple, transparent and equity for all investors it puts potentialities before them by its different departments and offices.

Insurance Regulatory Commission

   
Insurance Regulatory Commission
General Information
Introduction

One of the main features of the Insurance Supervision Act No. (33) for the year 1999 was the formation of the Insurance Regulatory Commission in early 2000. Before then, insurance business in Jordan used to be regulated and supervised by the Insurance Department at the Ministry of Industry & Trade.

As clearly detailed throughout the Act, the role of the IRC is to regulate and supervise the insurance sector in a manner that ensures a suitable environment for the development of the sector, and enhances the role of the insurance industry to avail insurance coverage for individuals and properties against the risks attached thereto, hence, protecting the national economy and assist in building up and developing the national savings to support the economic development of the Kingdom.

To achieve the above, the IRC has the following functions to utilize:

1.        To protect the rights and supervise the obligations of all parties concerned in the insurance transactions.

2.        To enhance the performance and efficiency of the insurance companies, subject to a professional code of conduct and rules of ethics, hence, improving capability for better services, and achieving a positive competition

3.        To avail the qualified manpower to transact insurance business; this maybe achieved through an insurance institute jointly and in co-operation with Jordan Insurance Federation pursuant to the provisions of the applicable legislations.

4.        To develop insurance awareness by way of preparing and circulating studies, conducting campaigns and research work related to insurance business.

5.         To strengthen co-operation and integral relations with Arab and international insurance regulatory institutions.

Jordan Investment Board

   
Jordan Investment Board
General Information
Introduction

Jordan Investment Board Profile



Jordan Investment Board (JIB) was established under the Investment Promotion Law No. (16) for the year 1995. JIB launched its services as a financially and administratively independent entity since 1/1/1996. Before that, it was a department in the Ministry of Industry and Trade.  The objective of JIB since inception has been to support the national economy through focusing most of its activities on investment. Such focused endeavor is translated into dedicated efforts that start with depicting a good image of Jordan in general, attracting and soliciting local, Arab, and international investments to Jordan; through to facilitating and simplifying licensing procedures for such investment projects and providing them with all facilities, incentives, and exemptions as approved by applicable laws and regulations.  Such facilities include the issuance of investors' cards, resident and visit permissions for investors. Investment is one of the four major economic pillars: saving, consumption, production, and investment. It is the main locomotive to drive the wheel of economic growth. Therefore, the role of JIB, by the nature of its function, has a direct impact on the promotion and growth of the national economy. The duties of JIB in accordance with the law are:



1.        Enhance confidence in the investment environment.

2.        Develop plans and programs to promote local and foreign investment and implement such plans and programs inside and outside Jordan.

3.        Conduct any required study or survey in connection with locally and internationally targeted investments in order to identify and promote investment opportunities in Jordan.

4.        Establish the one-stop service to assist the investor in the registration and licensing of his investment, and obtain the necessary approvals from the other government agencies in accordance with the applicable legislations.

5.        Provide information and data to investors and issue relevant guidebooks.



Since concentration on promotional activities to attract investors is a priority to achieve sustained economic growth, promotional duties are directed towards potential investors to attract them to invest in the economic sectors with relative advantage and high competitiveness for Jordan, and which achieve high added value that positively impacts the economic growth rates. Such growth has to be distributed to all economic sectors to give the citizens a sense of the economic growth achieved and improved living standards.



As for human resources, JIB employs (73) male and female employees: (16) employees in the Studies and Research Department, (11) in the Promotion Department, (11) in the Facilitations and Services Department, (21) in the Administration and Finance Department, (1) in the Internal Audit, (6) in the One-Stop-Shop, (2) in the Airport Office, (4) in the Executive Manager's office, and (1) employee in Al-Zarqa Office.  The law allows JIB to establish branches in or outside Jordan.

Jordan Enterprise Development Corporation (JEDCO)

   
Jordan Enterprise Development Corporation (JEDCO)
General Information
Introduction

JEDCO is Jordan's official trade development and promotion organization. Founded in 1972, JEDCO has developed into a full service support organization for Jordan's vibrant private sector.



JEDCO's activities cover trade development and promotion, trade fairs, trade necessary information services, and human resource development. JEDCO also provides specialized support services and advice in areas of packaging, export finance and in the implementation of trade agreements.



JEDCO’s main objectives can be summarized as follows:

·            Strengthening the position of Jordanian exports’ in traditional markets and expanding exports of Jordanian products and services to new markets.

·            Developing Jordanian exports and assisting companies in enhancing their competitive advantage to meet international standards of quality and price.

·            Exploiting the use of information technology in helping Jordanian exporters.

·            Establishing specialized services centers to support industrial priority sectors.

·            Providing training and human resource development for companies and institutions engaged in exports.

·            Establishing and enhancing co-operation between JEDCO and other trade related organizations world-wide.

·            Assisting Jordanian exporters in maximizing the use of professional export support services and tools.

JEDCO’s Role in the Jordanian Economy


JEDCO plays an important role in implementing government policies to further develop Jordanian exports. JEDCO also assists to expand the geographic distribution of exports, and to improve the quality and value added of Jordanian goods and services.



In recent years, JEDCO has been actively involved in assisting Jordanian exports through its participation in international trade fairs and exhibitions, along with organizing promotional weeks and trade delegations. In addition, JEDCO has been implementing successfully, technical support programs for manufacturing and service industries, and has been providing up-to-date trade and export related information to companies.



JEDCO's support program has significantly boosted Jordanian exports, and has strengthened Jordan’s presence in both traditional and non-traditional markets.



JEDCO provides an integrated set of services for domestic manufacturers, service providers, and for foreign buyers. These services, which may be adjusted in line with changing market conditions, encompass the following:

·            Trade Development and Promotion

·            Direct Company Support

·            Information Services

·            Market Research

·            Regional and International Co-operation

·            Trade Related Services, such as Export Finance and Export Credit Insurance

·            Human Resources Development

JEDCO’s Main Activities

·            Trade Development and Promotion

These activities represent a vital part of introducing Jordanian exports to buyers abroad and to help Jordanian to explore such markets.



JEDCO organizes participation of exporters in international general and specialized trade fairs, Jordanian weeks, trade delegations, Europartenariat and Medpartenariat events. In addition to its trade representation in selected markets, publishing of export directories, and offering promotional material.


·            Participating in International Trade Fairs

Trade fair activities represent a key function within JEDCO’s promotional portfolio through which JEDCO presents Jordanian products in markets abroad. Trade fairs also give Jordanian exporters exposure and opportunities in the international business community, in addition to gaining better insight about these markets.



Every year, JEDCO organizes the participation of Jordanian Exporters in up to 20 international general and specialized trade fairs. JEDCO also organizes a number of Jordanian promotional weeks in selected markets. These integrated promotion programs attempt to reflect the entire scope of Jordan's dynamic growth and development in areas of industry, tourism and culture in co-ordination with the appropriate Jordanian institutions.



JEDCO’s participation in trade fairs stems from JEDCO’s policy to strengthen trade relations with regional markets, to support Jordanian products’ presence in new markets, and to open channels with promising ones.


·            Trade Delegations

JEDCO has been very active in organizing trade missions abroad and buyer-seller meetings in selected markets.



In addition, JEDCO has also facilitated trade delegations to Jordan from Arab and other countries of the world.


·            Promotional Material

JEDCO pays special attention to promoting Jordanian exports through the different printed and electronic media available. In this context JEDCO issues a number of promotional publications and produces TV documentaries and videos on Jordanian industries. JEDCO has also produced a CD ROM which contains the Jordanian exporters directory and information about Jordan's economy. Furthermore, JEDCO operates an active Internet web site, which provides updated information about JEDCO’s activities, programs, support services, with profiles of the Jordanian major exporters.


·            Trade Centers Abroad

Following the successful establishment of trade centers in regional markets, JEDCO has expanded its network to North America and Europe.



These centers provide Jordanian exporters with information services, promotional facilities and links with local buyers and investors. They also provide basic information and referral services to local buyers, and may assist in major promotional events that JEDCO conducts in these markets.



Currently, JEDCO operates a network of trade centers in Algeria, Belgium, Iraq, Palestine, USA, and Yemen. for contact details of these centers, please click here

JEDCO also co-ordinates commercial activities with commercial counselors at Jordanian embassies.


·            Direct Company Support (Technical Assistance)

The partnership agreement Jordan signed with the EU, The Free Trade Agreement with the USA, as well as Jordan’s accession to the WTO provide Jordanian exporters with substantial opportunities. The agreements also represent a considerable challenge to producers in Jordan. This means that international standards, product quality, design, packaging and labeling have become key requirements to compete locally and internationally. JEDCO has adopted policies and action programs to assist Jordanian exporters to meet these requirements and to enhance their competitive edge.

The adopted approach to fulfill this task comprises amongst others the following activities:


·            Industrial Studies

JEDCO has prepared a number of sectoral studies covering Printing, Packaging Industries, Clothing and Textiles, Food Processing, Engineering, and Traditional and Handicrafts Industries.

The studies aim at the evaluation of the industrial sectors with respect to their technical capabilities. These studies also uncover the main barriers facing their exports, identify priority sectors, and prepare action plans to improve their overall performance and international competitiveness.


·            Direct Technical Services

JEDCO is actively engaging in assisting companies in developing their production systems, installing management and quality systems, and preparing business plans. These projects are carried out by either JEDCO’s technical staff or by local or foreign consultants. Companies can also benefit from services provided by experts from senior volunteers’ organizations with which JEDCO has co-operation agreements. These organizations include NMCP in the Netherlands, ECTI in France, BESO in the UK, SES in Germany, and ASI in Italy.


·            Specialized Services Centers

JEDCO has been involved in developing a number of service centers for Jordanian industry. JEDCO has established the Institute of Packaging and Jordan Numbering Association (EAN Jordan) and has been involved in developing the set up of a design center for the textile and clothing industry. These centers are to provide specialized consulting services, training programs, design services, testing, and information services to Jordanian enterprises.


·            The Institute of Packaging

JEDCO, in co-operation with the Institute of Packaging (IOP) in the UK, has established the IOP Jordan branch. The branch has members from the industry and is managed by an elected board from the private sector. Three committees: the public relations committee, the education and training committee, and the membership committee, are in charge of the different activities of the branch, which are:



o           Co-ordinating the IOP UK’s “Diploma in Packaging Technology” open-learning program in Jordan.

o           Designing and organizing training courses, seminars, and conferences.

o           Providing consulting services to Jordanian enterprises.

o           Developing an information resource library.

o           Co-operating with local and foreign institutions to exchange knowledge and expertise in the printing and packaging fields.


·            Jordan Numbering Association (EAN Jordan)

In June 1997, JEDCO signed the membership agreement with EAN International in Brussels to establish EAN Jordan, joining member Numbering Organizations in more than 90 countries.



Since then, EAN Jordan has become the official Jordanian body to allocate EANlUCC international barcode numbers to Jordanian enterprises upon becoming members of EAN Jordan.



The role and functions of EAN Jordan are principally as follows:

o           To make available the EAN technical specifications and the EANCOM manual.

o           To provide technical support, guidance, and training to its member companies on the different EANl UCC standards and their applications.

o           To act as an interest group on behalf of its members.

o           To inform trade and industry about the EANlUCC system by building awareness, education and promotion that emphasises the “global aspect” of EANlUCC standards and that it is the total solution for the whole supply chain.

o           To liaise with equipment and film master suppliers, packaging designers, and printers to ensure they understand what is required regarding the production and printing of EAN symbols.


·            Information Services

JEDCO’s keen interest to continuously improve its information services has been influenced by the rapid developments of e-commerce and information technology world-wide. This resulted in the establishment of the Information Center at JEDCO, which has eventually become a focal point for a number of international information networks. The Information Center provides all the necessary and timely information Jordanian exporters may need about other markets as well as the possibility to promote Jordanian products and services within these markets. The Information Center offers its services through the following:
·            Inter Arab Trade Information Network (IATIN)

This network was established with the finance of the Arab Trade Financing Program (ATFP) and the United Nations Development Program (UNDP) to enhance trade relations between the Arab countries. JEDCO was designated as the focal point for network in Jordan to provide information on:



o           Importers and exporters from the different economic sectors in the Arab countries.

o           Product profiles including product specifications, export capacity, prices, and rules and regulations governing the exchange of goods and services between the Arab countries.

o           Import, export, and joint-venture opportunities between Arab countries.

o           Customs duties and other taxes imposed by Arab countries on imports.

o           Other relevant information.


·            Trade Information Network for Islamic Countries (TINIC)

TINIC was established as part of the Mecca declaration of the Third Islamic Summit held in Saudi Arabia to enhance co-operation between Islamic countries in all fields. JEDCO was designated as the focal point for this network in Jordan, which provides the following information:



o           Laws governing trade exchange between the Islamic countries

o           Company directories

o           Bilateral and multilateral agreements between the Islamic countries

o           External trade statistics of member countries.

o           Import, export, and joint-venture opportunities between the Islamic countries.

o           Other relevant information.


·            International Technology and Trade Network (ITTN)

This network was initiated and sponsored by the US Department of Commerce to promote cross-border trade and economic development in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region. ITTN helps to increase regional business and facilitates overall international trade and business development between companies in the MENA region and the USA. Companies can directly access ITTN through its internet-based communications platform, by submitting information about their businesses and specifying the desired co-operation. The ITTN offers a good source of trade opportunities and economic information about participating countries.


·            Amman Trade Point (ATP)

Amman Trade Point was established at JEDCO in co-operation with the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD). It is part of a network of some 160 Trade Points in over 106 countries, interconnected in the Global Trade Point Network (GTPNet) in Geneva. This network facilitates communication across borders and provides easy access to a wide range of international databases.



The objective of establishing ATP was to have a one-stop-shop that can offer Small and Medium Size Enterprises (SMEs) a comprehensive and integrated set of services related to international trade such as importers and exporters addresses, shipping information, banking transactions, insurance and guarantees facilities.

ATP provides the following services and information:



o           Identification of trade opportunities.

o           Promotion of Jordanian companies globally.

o           Information on all exports procedures in Jordan.

o           Information on insurance, shipping, banking, and customs.

o           Accurate and timely information on potential export markets.


·            Library

JEDCO’s fast expanding library has more than 9000 documents and reference material, including books, periodicals, statistical reports, specialized studies, and trade directories for Jordanian exporters to refer to when analyzing target markets.

The library provides its services to Jordanian exporters and researchers from private and public sector organizations, who can visit the library and obtain the information needed.

The library has a number of databases available on CD ROMs covering exporters, importers, foreign trade statistics, and trade regulations in countries in Europe, America, Asia and the Middle East. Some of the important databases available are: KOMPASS, EUROSTAT, PC/TAS, EU OFFICIAL JOURNAL and NATIONAL TRADE DATA BANK (NTDB).


·            Companies and JEDCO’s Website

JEDCO designed a website, which provides comprehensive and updated information about its activities, projects, and services. The website hosts, among others, the Jordanian Business Directory of more than 1250 companies from 19 different industrial sectors as well as 200 service companies from the IT, business consulting, construction, and banking sector. The website also contains economic information, statistics on external trade, and links to useful Jordanian websites. The home pages for EAN Jordan, EICC Jordan, IOP Jordan, and Amman Trade Point can be accessed from JEDCO’s main Website at www.jedco.gov.jo


·            Market Research & Analysis

A crucial factor which influences the success of finding a niche in target markets is the availability of accurate, up-to-date and comprehensive information pertaining to these markets. Bearing this in mind, JEDCO provides Jordanian businessmen with market surveys, market studies, and product surveys of targeted markets. These studies and surveys are usually conducted by JEDCO’s specialized researchers, sometimes by subcontracted local and international consultants to assess the opportunities of Jordanian products in targeted markets.



These studies provide comprehensive information about selected markets, including specific export potentials, economic, social, and political trends. JEDCO undertook more than 50 market studies, covering selected markets in North and South America, West and East Europe, Asia, Africa, and the Middle East.


·            Regional and International Co-operation

JEDCO has always been keen in enhancing its ties with international trade related organizations. This is done to benefit from their services in export promotion, exchange of expertise and information, training programs, and technical assistance.

JEDCO has over the past few years concluded a number of bilateral co-operation agreements with similar international trade promotion organizations such as: Algerian External Trade Development Council, Tunisian Export Promotion Center, Egyptian Export Promotion Center, Moroccan Export Promotion Center, Syrian Foreign Trade Center, Yemen Higher Council for Export Promotion, Iran Export Promotion Center, Arab Libyan Import and Export Corporation, Palestine Trade Center (Paltrade), China External Trade Development Council (CETRA), Hellenic Export Promotion Organization (HEPO), Associazione Piemontese Consorzi Esportazione (APCE), Malaysian External Trade Development Corporation (MATRADE), Indonesian National Agency for Export Development (NAFED).



JEDCO also enjoys good relations with international import promotion organizations. Where, it currently supports the participation of Jordanian SMEs in training and promotional programs organized by the Center for the Promotion of Imports from Developing Countries (CBI) in the Netherlands, Japan External Trade Organization (JETRO), and the Swiss Office for Trade Promotion.



Also, JEDCO has signed co-operation agreements with international senior volunteers’ organizations to provide expert services to the local industry. These organizations include: Netherlands Management Consultancy Program (NMCP), German Senior Expert Services (SES), Japanese Senior Volunteers Program (SVP), French Senior Experts Services (ECTI), and the British Executive Services Organization (BESO).

In addition, JEDCO developed distinguished relations with international institutions such as GTZ / PROTRADE, United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD), Islamic Development Bank (IDB), International Trade Center (ITC), and Arab Trade Financing Program (ATFP). JEDCO also work to cement its relations with the commercial sections of foreign embassies in Jordan.


·            Trade Services

In addition to trade promotion and development services, information services and related support programs, JEDCO also facilitates export finance and export credit guarantees for exporters.


·            Export Finance Schemes of the Islamic Development Bank (IDB)

JEDCO provides several long-term export finance schemes to Jordanian exporters wishing to export to member countries of the Organization of the Islamic Conference (OIC). Export finances can be directly processed through JEDCO for contracts not exceeding US $ 3 Million through a US $ 4 Million exports finance scheme or forwarded to the IDB for contracts above US $ 3 Million. These schemes aim at promoting Jordanian exports to OIC member countries and certain non-member countries such as members of the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) and some African countries.


·            Export Credit Guarantee Scheme of the Inter-Arab Investment Guarantee Corporation (IAIGC)

JEDCO has signed an agreement with the Inter-Arab Investment Guarantee Corporation in Kuwait to promote their Export Credit Guarantee Schemes to Jordanian exporters. The agreement is implemented to encourage and support Jordanian exporters to enhance exports to the Arab Markets. This should result in increasing the volumes of inter-Arab trade where various types of guarantee contracts against commercial and non-commercial risks are offered. Such schemes provide protection against non-payment risk and facilitate finance from commercial banks in Jordan.


·            Trade Agreements

A complete database of all agreements of commercial and trade nature that Jordan has entered with other countries in the world can be directly accessed through JEDCO's web page. Companies from Jordan and from other countries can obtain accurate and up to date information on the advantages and facilities that these agreements can offer them. The website has all agreements listed whether they are multilateral agreements such as the Partnership Agreement between Jordan and the EU, the Arab Free Trade Agreement, and the Qualifying Industrial Zones; or bilateral agreements including trade agreements, investment promotion and protection, prevention of customs duplication, transport, and standards and metrology agreements.


·            Human Resource Development

JEDCO has recognized that human element plays a pivotal role in the success of any industrial or service activity; it is in fact one of the pillars that secures the development of the Jordanian economy. JEDCO’s human resource development policy draws on this fact and also on developments in world trade. As such, JEDCO designs and organizes training programs for staff and exporters on international marketing, promotion, EU Partnership agreement, WTO agreement, technical requirements in export markets, management systems, e-commerce, information technology, industrial design, and packaging to name a few.



To ensure the provision of efficient and effective, professional services to Jordanian businesses, JEDCO continues to invest and to develop its skilled employees and to enhance their qualifications and knowledge.

 

Jordan Institution for Standards and Metrology

   
Jordan Institution for Standards and Metrology
General Information
Introduction

Vision:

To play a leading proactive role in protecting the health and safety of Jordanian citizens and in protecting the environment and to act as a major partner to the private sector in enhancing the quality and competitiveness of Jordanian products, through the development of national standards and guidelines on conformity assessment practices that are harmonized with international ones and through active participation in the work of international standards and conformity assessment procedures, and to facilitate trade with Jordan and pave the way for Jordanian exports to international markets by signing global mutual and multilateral mutual recognition agreements to get international recognition of the Jordanian conformity assessment systems and results.


Values:

·            Customer Orientation.

·            Quality services.

·            Competent staff.

·            Streamlined processes and procedures.

·            Appropriate working environment.


Policy:

·            International practices in realization of services.

·            Keeping up with the latest developments in standardization, metrology and conformity assessment practices.

·            Partnership with all concerned stakeholders.

·            Harmonization of Jordanian Standards with International, regional and Arab standards.

·            Adaptation of Jordanian Standards development with the Code of Good Practice for Standardization.

·            Developing Jordanian Standards that meet the needs of users, and are practical for use.

·            Transparency in development of Jordanian Standards, technical regulations and conformity assessment instructions.

·            Treatment of imported products as the national products in the development of Jordanian Standards and technical regulations, and in performing conformity assessment procedures on them.

·            Jordanian Standards, technical regulations and conformity assessment instructions are not issued to create technical barriers to trade.



Objectives:

The Institution aims at fulfilling the following objectives:

1.        Adoption of a national system for standardization and metrology based upon international practices.

2.        Keeping pace with the latest scientific development in the fields of standards, metrology, conformity assessment and laboratory accreditation activities.

3.        Protection of the health, environment and safety for all citizens through ensuring that products are in compliance with the technical regulations adopted by the Institution.

4.        Ensuring the quality of local products through the approval of suitable Jordanian Standards, which enable such products to compete in local and international markets and, hence, supporting the national economy.


Strategies:

The Jordan Institution for standard and Metrology (JISM) undertakes the following strategies in order to achieve its objectives:

1.        Prepares, approves, revises, amends and monitors the implementation of standards and technical regulations with regard to all services and products, with the exception of pharmaceutical products, medicines veterinary medicines, serums and vaccines.

2.        Establishes a national system of measurement and supervise its implementation.

3.        Calibrates, controls and supervises the implementation of measuring instruments.

4.        Approves the national measurement standards (etalons) and reference measurement standards necessary for calibrating measuring instruments.

5.        Controls the quality of precious metals, and jewellery according to the legal fineness, and test the precious metals and jewellery and stamp them.

6.        Grants conformity certificates, including the Quality Mark.

7.        Accredits testing and calibration laboratories and certification bodies, based upon international practices.

8.        Supports and promotes studies and research in the fields relevant to standards, metrology, quality management and conformity assessment, and organize training courses relevant to areas of concern to the Institution.

9.        Concludes agreements with Arab, foreign, regional and international organizations and bodies regarding the mutual recognition of certificates of conformity, including quality marks, certificates of laboratory accreditation and competence of the bodies granting such certificates.

10.    Cooperates and coordinates with, and become a member, where appropriate, of the Arab, foreign, regional and international organizations and bodies active in the fields of standardization, metrology, quality, conformity assessment and accreditation.

11.    Accepts and adopts, as appropriate, the standards, technical regulation, guides recommendation or any other documents of other countries and of Arab, regional and international organizations, provided that they are issued in Arabic or English.

12.    Disseminates and sells the publications and other printed materials related to the approved standards and technical regulation issued by the institution as well as by other Arab, regional, and international organizations or by other countries.

Civil Service Consumer Corporation

   
Civil Service Consumer Corporation
General Information
Introduction

Corporation Brief:

Since the first third of the 1970’s, the prices of goods, services and living expenses increased in most countries of the world, including Jordan. This necessitated the continuous reassessment of citizens’ conditions, especially (government) employees, the sector that is most harmed from the rise in prices.



In response, the government came up with the idea of finding a way to provide a good standard of living for government employees and their families. As a result it established the Civil Service Consumer Corporation in 1976 in accordance with Law number (60) of that same year. The Corporation was assigned the task of procuring diverse variety of foods, consumer goods and the entire individual and family needs for government employees at suitable prices.



The Corporation carried out its founding work according to set plans on the 1st February, 1977.  It started to offer its services on 6/4/1977 through Al-Abdali Market - the first of its markets - and then it began to reach out to beneficiaries wherever they were. The number of markets that were opened until January 2000 reached 35 markets. They are spread all over the centers of governorates and districts and meet the needs of the majority of the population concentrations in the Kingdom.



The Civil Service Corporation is run by a Board of Directors, followed by a General Manager, and then a team of hired employees and hired personnel who operate under the supervision of the Corporation’s General manager.



The Corporation contracts on buying local goods according to invitations to tenders published in daily newspapers. The deal is made following a comparison in terms of quality and prices. Joint delegations from the managements of both the Civil and Military Service Consumer Corporations travel and buy the foreign goods of the Corporation, accompanied by representatives of the Accounting Bureau. It is worth noting that more than 80% of the Civil Service Consumer Corporation’s purchases are from local production, since this has a great effect on supporting and encouraging the industrial sector which has begun to clearly develop. Also the increase in the percentage of local purchases leads to an increase in the volume of investments in Jordan.


It is also important to ensure that all goods displayed the Civil Service Consumer Corporation markets are of the same or even better quality and standards compared to those parallel to them in the local market. Since its early beginnings the Corporation has committed to submit all products contracted to laboratory tests, so as not to sell or display any material unless it fulfills all the health and meteorological requirements in addition to physical testing.

Jordan Industrial Estates Corporation

   
Jordan Industrial Estates Corporation
General Information
Introduction

JIEC aims at encouraging the development and growth of the industrial sector in Jordan through:



First.                   Establishing specialized industrial estates throughout the Kingdom, exemplary in their standards of utilities and services according to specific developmental and environmental criteria.

Second.        Encouraging domestic and foreign investment in the industrial estates leading to the integration of industries within the estate. JIEC will conform to quality of services provided for investors by applying ISO 9002/ 1994.


Brief Overview



1.        JIEC was established in 1980 by the Law no. (34) for the year1980 and its amendments according to the Law no. (59) for the year 1985.

2.        A Board of Directors manages the JIEC headed by H.E. the Minister of Industry and Trade.

3.        JIEC is a self-funding corporation with independent administrative and financial systems.


JIEC Objectives



1.        Study, design, establish and manage all the industrial estates throughout the Kingdom.

2.        Encourage small existing industrial projects to be relocated in the industrial estates; promote the establishment of new industrial estates throughout the Kingdom.



Exemptions that the Industrial Projects Enjoy in the Industrial Estates:

·            Exemption of income tax and social services tax for two years starting from the date of production. In addition, JIEC projects are granted other exemptions by virtue of the Investment Promotion Law.

·            Full and permanent exemption from land and building tax; exemption or reduction of fees on most municipal and zoning services and fees.
·            Advantages and Facilities at the Industrial Estates:

·            Availability of developed lands and ready factory buildings prepared with all infrastructure services.

·            Saving the investor’s time, effort and money by providing alternatives for purchase or rent of lands or buildings available at reasonable prices.

·            Achieving development and integration within existing industries at JIEC.

·            Easiness and flexibility in processing business as JIEC enjoys all privileges of municipalities and local and district zoning committees. 

·            Preservation of the environment.

·            Providing support services.

·            Encouraging and promoting all forms of investment by setting up one stop-service-shop at each Industrial Estate.

Ministry of Industry and Trade

   
Ministry of Industry and Trade
General Information
Introduction

The Ministry of Industry and Trade has been known throughout its long history by different names. It was called The Ministry of Trade, The Ministry of Economy and Trade, and The Ministry of National Economy, until it settled on the name, The Ministry of Industry and Trade since 1975 until now.

According to its law number 18 for the year 1998, the Ministry takes on the responsibilities of regulating the industry by type, classifying it, registering it according to an internal regulation, and preparing the programs and studies that work on developing the industry and increasing its competitiveness.

The Ministry also takes on the task of regulating the internal and external trade, monitoring it, and preparing the studies and the agreements that protect the interest of the country and the citizen.

Finally, The Ministry takes upon itself the study of trade and industrial blocs and authorities, Arab and international, recommending to The Council of Ministers ways to deal with them, the feasibility of joining them, and showing their effect on the national economy.

DIRECTORATES AND SERVICES

1.        COMPANIES CONTROL DIRECTORATE

·            Business registration.

·            Process company amendments.

·            Company liquidation.

·            Company mergers.

·            Issue of official documents.

·            Authentication of official documents (i.e. certificates).

·            Deposit of documents.

·            Process mortgage and constraint requests.

·            Annual, routine legal and financial analysis of company’s deposited documents.

·            Legal and financial analysis for irregular cases, upon request.

·            Participate in general assemblies.

·            Form and participate in management committees.

·            Legal auditing.

·            Monitor special case companies.



2.        CENTRAL REGISTRATION DIRECTORATE

·            Register trade names, industry and trade names, agents and brokers.

·            Authentication ( issuing of original copies).

·            Control of amendments on the registration information of trade names, industry and trade, agents and brokers.

·            Process law cases and objections on similar names.



3.        INDUSTRIAL DEVELOPMENT DIRECTORATE

·            Provide assistance to industry in dealing with issues relating to other public organizations.

·            Respond to complaints, inquiries and problems.

·            Authenticate certificates as requested by the industry.

·            Perform the temporary entry status raw material input formula calculation and issue the related certificates.

·            Calculate local content of Jordanian products and issue the related certificates.

·            Respond to requests from industry to issue various types of certificates by doing the necessary verification and investigation and issuing the appropriate certificates.

·            Activate and implement the National Quality Award Program. Establish the basis and standards for the program for the services and manufacturing sectors and promote the program nationwide.

·            Inspect and supervise newly licensed and established industries for compliance with the appropriate standards and develop and implement a unified inspection procedure.

·            Coordinate with Bi/Multilateral and government agencies in the development and implementation of industrial development programs.

·            Monitor development and assistance programs and develop an up-to-date register of current and future program information.

·            Provide guidance to investors on the role, activities and programs of the Industrial Development Directorate and the services it provides.

·            Provide guidance and information on the processes and criteria for industrial registration and licensing.

·            Coordinate with relevant departments to facilitate handling and processing of industrial issues and requests.

·            Qualify Private Qualified Industrial Zones.

·            Qualify products in accordance with Qualified Industrial Zones' Agreement.

·            Accredit Certificate of Origin specific to Qualified Industrial Zones.



4.        INDUSTRIAL PROPERTY DIRECTORATE

·            Register trademarks, patents, integrated circuit boards and industrial designs.

·            Investigate trademarks, patents, integrated circuit boards and industrial designs.

·            Process and handle appeals.

·            Deposit documents.

·            Issue official documents.

·            Authenticate documents.

·            Process changes.

·            Renewal of registration of trademarks, patents, integrated circuit boards and industrial designs.

·            Preliminary investigation for the purposes of registration of trademarks, patents, integrated circuit boards and industrial designs.

·            Processing of mortgage and constraint requests on the registration of trademarks, patents, integrated circuit boards and industrial designs.



5.        DIRECTORSTE OF TRADE

·            Obtain an export license.

·            Obtain an import license.

·            Obtain an importer's card.

·            Extend import and export licenses or adjust their data.

Ministry of Agriculture

   
Ministry of Agriculture
General Information
Introduction

The Establishment of the Ministry of Agriculture



The first Ministry of Agriculture was formed in the Emirate of Trans Jordan as part of the thirteenth Cabinet reshuffle on 6/8/1939. The first agriculture-related law (before the formation of the Ministry) was the Plantation Law that was adopted in 1927. This was the beginning of the adoption of agriculture-related laws and regulations.



The Ministry’s General Objective: The Development of the Agricultural Sector



The Ministry is responsible for regulating the agricultural sector, its growth and development, in order to achieve the following objectives:



·         Raising self-dependence in providing foodstuff.

·         Guaranteeing the sustainability of production and resources without damaging the environment.

·         Increasing the income of farmers and improving their standard of living.

·         Providing a climate suitable for investment in the agricultural sector.

·         Developing rural areas and raising their production capabilities on the level of individuals and resources.

·         Preserving agricultural resources and the environment and efficiently using them.

·         Achieving fairness between the agricultural sector and other sectors within the same sector.

·         Encouraging youth and members of society, men and women, to work in agricultural production.



The General Foundation of the Ministry’s Work:



·         Supporting the regulatory, consultative and developmental function.

·         Implementing and executing agricultural policies and following-up on their effect on the agricultural sector.

·         Activating public participation in the make-up of the agricultural policy and in the decision-making process related to the agricultural sector.

·         Reformulating legislations to suit the agricultural strategy and policy.

·         Providing the Ministry and its institutions with qualified technical skills and developing their work force.

·         Activating the role of the private sector in agricultural development.



The Ministry’s Tasks



The Ministry works on planning, regulating, and setting instructions and programs, and it follows up on their implementation to increase production, preserve the environment and natural resources, and to achieve the objectives of agricultural development in line with the Agricultural Law and the agricultural polices in effect, in cooperation with relevant parties.



The Ministry’s Duties:



In order to achieve the general objective of the Ministry, an appropriate economic environment must be provided, as well as institutional and legislative frameworks to effect change in rural areas and in the functions of the agricultural sector, in order to accommodate developments and challenges that face this sector. This is achieved by:



·         Providing a suitable climate for the private sector to perform a major role in agricultural development.

·         Implementing government policies that support agricultural production and rural development.

·         Activating farmers’ participation in settling development policies and priorities and in implementing programs and activities.

·         Guaranteeing, complementing and coordinating agricultural policies with state policies and policies of other sectors.

·         Adopting agricultural development as the basis for comprehensive rural development.

Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research

   
Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research
General Information
Introduction

Higher education in Jordan continued to develop until the first Jordanian university was established in the capital Amman in 1962, and was named University of Jordan. Fifteen years later, Yarmouk University was established in the northern city of Irbid in 1976, followed by the establishment of Moutah University in the south near the city of Karak in 1981. In 1986, some science faculties were separated to form another university named the Jordan University of Science and Technology (JUST). Aal Al Bait University was then established in 1994, followed by the Hashemite University in 1995. Balqa Applied University was established in 1997 and undertook the responsibility of re-organizing community colleges and rectifying their curriculum in addition to being an official university granting Bachelor degrees similar to other official universities.

In addition, four-year university colleges were established, such as Amman University College for Technological Engineering in 1988 and College of Da’wa and Religious Principles in 1990. In 1999, the University of Al Hussein Ibn Talal was established in the city of Ma’an in the south.

In 1989, the Private Universities Law was enacted, permitting the establishment of private universities, and the first private university was established in 1990, followed by the establishment of a number of private universities, reaching twelve private institutes of higher education at present.

Interest in the supervision of higher education lead to the Higher Education Law, passed in 1980. In 1982, the Higher Education Board was established, followed by the Ministry of Higher Education in 1985, and the Higher Education Law no. (28) for the year 1985 was enacted, setting the objectives of higher education as well as the authorities and responsibilities of the Higher Education Board and the Ministry of Higher Education and its relations with institutes of higher education.

Thirteen years later, the Higher Education Law no. (6) for the year 1998 was enacted, canceling the Ministry of Higher Education and replacing it with the Higher Education Council, and affiliating community colleges with Al Balqaa Applied University.

On June 19, 2000, the Royal Address of His Majesty King Abdullah II appointing the new cabinet, included the re-establishment of the Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research, to undertake the supervision and close control of public and private institutes of higher education and work towards raising their level to become a model of advanced education, so that Jordan’s educational plans and programs are connected to the needs of its community and its aspirations for development and change.

Ministry of Health

   
Ministry of Health
General Information
Introduction

About the Ministry of Health:



For the past forty years, Jordan has witnessed expansive growth in the health sector during which great accomplishments have been achieved in various fields of medicine. This has all taken place despite the harsh conditions the country has been through as a result of the Palestinian tragedy (Nakba) of 1948 and 1967, and the negative impact it left.



However, the real boom came after the independence and establishment of the Kingdom and the unification of the two banks of Jordan. This went through the following phases:



·            The first Ministry of Health was established in 14/12/1950.

·            The Ministry began its duties in 1951, the beginning of the health development boom in Jordan.

·            The first accomplishment was the establishment of (6) departments in the districts headed by a physician and under the central administration of the Ministry.

·            1953-The first nursing college was opened.

·            1953- The Central Laboratory for Medical Tests was opened.

·            1954- Doctors Union was established.

·            1962- Princess Mona Nursing College was established.

·            1963- Health insurance was first introduced to the Jordanian Armed Forces.

·            1965- The Ministry implemented the first civil health insurance.

·            1970- College of Medicine at the University of Jordan was established.

·            1971- General Health Law no. (21) was issued.

·            1973- Al Hussein Medical Center was opened.

·            1973- The allied medical professions institute was opened in Amman.

·            1977- Regulation for the Higher Council for Health no. (60) was issued.

·            1978- The allied medical professions institute was opened in Irbid.

·            1980- College of Pharmacy at the University of Jordan was opened.



The Ministry of Health undertakes all health affairs in the Kingdom and its tasks and duties include:

1.        Maintaining public health by offering preventive, treatment and health control services.

2.        Organizing and supervising health services offered by the public and private sectors.

3.        Providing health insurance for the public within available means.

4.        Establishing and controlling the management of health educational and training institutes and centers according to relevant provisions of the legislations enacted.



The Ministry, in coordination with concerned parties, works to achieve the following:

1.        Encourage healthy patterns and behaviors including physical activities, healthy diets and anti-smoking campaigns and other practices scientifically proven to improve health.

2.        Raise public health standards by fighting diseases resulting from malnutrition through adding nutrients like iodine, iron and vitamins to foods, or by changing their components, or by banning marketing food substances that are hazardous to one’s health.

3.        Encourage natural child nursing and ban promoting alternatives to breast-feeding. To this end, the Ministry has the right to stop commercials by any means of the media and control the production, design and publication of such materials.

4.        Provide necessary services for mother and child care during pregnancy, birth, pre and post-natal periods and child growth. Along this line, the Ministry also administers vaccines and promotes family planning campaigns.

5.        Mandatory pre-marital medical testing. Terms and conditions of this test are determined by the acts issued according to provisions of this law. Failing that, no marriage contract will commence.

6.        Provide preventive health services to children in public schools kindergartens and nurseries.

7.        Provide and extend health services to some non-government schools, kindergartens and nurseries or enforce offering them under the supervision of the Ministry.

8.        Implement and control health programs for the old and supervise health conditions of senior citizens’ homes and institutes.

9.        Control the professional environment and health conditions of workers at factories and industrial institutes to ensure their health and safety.

10.     Implement health programs and activities to fight non-contagious spreading diseases such as heart diseases, cancer, diabetes and other similar diseases constituting a threat to public health.        

Department of Palestinian Affairs

   
Department of Palestinian Affairs
General Information
Introduction

Jordan has always been the Arab country most concerned with the Palestine cause and its various developments. Over the past decades, Jordanian governments have established several departments responding to the Palestine cause at the humanitarian and housing levels. Today, as an heir to all previous departments, the independent governmental Department of Palestinian Affairs, works on implementing the official policies, in accordance with the following four principles:

Offer total support to Palestinians in the Occupied Palestinian Territories and to the Palestine National Authority, by coordinating the official endeavors of the various ministries and departments working in this field, being the specialized center for data collection and follow-up on Palestinian affairs.

Follow-up on the regional and international developments of the Palestine cause, through the participation in official meetings and conferences, as well as multilateral negotiations, especially those concerning the refugee working group and the Quartet for the Displaced.

Supervise all issues related to the refugee camps in the Kingdom, provide all kinds of services, and work on the development of the local communities of refugees, by setting up plans and projects aimed at raising their standard of living and alleviating poverty and unemployment.

Cooperate and coordinate with the United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA) in all its service-providing activities in Jordan, and work together on drawing the general policies of the Agency through the membership of its advisory Committee and the form of UNRWA donor and host countries.

The Historical Development of the Department of Palestinian Affairs:

1.        Ministry of Refugees

Duration: From  1949 until  1950

2.        Ministry of Construction and Restoration

Duration: From  1950 until  1980

3.        High Ministerial Committee

Duration: From  1967 until  1971

4.        Executive special Office

Duration: From  1971 until  1980

5.        Ministry of the Occupied Land Affairs

Duration: From  1980 until  1988

6.        The Department of Palestinian Affairs

Duration: From  1988 until today.

The Department of Palestinian Affairs Duties :

1.        Monitoring, studying and analyzing issues related to Palestinian affairs inside and outside the Palestinian territories.

2.        Follow-up on the Palestinian issues at the Arab, Islamic and international levels

3.        Participating in the work of the joint Palestinian-Jordanian committee to support the steadfastness of the Palestinians in the occupied territories.

4.        Organizing the contacts as required by the operations of UNRWA and coordinating such contacts with the government ministries and departments.

5.        Coordinating with UNRWA in providing general services in accordance with the agreement signed between UNRWA and the government in this regard.

6.        Conducting visits to UNRWA installations and following up on issues related to them.

7.        Supervising the affairs of refugees and displayed persons and handling their concerns as well as administering the camp issues in the kingdom's governorates in coordination with other ministries and departments.

8.        Distributing foodstuffs to the displaced persons.

9.        Studying the issues of the Palestinians in the occupied territories that are related to government departments and public and private institution and coordinating with the concerned parties to address them.

10.    Coordinating with the ministries and concerned departments in organizing the movement of people across the bridges and taking part in addressing the issues that arise during the visits of Palestinians to the kingdom or during they stay or travel through Jordan.

11.    Coordinating with the ministries and concerned departments in organizing the imports of Palestinian produce and goods to the kingdom and specifying the quantities allowed for such imports.

Ministry of Foreign Affairs

   
Ministry of Foreign Affairs
General Information
Introduction

The Jordanian Foreign Ministry was established in August 1939. The Foreign Ministry seeks to achieve the objectives of the Jordanian foreign policy and to protect the higher national interests inside and outside Jordan, by depending on established principles and commitments to directives and legislation using the method of group action.



The most important of the Ministry’s objectives can be summarized in the following:

·            Defining the foreign policy, following up on it, and implementing it in accordance with directives concerned.



·            Representing the Kingdom in other countries and in international and regional organizations.



·            Organizing the Kingdom’s links with international and regional states and organizations, and sponsoring and following-up on political, economic, cultural and other relations with them.



·            Organizing the relations of accredited foreign missions in the Kingdom with Jordanian officials and local parties.



·            Studying and preparing treaties and agreements with international and regional states and organizations, and adopting measures to implement and maintain them and to continue their implementation in cooperation and coordination with parties concerned.



·            Managing negotiations with international and regional states and organizations in cooperation and coordination with parties concerned and in line with the Kingdom’s policy and interests.



·            Participating in the representation of the Kingdom at international conferences.



·            Maintaining and protecting the interests of Jordanians abroad.



The Ministry performs these duties through a qualified staff, in addition to forty-five embassies, two permanent missions, two consulates and one representative office.