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.

Postal Savings Fund

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

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.

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.

Department of Land and Survey

   
Department of Land and Survey
General Information
Introduction

The Department of Land and Survey plays a vital role in guaranteeing the right of ownership of land, and to solve conflicts in matters concerning land as well as water sources. It is (Jordan’s memory) and Jordan’s land information bank of ownership.



Towards the middle of the nineteenth century, this area witnessed an increased interest from the Ottoman Empire. Indeed, the first general governor for the area lying between the Yarmouk River and the Zarqa River was appointed, with Irbid as the center of this constituency that belonged to the district of Horan. The same was true for the area lying between the Zarqa River and the Mujeb River (as it was called at the time), a constituency that belonged to the district of Nablus. In 1905, this constituency was separated from the district of Nablus and added to the district of Kerak, south of the Mujeb River, created in 1894 and directly belonging to the State of Damascus.



In 1274 of the Muslim Calendar (1857 A.D.), the Department of Land and Survey was created in accordance with the Ottoman law issued during this period of increased interest in the area and in its administrative organization. Various departments were created with the aim of land registration, called Land Registration Offices (Land Registry Departments - Tabu).



The area was undergoing great turmoil. Many events characterized this period: the outbreak of World War 1 in November 1914, the Ottoman Empire’s siding against the Allies, the blockade imposed by the Allies on the Arab coastal areas, the Allies’ going back on their promise of ensuring the unity and the independence of the Arabs in Arab Asia; the Allies’ signing of the Sykes-Picot Agreement on 16/5/1916 which divided greater Syria (Bilad ash Sham) and Iraq into two spheres of influence, one British and the other French, and that remained secret until November 1917, when the Bolsheviks revealed it. It was according to this agreement that Trans Jordan was placed under British influence, the British forces withdrew from Trans Jordan and the area was left without a government, an army or even a police force for the safeguard of security.



Until 11/4/1921, local governments were created in agreement with the British government. These governments were not capable of tackling public issues, or improving the deteriorating situation in the country. Prince Abdullah came to Trans Jordan, and during the meeting held on the morning of 29/3/1921 between Prince Abdullah and Winston Churchill, the birth of a national government in Trans Jordan headed by Prince Abdullah was declared. On 11/4/1921, the Jordanian government, headed by Rasheed Tlei’, was formed.



Establishment



The Department of Lands and Survey Plays a vital role in preserving land property rights, and resolving any conflict, concerning right in land or water.



DLS represents Jordan’s land information bank.



The establishment of DLS can be traced back to 1857 when the ottoman government created Tabu (land registry offices in bilad ash sham) greater Syria, which included Jordan. Of the Jordan legally remained part of the Ottoman empire until 6 August 1924, the date of certification of Luzanne treaty, article (139) of which entitled and enabled Trans Jordan to a quire the registers and documents related to public and private property .the government soon began reorganizing lands and properties, it issued the bylaw of land.



And that of land apportionment (breaking up of in 1927 the law of land, and valuation was assed. this law implied the fixing of borders of village, lands, state forests and often land properties.



The name of lands department appeared in 30/9/1929 often unifying the surveying department, treasury land department, and services of land and registration on the other hand the land department, the forests branch the buildings and lands section, and the soil analysis lab. Were unified it was attached to the prime ministry, and an English official was assigned by the Mandatory Government to presidio it.



After unification of Trans Jordan and the west bank, the lands and Surrey Departments in the two banks were unified, its headquarters was in Amman and it became responsible for the registration directorates throughout the country, in 1952 and 1953 most of the laws concerning land and water settlement, registration, etc…. Were enacted and applied in the two banks.



So the department of lands and survey (DLS) is one of the oldest in Jordan. Laws regulate all of its work, but only recently the bylaw of administrative organization of DLS (bylaw no. (80)/1999) was enacted according to clause 120 of the Constitution.



Duties and Authorities



Clause 3 of the bylaw (80) /1999(organization of DLS) states that DLS should do the following.

1.        Perform a comprehensive survey of the land s of Jordan. And fixing their borders, settling differences on land, and issuing Cadastral maps.

2.        Registration of land property rights, maintaining them and facilitating their use.

3.        Establishment and maintenance of triangulation network of fourth and fifth orders based on the national geodetic network which was built by the royal Jordanian Geographic Center (RJGC).

4.        Performance of land registration transactions and fixing due fees and collecting them.

5.        Administration, guarding, follow-up, renting, assignment and appropriation of treasury lands, and misappropriation of land for public interest.

6.        Comprehensive valuation of land, and maintaining it for the purposes of registration transactions.

7.        Registration land property data and keeping them.

8.        Development of land information base, and maintaining it to serve as abase for a national information system.

9.        Organizing the practice of licensed surveyors and land agents.

General Budget Department

   
General Budget Department
General Information
Introduction

The Department’s Establishment and Objectives:



The General Budget Department was established in accordance with Law no. (39) for the year 1962 (the Law for Regulating the General Budget and its Amendments). Under this Law, the General Budget Department’s tasks, duties and authorities were set as follows:

1.      Preparing the annual General Budget Law for the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan.

2.      Proposing allocations required for the implementation of the general policy set by the Cabinet of  Ministers.

3.      Examining requests for financial allocations submitted by all governmental departments through reduction, increase, addition, comparison or revision.

4.      Examining all programs, works and projects for which allocations are requested in order to verify their feasibility and their relation with one another.

5.      Making sure that unnecessary duplication in programs and financing is eliminated.

6.      Verifying that requests for allocations are compatible with economic and financial policies and with other decisions adopted by the Cabinet of Ministers.

7.      Requesting the necessary information from all governmental departments in as far as programs, works and projects and their financing are concerned.

8.      Reviewing all documents, memorandums and financial records of any government’s department.

9.      Auditing and analyzing the administrative work and programs of all governmental departments, and preparing whatever is required to develop and improve them in cooperation with the Civil Service Bureau.

10.  Preparing a detailed statement of the required procedures for ratifying the budget, provided that each of these procedures is given a timeline, so that final approval of the general budget is completed by the first day of January of every year.



The General Budget Department’s Mission:



Implementing the general policy as set by the Cabinet of Ministers, verifying that required allocations are compatible with economic and financial policies and with other decisions adopted by the Cabinet, and consequently achieving the objectives of the Economic Reform Program, as a service to ministries and government departments and institutions, so they can provide their own services to citizens as required through the following achievements:



Achievements:

1.      The Annual Budget Law.

2.      The budgets of independent institutions.

3.      The regulation of government formations.

4.      Financial and economic studies.



The Budget:

The detailed approach of the government of the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan from the fiscal aspect or the estimate of revenues and expenditure for an upcoming fiscal year in terms of:

1.      Proposing the allocation required for the implementation of the general policy.

2.      Making sure that duplication of programs and financing is eliminated.

3.      Examining all programs and projects for which allocations are requested in order to verify their feasibility.



An important tool in planning, direction, analysis and evaluation.

 

Free Zones Corporation

   
Free Zones Corporation
General Information
Introduction: Free Zones Corporation

Head of Entity
Mr. Iyad AlQudah

General Supplies Department

   
General Supplies Department
General Information
Introduction

The General Supplies Department’s message is obtaining supplies (moveable properties and services) for ministries, government offices and public official establishments in order to achieve optimal investment for public funds and control on supplies



General Supplies Department Objectives:

1.        Draw the general policy of the Department and means of implementing this policy.

2.        Purchase necessary supplies needed for different departments according to the provisions of the Supplies Act in force.

3.        Preservation of common supplies and excess supplies from any department and storing them in central warehouses. All excess supplies are to be distributed or exchanged among other departments according to their needs.

4.        Conduct necessary studies to develop the General Supplies Department including:

a.        Maintaining standard specifications of supplies that are of common and frequent use.

b.        Holding training courses and seminars to develop employees’ skills at Supplies Units in other departments

c.        Providing consultation to other departments in supplies management

d.        Conducting necessary supplies inventory for government institutes whenever the General Supplies Department deems it necessary.

5.        Keep long-term records needed for long periods.

6.        Cooperate with other departments to locate means and methods for good maintenance of supplies.

7.        Obtain best quality supplies at best market prices and conditions when purchasing.

8.        Priority should be given to locally produced supplies provided prices are calculated according to the differential price defined by the Cabinet at (10%).

9.        Priority should be given to supplies offered by the bidder residing permanently in the Kingdom.

Income & Sales Tax Department

   
Income & Sales Tax Department
General Information
Introduction

The Income Tax Department and The General Sales tax Department were merged in one Department on 16/8/2004 under the name Income and Sales Tax Department  by the amended law of each of the Income Tax Law and the Sales Tax Law, published in Official Gazette No. 4672 Date 16/8/2004.

Historically, The Income Tax Department was established in 1951. It has exercised its work under the Law No. (50) for the year 1950 and since then tax legislation came through several amendments for the purposes of developing legislations, keeping abreast of economic and social changes and fill the gaps arising as a result of application. The latest amendments were in the year 2003 under the Amendment Law (No. 39) for the year 2003 amending the Income Tax Law No. 57 of 1985.

The sales tax has begun as excise tax in 1926 and concluded to the current format of the sales tax which came into force on 1/1/2001 under the law No. (36) for the year 2000. It is tantamount to a system of value added tax applied internationally, as the legislation passed in many stages of development before reaching the current format,The department works with two separate laws; one for income tax and the other for sales tax.



Developments in Tax Systems:

A number of amendments were conducted on the Income Tax Law with the aim of creating a suitable investment climate that is characterized by transparency and clarity while maintaining the financial and monetary stability.  Jordan is probably one of the first countries in the region to introduce the concept of self-estimation, which was done in the context of the temporary Law number (34) of the year 1988.  As for the sales tax legislation, Jordan moved from the concept of a excise tax and production through consumption tax to the first stage of the sales tax in 1994 that included the importer and the manufacturer.  This was followed by the second stage of the sales tax that added the rest of the commercial categories in 2001.  The legislative development of the sales tax had always aimed to achieve equality and justice among the clients, to encourage investment, and to lessen double taxation, all of which were part of the comprehensive reform



Vision

Tax system that is characterized by efficiency and competency, a model to be imitated to achieve targeted tax revenues, enhance investment atmosphere, and introduce optimal services to taxpayers.



 Mission

Enhance the department efficiency and competency in assessing and collecting taxes to achieve national objectives through taxpayers’ self-assessment, sampling techniques, self-compliance, dealing with tax avoidance cases, and introducing optimal services to taxpayers through applying comprehensive high quality standards.



Objectives:

The Department aims to enhance treasury with revenues. Therefore, it undertakes the following :

1. Manage the process of taxation ,collection and related procedures through spread of knowledge

2.   Raising up tax awareness  and inform taxpayers of their rights and their duties

3.  limit tax-evasion

4. Revise, evaluate and update tax policy regarding income tax,  sales tax  and value added tax.



Responsibilities:

Tax policy is considered one of the most important components of the fiscal policy and since objectives are the basic frameworks that identify any policy and they are the economic expression of the prospects of such policy, the goals of tax policy in Jordan are represented in supplying the treasury with the required revenues to finance the general expenses , encourage savings, investment ,positive impact on consumption and price- stability, and to achieve justice and social equity by re-distribution of incomes.

Tax policy in Jordan requires emphasis on the balanced equation between tax authority and the rights of taxpayers which demands the department to provide tax service and enhance voluntary compliance of taxpayers. Also to achieve harmony between tax system and the national growth goals, therefore the department sets its mission through translating it into procedural objectives that are translated into specific tasks and procedures forming the department action plan.

Stem from this concept, the department has achieved high growth rates in revenues in the past years more than economic growth rates. This might be attributed to the following:

1.Broadening the tax base through encompassing targeted sectors that were not committed to pay the tax due, such as  lump sum amount of tax from transportation and import sectors, and reducing registration threshold on sales tax to cover the largest possible number of registered taxpayers

2. Activation of the system of information and investigation, which led to the reduction of tax evasion

3. Adopting the principle of self- assessment has enhanced trust and credibility between the department and the taxpayers and helped to raise the voluntary compliance level resulted in a large decrease in courts tax cases.

Persistent development and improvement in the tax legislation have helped to create a better investment atmosphere and contributed to greater transparency in dealing with the taxpayers.



 Achievements:

Tax department is considered one of the excellent departments in the public sector since it has got the 4th rank- before the mergence among (25) establishments competed on king Abdullah the 2nd Prize for Excellence of Government Performance and Transparency in 2003, further, Sales Tax Department  got the 6th rank among prize competence criteria. It  also competed on several international prizes such as: UN prize for government performance and His Highness  Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashed Aal Maktoom Prize for excellence of management.

The most important points of excellence in the department are:

1. The excellence of human element working in this department since (746) employees are of high qualifications (Bachelor, Higher Diploma, Master and Ph.d degrees) forming 50.9% of the whole department. employees. The staff were intensively trained on all fields of specialized knowledge of (1.5) course per single employee in average yearly.

2. Income and sales tax department is pioneer in using computer among public sector firms since a main computer was purchased and installed including modern data base (Oracle) and processing systems (Unix). Also modern communication networks were put in service that linked the main department with all its directorates in the governorates with high effectiveness. It also adopted the well- known international VIPs system for sales tax data processing.

3.Since years the department started to simplify       and speed up work procedures to be more effective along with making several guides that cover all aspects of the department and all procedures related to such services have been programmed and centrally monitored by Bench marking to follow up dealing with customers through a monitor to identify time delay in any procedure.

4. All implicit knowledge of the department was documented in addition to all procedures, and were filed and classified to be easily referred to.

5. The department adopts team working to study any problems along with a special system for employees and taxpayers' suggestions.

6. The department started a year ago to comply with ISO 9001 requirements through a relevant tender where the department's structure, duties, activities, available resources and provided services were studied at each division level and their links with each other. Also its needs of materials, human resources, technologies and work mechanisms were studied to achieve the department goals.

7.The department is preparing to launch selected e-services in 2005. This project is the first-phase of   e-government Program. The department provides such services in order to activate the use of technology as a means of improving services provided for citizens through the rapid provision of the service , the continued availability , reduction of  service costs and achieving a high degree of transparency in government procedures.

8. The department has gone a long way in computerization process particularly the system of  archiving funded by the Royal Bureau by the order of His Majesty King Abdullah the Second Bin Al-Hussein.

9.The department adopted a modern system to arrange and index files based on colures to be referred to easily.

10.Customer service unit has been established in each directorate to apply centralized service as instructions were developed and employees were trained on how to deal with customers. Similar units will be established in all the department's offices.

11. Commercial banks in Jordan were adopted to receive tax returns and due payments as well as the adoption of electronic payment means like the internet or the smart cards.

12.The adoption of a private company for the purpose of refunding taxes to travelers and tourists who visit Jordan, which contributes to the promotion of tourism in Jordan.

13.The department concerns  about its commitment towards society  through conducting free courses at the department all the year long along with free guides, brochures,  publications both in Arabic and English (e.g. : Publication of Tax Awareness ) and publishing most of the data both in Arabic and English on the website and through the media.  Training programs, seminars, meetings, workshops and providing assistance to students of universities are also essential parts of spreading tax awareness.

14.Open-door policy is adopted by the department on all levels that the taxpayers will not find any obstacle to reach senior management and meet the Director General who specifies one hour daily to meet the taxpayers who create comfortable atmosphere between service provider and recipient.

15.The department has divided the tax periods to singular and plural periods for the purposes of reducing the burden on the taxpayer as well as the employees and providing better services.

16. As a part of its strategy, the department is committed to fulfill its obligations to the citizens, which are as follow:

a- Good reception with proper guide board

b- Not to ignore any call without answering the caller properly

c- Service provider must disclose his identity.

d- Provide the possibility of sending tax return by mail to those who need it

e- Setting up dates in advance for visits or meetings.

17.  The department is keen to instill high and noble values in its employees as a part of the supportive institutional culture to provide better services for citizens such as:

a- Priority is always to serve the citizen, wherever he might be

b- Get rid of change fears

c- Encourage self initiative and creativity.

D-Loyalty to the establishment.

e-Be patient, flexible and open minded in dealing with the public.

f-Team- working.

g-Not to conceal knowledge, whether implicit or explicit.

h-Be just and integrity

18.  In order to make the best use of available resources, the department has established the Directorate of Large Taxpayers aimed at providing better service in all aspects, whether administrative, technical, controlling or other.

The department  has the technical and administrative expertise that made  it a model in the region. Therefore, it is keen on international cooperation in various fields to deepen its  experience through participation in international

conferences , exchange of experience, and the reception of Arab and foreign delegations which would like to benefit from the Jordanian experience.

 

Jordanian Customs

Jordanian Customs
General Information
Introduction

Jordanian Customs was established in 1923 (Act No. (22), 1959). In 1962, Act No. (1) was issued. The Temporary Act No. (16) was issued in 1983 followed by a new Customs Act (No. (20), 1998). This Act was later amended three times. The first amendment was made in accordance with the amending (Act No. (10), 1999), the second one was made in accordance with the amending (Act No. (16), 2000), and the third was made in accordance with (Act No. (27), 2000, the current Act in force.
Accordingly, the Department's goals and mission statement have changed. Instead of just restricting its role in collecting revenues for the treasury, it shifted onto new important goals such as supporting the national economy, promoting investment, facilitating trade, combating smuggling, protecting local society and environment from hazardous materials, and controlling the movements of passengers, goods, and vehicles crossing the Kingdom's borders.



Goals and Duties of the Customs Department:



First.                   Promoting investment and enhancing the competency of national industry to improve the national economy.

Second.         Facilitating Trade Between the Kingdom and Other Countries through the following:

Third.                 Providing national treasury with revenues

Fourth.            Monitoring the movement of passengers, commodities and means of transport crossing the borders of the Kingdom in accordance with powers of the Department pursuant to legislations in force. This is clear through the following:

·            Implementing prohibition and restriction procedures

·            Monitoring the transit movement in cooperation with other Governmental Departments

Fifth.                   Combating smuggling: Through the Enforcement Directorate, this operates and organizes the work of customs combating patrols that in return identifies and seizes all smuggling attempts in the Kingdom. Through activities of the rest of the directorates concerned in smuggling cases implied in documents and vouchers such as: altering the value, numbers, weights, measures or the HS codes, and coordinating smuggling combating activities on the international level in cooperation with the WCO through the regional Intelligence Liaison Office for the Middle East in Riyadh.

Sixth.                 Contribution in consolidating social security through warding off risks of dangerous items against the local community and citizens through the following:

·            Establish and enhance environmental awareness among the employees and citizens on how to deal with hazardous materials on health and environment.

·            Coordinate with the governmental and non-governmental parties.

·            Raise the efficiency of information systems through coordinating with customs organizations in neighboring countries and world customs administrations since hazards are of different sources and kinds that cannot be prevented by the political borders.

·            Upgrade the efficiency of customs laboratories and the rest of national laboratories in the field of tests to detect harmful and dangerous items and to outline approved standards.

Seventh.      Contribute in controlling commercial activities to prevent illegal ones according to legislations in force.

Eighth.             Be sure that customs officers in Jordan have the knowledge, skills, and support in order to work in a higher efficiency, we will preserve a good and positive working atmosphere for workers, which supports a good life and creates motivation for work and production.