Citizen participation key to improving public services — Hanandeh

AMMAN — Minister of Digital Economy and Entrepreneurship Ahmad Hanandeh stated that citizen engagement is a key factor for improving and developing public sector services. 

His remarks came during a session titled "Government Services and Digitalisation", which was also attended by Prime Minister Bisher Khasawneh, and held on the sidelines of the “A Year of Modernisation” forum held at the Dead Sea. 

Hanandeh emphasised that Jordan has taken significant and steady steps towards achieving its digital transformation goals, according to the Jordan News Agency, Petra. 

The minister highlighted the work of the first Government Services Centre, the Al Muqabalain district branch, which currently offers 95 services from 20 government institutions.

Additionally, he noted the official launch of the centre’s second branch last week at Queen Alia International Airport, which currently provides 44 services from 15 government institutions.

Hanandeh said that the government is preparing to open a third branch in Irbid, as well as additional branches in Aqaba, Maan, Jerash and Tafileh. 

The first mobile government services vehicle is expected to arrive soon, he noted, adding that citizens will soon be able to schedule appointments for service centres through the Sanad application.

Hanandeh highlighted the ministry’s major achievements, which include updating the standards for designing government websites and launching six websites which adhere to those standards, with another eight to come. 

During another session titled "Future Services", Hanandeh, discussed the rapid progress in digitilised government services, explaining that 500,000 Jordanians have already activated their digital identities, enabling them to access digital services easily and quickly.

Hanandeh added that the government services record will allow citizens to review all offered services, noting that the ministry is collaborating with governmental institutions to help them streamline their procedures.

The minister highlighted the launch of the electronic documentation system for the financial and banking sector, and the integration of central bank’s payment systems with the sector’s electronic documentation system, facilitating easier transactions for citizens.

He also added that the costs for small business financing have been reduced through loans provided by the Arab Fund for Economic and Social Development. 

The withdrawal of the second instalment of the loan, which amounts to approximately $4.9 million, has been completed for the selected companies. A total of 521 projects, including 260 micro-projects, 150 small projects and 111 projects for professionals, craftspersons, and self-employed individuals have benefited from this programme.