Gov’t announces 5th incentive package to enhance e-services

AMMAN — The government on Monday announced the fifth executive package that aims at improving the business environment and simplifying measures for citizens and investors.

Unveiling the incentives bundle, Prime Minister Omar Razzaz said that the fifth package aims at improving the e-Government tools thus saving "time and effort" for the user of the service.

"We believe things are going in the right direction, and this requires determination, will and accountability, but the plan we have is clear," Razza said, adding that the fifth bundle aims at improving communication between citizens and the government.

"We have had the ambition of turning into an e-government since the 2000s, and we are very late in this matter, although efforts in recent years have been tremendous," the premier said, noting that the effort nonetheless was scattered among ministries. "This package brings the e-government [project]through one window."

The package will contribute to reducing time and efforts by digitalising information and online transaction services to citizens, Razzaz said, adding: "We all faced moodiness when visiting certain institutions and wasta [using personal connections to obtain favours for friends and relatives], and unfortunately, small corruption which, if not resolved, could grow bigger."

"The e-services is the direct solution to all these practices." 

As per the fifth package, specialised committees will be formed to look into citizens' grievances within a limited timeframe before referring them to the judiciary, Razzaz said. 

"The goal of the fifth bundle is to help citizens to reach out to decision makers and receive justice," the premier said.

In October last year, the government announced its comprehensive programme comprising four packages: Stimulating the economy and investments, management and financial reform, improving citizens’ livelihoods and improving services comprehensively.

The first package provided incentives in the real-estate sector, focused on boosting exports and production and introduced measures to improve labour and employment for Jordanians.

The second package lowered taxes on electric cars, removed the vehicle weight tax, reduced and controlled government purchases and resolved bureaucracy issues while the third one increased the salaries of employees and retirees in the public sector and the military.

The government’s fourth executive bundle aimed at developing the education, health and transport sectors.