Gov’t keen on joining hands with private sector for COVID economic recovery — industry minister

AMMAN — Minister of Industry, Trade and Supply Maha Ali on Tuesday said that the ministry is keen on enhancing partnership with the private sector institutions and civil society organisations, including centres for studies, for consulting and discussing issues related to developing the economic conditions and reaching economic recovery post-COVID-19.

During a discussion session held by the Jordan Strategy Forum (JSF) titled “Containing COVID-19: Health response and sustaining economic activities in Jordan”, Ali referred to the recently announced procedures by the government with the aim of alleviating the impacts incurred by some sectors due to the pandemic, according to a JSF statement.

She also said that the ministry is scheduled to publish data and protocols on the damaged sectors, for the purpose of enhancing the prediction and planning capabilities regarding facing the pandemic’s repercussions on various sectors.

JSF CEO Ibrahim Saif reviewed highlights from a study by the forum to be published soon on the epidemiological situation and the sustainability of the economic activities, noting that the study will showcase the chronological order of the most important events during the pandemic and the economic impact of the full lockdown.

Saif noted that most economic sectors in the Kingdom have witnessed a “severe recession” during the second quarter of 2020, excluding the financial and insurance services, real estate and the agricultural sectors.

The JSF CEO highlighted the importance of cooperation among various sectors in Jordan through analysing commonalities leading to a “deep understanding” of the supply chain, taking into consideration the important role of the public transport sector and setting clear standards and protocols for future responses to the epidemiological situation