JD2.9m dedicated to supporting productive projects this year

AMMAN — In a bid to enhance productive projects in local communities, the Royal Scientific Society (RSS) will implement and manage the IRADA programme this year with funds worth JD2.9 million.

IRADA, the Ministry of Planning and International Cooperation’s Enhanced Productivity Centres project run by the RSS since 2006, provides advisory services and technical training to the owners of productive projects through 26 centres across the country. 

Under the cooperation agreement signed Sunday by HRH Princess Sumaya, president of the RSS, and Minister of Planning and International Cooperation Imad Fakhoury, the society will continue to manage the programme, enhance quality standards and develop techniques used in feasibility studies.

Speaking to reporters, Princess Sumaya said human and community development are central to the RSS’ work, highlighting the role of sustainable development and strong economies in safeguarding people’s freedom and dignity.

“The [RSS] sees that its duty towards the community entails constant efforts to incubate innovative ideas and help transform them into productive projects,” she said, citing the role of entrepreneurial projects in reducing poverty.

Since 2006, the society has been introducing “qualitative” additions to the programme, including technical support services for individuals, setting technical standards for projects, developing a fellowship programme and expanding the number of beneficiaries, particularly in rural and poor areas, the princess noted. 

The RSS won the bid that the ministry floated in the final quarter of last year to allow competition for managing the programme, said Fakhoury, adding that IRADA is part of the government’s efforts to achieve comprehensive social and economic development as entailed in the 2025 vision and the 2016-18 executive development programme.

“Despite the advancements Jordan accomplished in the field of small- and medium-sized projects, the sector still needs support and direction to further contribute to pushing the wheel of development and create investment hubs,” he said.

This year, IRADA will launch two centres in Amman’s Al Jizah and Karak’s Mutah, Fakhoury told reporters, adding that since its inception in 2002, the programme has helped in the creation of over 11,000 productive projects, trained over 172,000 beneficiaries and linked over 6,000 fresh graduates to job opportunities.

Under the agreement, IRADA this year is expected to help in the creation and development of 650 small- and medium-sized projects, with an average of three to five job opportunities per project, in addition to developing 350 home-based projects.

The programme is also expected to develop 200 new investment ideas for implementation in local communities, and train 700 recent graduates and job seekers in cooperation with the private sector, among other outcomes.