Prime minister visits seven development, tourism, youth sites in Ajloun

AMMAN — Prime Minister Jafar Hassan on Tuesday visited seven key development sites in the northern city of Ajloun, as part of the government’s ongoing outreach across the Kingdom.

Hassan visited agriculture, industry, tourism, health, and youth development sites, according to a Prime Ministry statement.

At the Northern Ajloun Villages Association in Sakhrah, the prime minister commended the "group’s innovative approach to food processing and crop management."

 The association’s operations in cooling, drying, and packaging vegetables and fruits provide vital jobs for locals, particularly women, the statement said.

 “This association is a model for agricultural productivity and food manufacturing,” Hassan said, announcing plans to supply the group with advanced packaging equipment and tools to improve marketing and exports, especially to Gulf countries. "The government will also fund the association’s rent for a decade to secure its financial sustainability."

At the Ajloun Vocational Training Institute, which trains 250 youth across 15 fields, Hassan engaged with trainees and listened to their aspirations. He promised immediate action to address transportation issues for students and announced measures to support them post-graduation, including linking them with job opportunities and providing start-up equipment for small businesses, according to the statement.

 “We will also expand training in key sectors such as hybrid and electric vehicle maintenance, ensuring these programmes align with labour market demands,” he said, adding that new computers and air conditioning systems would be provided for the institute’s workshops.

The prime minister visited the Advanced Technology Garment Manufacturing Company in Ajloun, which employs around 300 women, most of whom are university graduates.

 “This company exemplifies how local investments can drive economic growth while creating safe and supportive workplaces,” he noted.

The company plans to expand operations by adding a production line after Ramadan, creating 60 new jobs, and constructing an additional floor by 2026 to accommodate 150 more workers. The factory, which exports to the US, reported a JD73 million export total in 2024, with production efficiency reaching 85 per cent, one of the highest globally, the statement said.

The historic Mar Elias Church, a major Christian pilgrimage site, was part of the premier's visit, where he called for expedited restoration efforts and improved visitor services to enhance its appeal.

Recognised as one of the five Christian pilgrimage destinations designated by the Vatican in Jordan, the church is among the largest in the Kingdom and serves as the second Christian pilgrimage site in Ajloun after Our Lady of the Mountain Church.

At the Ajloun Cable Car Station, which attracted 365,000 visitors last year, the prime minister emphasized the project’s role in boosting the region’s profile. He directed officials to ensure the cable car system is ready for the tourist season and proposed extending the route to Mar Elias Hill, linking the area’s religious and cultural landmarks.

Hassan’s visit to the Ajloun Comprehensive Health Center included directives to build a new facility by 2026. The center, currently housed in a rented building, will move to ministry-owned land to enhance accessibility and services.

At the Ajloun Youth Center, Hassan met with young people to discuss their priorities. He urged a reevaluation of youth programs to better align with market demands.

“The energy of our youth must be harnessed not just for their personal growth but for the betterment of their communities,” Hassan said, encouraging youth involvement in tourism initiatives such as site clean-up and preservation campaigns.

Ministers of agriculture, tourism, health, and local administration accompanied the prime minister.