(MENAFN- Jordan News Agency)

Amman, Oct. 22 (Petra) -- The Cabinet, chaired by Prime Minister Jafar Hassan, approved on Wednesday a series of major policy and investment decisions spanning the energy, mining, agriculture, education, and digital economy sectors.
The measures form part of the government's broader agenda to enhance sustainability, stimulate investment, and accelerate public sector modernization in line with the Economic and Public Sector Modernization Visions.
Energy Sector
The Cabinet approved an agreement to supply natural gas from the Risha field to Jordan's national electricity grid, signed by the National Petroleum Company, Jordan Oil Terminals Company, National Electric Power Company, Jordan Gas Company, Samra Electric Power Generation Company, and the National Advanced Natural Gas Company.
The agreement regulates the purchase, treatment, and transport of gas from Risha to Samra's power plant for electricity generation. It supports the objectives of the National Energy Strategy to increase the share of domestic resources in the energy mix, reduce reliance on imported fuels, and cut production costs. The project is also expected to create a stable revenue stream for the National Petroleum Company to expand drilling operations and boost production in the Risha field.
The Cabinet further endorsed a draft law ratifying the executive agreement for evaluating, developing, and exploiting gold and associated minerals in Abu Khushaiba between the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources and Wadi Araba Minerals Company. The decision is in accordance with Article 117 of the Constitution and Article 9 of the Natural Resources Law No. 19 of 2018, ensuring proper legal authorization for mining investments.
In addition, the Cabinet approved a memorandum of understanding between the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources and Uzbekistan's Ministry of Mining Indusrty and Geology to strengthen cooperation and exchange expertise in mineral exploration, development, and investment promotion.
Agriculture and Investment
To stimulate growth in the agricultural sector, the Cabinet approved amendments to the Jordan Valley Land Leasing System for 2025. The updated regulation expands eligibility for leasing agricultural units to citizens, cooperatives, and private institutions, aiming to attract new investments and support large-scale and renewable-energy-integrated farming projects. These amendments seek to create jobs, enhance food security, and empower local communities through more flexible and inclusive leasing conditions.
Digital Economy and Virtual Assets
As part of Jordan's digital transformation agenda, the Cabinet endorsed the draft Regulation for Licensing Virtual Asset Service Providers for 2025, following the Virtual Assets Law enacted in May. The new regulation sets out a comprehensive legal and governance framework for companies operating in the digital finance sector, including trading, custody, and transfer of virtual assets.
The move aligns with the government's push to build a secure and transparent environment for digital innovation, attract fintech investments, and position Jordan as a regional hub for digital assets, artificial intelligence, and blockchain technology. The regulation also provides clear licensing requirements to enhance investor confidence and ensure financial stability.
Tax and Financial Settlements
In support of economic continuity and taxpayer compliance, the Cabinet approved the settlement of 1,583 pending tax cases between taxpayers and both the Income and Sales Tax Department and the Aqaba Special Economic Zone Authority. The settlements are intended to resolve long-standing disputes, stimulate business activity, and enable enterprises to regularize their financial and tax positions.
Education and Public Sector Modernization
To professionalize and elevate the teaching workforce, the Cabinet approved the draft Regulation for the Teaching Profession License for 2025. Under the new system, all newly appointed teachers starting in the 2027–2028 academic year will be required to obtain an official teaching license from the Ministry of Education. Current teachers will be automatically considered licensed.
The regulation introduces unified professional standards, mandatory qualification criteria, and a licensing framework that ensures teachers possess the necessary competencies for effective classroom performance. It supports the national strategy for human resource development and aligns with Jordan's efforts to modernize its education system and strengthen learning outcomes.
In line with public sector reform, the Cabinet also approved amendments to the organizational structure of the National Cybersecurity Center for 2025. The revised structure reduces overlapping directorates, improves efficiency, and strengthens the Center's capacity to address emerging cyber threats, in harmony with the Public Sector Modernization Plan.
Sports and Culture
To advance the national sports movement, the Cabinet decided to exempt the Jordan Olympic Committee and all affiliated sports federations from sales tax on revenues from sponsorships, marketing, broadcasting rights, and ticket sales. The decision extends the same exemption previously granted in August to the Jordan Football Association.
Additionally, the Cabinet approved the classification of donations to the Olympic Committee and sports federations as tax-deductible, further supporting the sustainability of Jordan's sports institutions and rewarding private sector contributions to national athletic development.
International Cooperation
Reinforcing Jordan's international partnerships, the Cabinet approved draft laws ratifying two bilateral agreements with Morocco one on the transfer of convicted persons and another on mutual legal and judicial assistance in criminal matters. The agreements aim to enhance judicial cooperation and strengthen legal ties between the two kingdoms.
The Cabinet also endorsed a memorandum of understanding between the Ministry of Investment and Saudi Arabia's Economic Cities and Special Zones Authority to expand cooperation in investment, institutional capacity-building, and knowledge exchange in special economic zones.
Environment and Sustainability
In the environmental sphere, the Cabinet approved an agreement for the "Support and Build a More Sustainable Blue Economy in Aqaba" project, financed by a $1.7 million grant from the Global Environment Facility (GEF) and implemented by the United Nations Development Program (UNDP) in collaboration with the Aqaba Special Economic Zone Authority (ASEZA).
The project seeks to establish Jordan's first marine reserve, promote marine spatial planning, and enhance environmental and economic sustainability in coastal areas. It will also develop frameworks for private sector participation in blue economy initiatives.
Furthermore, the Cabinet endorsed the National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan (2025–2050), developed by the Ministry of Environment in consultation with stakeholders across sectors.
The strategy reflects Jordan's ongoing commitment to protecting ecosystems and biodiversity, and it was recently recognized with the NBSAP Medal 2025 from the International Union for Conservation of Nature's (IUCN) Reverse the Red initiative for the world's best national biodiversity plan.

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