ACC calls for reconsideration of Friday lockdown and curfew hours

Jordan

Published: 2021-03-26 10:30

Last Updated: 2024-03-29 01:04


ACC calls for reconsideration of Friday lockdown and curfew hours
ACC calls for reconsideration of Friday lockdown and curfew hours

The head of the Amman Chamber of Commerce (ACC) Khalil Hajj Tawfiq Thursday called on the government to reconsider the overnight curfew hours and Friday lockdown, especially after daylight saving time started in Jordan. 

He said the aim is to prevent the overcrowding that the kingdom is witnessing before establishments shut down at 6pm, especially in bakeries and supermarkets.

In a Facebook post, he added that the recent decision to allow restaurants to deliver during curfew hours should also include supermarkets, bakeries, vegetable and fruit stores, butcheries, water stores, clothing shops, and businesses that offer their services online.


Also Read: Restaurants call for delivery hours to extend until Suhoor


Hajj Tawfiq also called on the government to reconsider the bank interest rates on loans and customs imposed on basic food commodities to reduce their prices. He added that customs should be capped at a five percent for essential goods such as clothing, footwear, medical supplies and stationery.

He also said the government should look into changing the mechanism it currently utilizes to issue permits for citizens during curfew hours.

He also suggested considering interest-free or reduced interest loans for members of sectors that were shut down and most affected by the pandemic, as well as for citizens including the unemployed and retired. He pointed out that the aim is to increase cash flow, improve purchasing power and enable citizens to cover their financial obligations.

Hajj Tawfiq provided a list of things the government should look into/reconsider/change in order to help citizens and establishments during the coronavirus crisis:

  • Electricity bills
  • Support provided to the agricultural sector to include small-scale farmers and agricultural exports.
  • The mechanism used to deal with food security in Jordan 
  • Partnership between the public and private sectors
  • Monitoring and changing prices
  • Support packages for the sectors most affected by the pandemic and urgent financial compensation
  • The claims of the Income Tax Department, Sales, Warranty, Electricity and others to be postponed without interest or fines
  • The investment portfolio and how it's managed
  • Dealing with rumors, misinformation and those who contribute to spreading them
  • Monitoring the prices of fresh vegetables, meat and poultry just before Ramadan starts and during the first few days, and ensure sufficient quantities are available.
  • 'Trembling hands'
  • 'Complexities, bureaucracy, deadly routine, and slow completion of transactions'
  • Failure to issue a defense order regarding exempting tenants and compensating owners for their loss.
  • Licensing fees and the need for making exceptions, reductions or postponing deadlines
  • Awareness-raising campaigns regarding the importance of compliance with defense orders and vaccination
  • Inspection committees and defense orders violations
  • Continuity of operations and supply chains in all sectors