Published: 2021-03-26 10:30
Last Updated: 2024-03-29 01:04
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.
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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: