The Minister of Industry, Trade and Supply Youssef Al-Shamali announced that the government has set aside JD 277 million to subsidize wheat and bread, noting that there will be no increase in the price of bread.

The decision aims to ban the sale of bread in larger retail establishments such as shops and supermarkets, in order to safeguard the small stone bakeries and their owners.

Shamali made these remarks during a meeting with the President and members of the Irbid Chamber of Commerce Saturday.

On the topic of trade relations with Syria, Shamali confirmed that Jordan had proposed restoring the Jordanian-Syrian trade relationship. The government is actively supporting this restoration, especially considering that Jordanian exports to Syria amount to only JD 1.5 million.

He stated, "If the Syrian side allows the entry of Syrian goods, we will allow Jordanian goods as well."

Regarding social security coverage, Shamali noted that the obligation for establishments to include their workers in the social security system has resulted in a significant increase in subscribers. In 2022, approximately 54,000 people registered for social security benefits.

Responding to concerns from merchants about inspections, Shamali acknowledged the inadequacy of the joint committee's work. As a solution, each establishment will be responsible for inspecting its sector, and merchants are encouraged to inform the ministry if they observe any entity operating beyond its jurisdiction during inspections.

Addressing amendments to the Chambers of Commerce law, he clarified that the law does not permit the president of a chamber of commerce to hold office for more than two terms. This proposal was met with disapproval from merchants and industrialists, leading the government to withdraw it.

On the topic of expatriate workers, Shamali emphasized the government's concern about their presence without proper permits. He disclosed that there are currently 278,602 migrant workers in the markets and facilities of Irbid, with 48,985 valid work permits issued to them. Simultaneously, the Department of Statistics recorded 419,000 unemployed individuals at the end of 2022.