Government freezes custom duty reduction on foodstuffs, furniture

The Cabinet, in a session chaired by Prime Minister Dr. Jaafar Hassan on Saturday, decided to freeze its 2022 decision to reduce customs duties on certain foodstuffs, engineering, construction, and furniture materials.

The freeze will take effect at the start of 2025 and continue throughout the year in what the Prime Ministry said will support the industrial sector, boost competitiveness, and mitigate financial impacts on the national treasury.

In the statement, the cabinet also said it will endorse a plan to improve Jordan’s ranking on the Global Innovation Index, in line with the nation’s 2023–2025 economic modernization vision.

In line with public sector modernization efforts, Jafar Hassan’s cabinet approved new 2024 regulations for recruiting and hiring government employees.

These guidelines seek to standardize recruitment processes, ensure fair opportunities, and emphasize merit-based hiring by utilizing open competition and electronic platforms.

The government also settled tax disputes for 38 companies and individuals, as part of an ongoing effort to bolster tax compliance and increase public revenues.

The Cabinet also approved a technical cooperation agreement with Germany, focusing on empowering women in skilled trades, supporting employment in the private sector, and improving water management infrastructure.

Lastly, it agreed on a tax treaty with Kenya to eliminate double taxation and prevent tax evasion, further enhancing economic cooperation between the two countries.