Cabinet discusses measures to improve import of essential commodities

AMMAN — The Cabinet on Wednesday discussed the legal measures for the Ministry of Industry, Trade and Supply to import basic commodities and intervene in the market to address price increases.

Minister of Industry, Trade and Supply Maha Al Ali said that the law allows the ministry to contract directly with government and private suppliers. Ali added that the Civil Service Consumer Corporation was directed to store the contracted quantities in the corporations’, rather than the traders, warehouses — a precautionary measure in case of a price increase or if traders fail or refuse to deliver the commodities.

The reserve of wheat is sufficient for more than 17 months, while barely for 11 months, she said, adding that if necessary the government can import through the mechanism mentioned above, according to the Jordan News Agency, Petra.

During the meeting, the Council of Ministers also approved the 2021-2025 National Strategy and Executive Plan for Digital Transformation, which serves as a legislative and regulatory framework for the digitisation drive.

The national strategy is meant to enhance transparency and openness, improve the quality of service provision, improve service effectiveness, sustainability, reliability and reduce service costs, Petra reported.

It also aims to strengthen public-private sector partnerships through supporting the private sector design and improve the government services.