Day: February 13, 2024

Amman: Hikma Pharmaceuticals, a multinational pharmaceutical company, announced on Tuesday that it has recently signed an exclusive licensing agreement with AFT Pharmaceuticals (AFT) for the registration and commercialization of Combogesic IV, an intravenous, opioid-free pain relief medicine for the short term symptomatic treatment of acute pain in adults and the reduction of fever, in Saudi Arabia, Jordan, and Iraq.

In a statement, the company said that Combogesic IV is a patented intravenous formulation of Paracetamol 1000mg + Ibuprofen 300mg solution for infusion. The new agreement provides Hikma with exclusive rights for the commercialization of Combogesic IV in the three countries.

A similar agreement was previously signed with AFT Pharmaceuticals in the United States market and the launch of Combogesic IV in the US market was announced earlier this month.

Mazen Darwazah, Hikma’s Executive Vice Chairperson and President of MENA, said: “Our agreement with AFT Pharmaceuticals for Combogesic IV – an impo
rtant alternative for the treatment of acute pain and fever – is an important milestone in delivering on our purpose of putting better health, within reach, every day. As a leading healthcare company in MENA, we continue to expand our pipeline in growing therapeutic areas and are committed to partnerships with global players to expand our portfolio of high-quality medicines to patients in the region.”

Source: Jordan News Agency

Amman: Ministry of Investment wrapped up work of the second phase of the e-services automation project, in cooperation with Ministry of Digital Economy and Entrepreneurship, as a continuation of its platform launched within the 1st phase rolled out in February 2023.

In a statement Tuesday, the ministry said the 2nd phase electronically linked operations at the administrative level to a number of partner departments to provide “comprehensive” project-based investment services.

The ministry noted the connectivity scheme linked Jordan Customs Department, Income and Sales Tax Department, and Civil Defense Directorate, in a bid to enable investors to obtain all online license approvals for economic activities, making transactions easier, streamlining procedures and ensuring their speedy completion.

Additionally, the ministry pointed out the investor can apply for services for investment projects online by accessing Ministry of Investment website www.moin.gov.jo.

Source: Jordan News Agency

Amman: Minister of Transport, Wissam Tahtamouni, on Tuesday discussed with Ambassador of the European Union Delegation to Jordan, Pierre-Christophe Chatzisavas, ways to enhance cooperation in the transport fields.

According to a statement, the meeting went over mechanisms for providing EU support to contribute to implement projects included in Jordan’s Transport Sector Strategic Plan for the years 2024-2028, which was finally approved.

Tahatmouni valued EU efforts in supporting and improving the Kingdom’s transportation systems, stressing the importance of continuing joint cooperation in developing the sector and benefiting from the “pioneering” expertise of the bloc’s member states.

For his part, the envoy said Jordanian-European Business Forum, scheduled to be held next June, will discuss enhancing joint trade and investment and highlighting success stories in the sector, in addition to current active investments launched by European companies in Jordan and new investors.

The diplomat noted the forum’s
agenda will feature renewable energy, hydrogen, clean technology, digital connectivity and transportation, and export opportunities for the Jordanian industrial sector.

Chatzisavas added that this process comes within the framework of contributing to achieving one of the goals of the Kingdom’s Economic Modernization Vision to attract investments worth JD30 billion by 2033.

The statement noted EU’s support for Jordan’s transport sector plan will aim to implement commitment to reduce this industry’s carbon by providing technical support for inter-city connectivity projects to provide users with multiple transportation alternatives at reasonable prices, easy access and environmentally sustainable manner.

This assistance will stimulate private sector investments by enhancing regulatory framework for sustainable urban transport, e-mobility, rail transport, and improved access to more accurate weather forecasts, the statement pointed out.

Source: Jordan News Agency

Amman: Royal Department for Environmental Protection (RDEP) personnel, in cooperation with Jordan Food and Drug Administration (JFDA) workers, seized a “large” quantity of counterfeit and smuggled sexual stimulants of unknown origin.

In a statement Tuesday, JFDA Director General, Dr. Nizar Mheidat, said suspects, who market and promote stimulants online on some social media accounts, were nabbed during a “tight” ambush.

Stimulants carry various brands in different concentrations, he noted, adding that all medications are not duly JFDA-registered, non-approved for circulation and unsafe for consumption.

Additionally, Mheidat added that the fake steroids were confiscated and kept in preparation for their proper destruction, noting procedures were underway to transfer the online page administrators to the Cybercrime Unit of the Public Security Directorate.

The suspects will be referred to the judiciary to take legal action, he said, stressing continuation of these “qualitative” oversight operations and vowin
g “severe” measures against violators.

Source: Jordan News Agency

Amman: Jordan Industrial Estates Corporation (JIEC) and Jordan Agricultural Engineers Association (JAEA) on Tuesday signed a new investment agreement in Al-Hassan Industrial Estate (HIE) in the food manufacturing field, specializing in fish processing and vegetables refrigeration.

The agreement was signed by JIEC General Manager, Omar Juwaied, and Chairman of the Board of Directors of the JAEA-owned Jordan Pioneers, Ali Abu Nuqtah.

Juwaied said this investment benefits from the project intended to stimulate agro-industries in industrial cities, based on an agreement signed by JIEC with the Ministry of Agriculture.

Juwaied added that a total of 9 investments benefited from this project at a cost of JD4 million, which are expected to provide 200 job opportunities for Jordanians.

For his part, Abu Nuqtah said the agreement is the beginning of “practical” steps to establish and operate the JAEA’s investment project to enhance its financial revenues, invest in technical expertise and competencies, and benefit
from the enterprises aimed to train agricultural engineers, provide permanent and seasonal job opportunities, and offer various agricultural products that increase and enhance Jordan’s food security.

Abu Nuqtah added that a building with an area of 650 square meters was leased to establish a fish processing and vegetable refrigeration factory.

Al-Rwad Company for Agricultural Investments will implement and manage this project with a total investment of JD200,000 to finance establishment of the factory, he said.

Additionally, Abu Nuqtah noted Ministry of Agriculture will pay the lease value for the first five years costs worth JD12,000 annually.

Source: Jordan News Agency

Amman: Qatari Ambassador to Jordan Sheikh Saud bin Nasser bin Jassim Al Thani commended the outstanding performance of the Jordanian national team players in the final of the Asian Cup held in the Qatari capital, Doha.

Speaking at a sports event organized by the Qatari embassy in Amman to celebrate the Sports Day of the State of Qatar, the Qatari ambassador expressed his admiration for the Jordanian team, stating, “I raise my hat in salute to the resilient Jordanians. Congratulations to Qatar, congratulations to the Nashama, and salutes to them for their honorable and commendable performance.”

During the celebration, the Qatari ambassador emphasized the profoundness of Qatari-Jordanian relations across various domains, notably in sports.

Highlighting Qatar’s unique initiative, the Sports Day, aimed at promoting the significance of sports and its impact on societal well-being, the ambassador reiterated the event’s importance.

The sports day, held at the gymnasium of the Orthodox Club, featured diverse acti
vities including football, tug-of-war, basketball, table tennis, and a taekwondo demonstration.

Ambassador Al Thani concluded the event by distributing gifts to participating children and attendees.

Source: Jordan News Agency

ABU DHABI: President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan and His Excellency Narendra Modi, Prime Minister of the Republic of India, discussed the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership and Comprehensive Economic Partnership between the UAE and India.

They examined ways to bolster these ties, aimed at fostering sustainable development and prosperity for both peoples.

This took place during the Indian Prime Minister’s visit to the UAE, where he is scheduled to participate in the World Governments Summit 2024 in Dubai.

At the start of the meeting, which was held in Abu Dhabi, His Highness welcomed the Indian Prime Minister, who in turn expressed his gratitude for the warm reception he received during his visit. He underlined his appreciation for the invitation for India to participate as a guest of honour at the summit this year.

His Highness and His Excellency Modi reviewed developments in the bilateral partnership and strategic progress across the economic, investment, development, renewable energ
y, and food security areas that support both countries’ vision to achieve sustainable economic development and prosperity.

During the meeting, His Highness and the Prime Minister of India also exchanged views on several regional and international issues of mutual interest, as well as both countries’ visions regarding supporting multilateral action to enhance stability, cooperation, and prosperity worldwide.

The meeting also touched upon the importance of the World Governments Summit, held under the theme “Shaping Future Governments”. The summit provides a global forum to exchange expertise and inspiring experiences to develop governmental work and find innovative solutions to shared challenges while enhancing national development, sustainability, and future preparedness.

His Highness and His Excellency Modi witnessed the exchange of memoranda of understanding and agreements aimed at enhancing the comprehensive strategic partnership between the two countries and expanding cooperation, especially in vital fi
elds.

The agreements and memoranda covered the following areas: investment, trade, digital infrastructure projects, electrical connectivity, maritime transport, ports, and railways, in addition to cross-border remittance network connectivity, linking instant payment platforms, and a framework agreement on enabling the economic corridor between India, the Middle East, and Europe, among other vital areas.

The exchange of memoranda and agreements on behalf of the UAE was carried out by Reem bint Ebrahim Al Hashimy, Minister of State for International Cooperation, while on the Indian side, it was carried out by His Excellency Vinay Mohan Kwatra, Foreign Secretary.

The meeting was attended by His Highness Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Vice President, Deputy Prime Minister and Chairman of the Presidential Court; H.H. Sheikh Tahnoun bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Ruler of Abu Dhabi and National Security Adviser; H.H. Lt. General Sheikh Saif bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of the Interio
r; H.H. Sheikh Hamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan; H.H. Sheikh Theyab bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Chairman of the Office of Development and Martyrs Families Affairs at the Presidential Court; H.H. Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan; Sheikh Mohammed bin Hamad bin Tahnoun Al Nahyan, Advisor for Special Affairs at the Presidential Court; Ali bin Hammad Al Shamsi, Secretary-General of the Supreme Council for National Security; Dr. Anwar Gargash, Diplomatic Adviser to the UAE President; Mohamed Hadi Al Hussaini, Minister of State for Financial Affairs; Reem bint Ebrahim Al Hashimy, Minister of State for International Cooperation; Suhail bin Mohammed Al Mazrouei, Minister of Energy and Infrastructure; Mohamed Hassan Alsuwaidi, Minister of Investment; Khaldoun Khalifa Al Mubarak, Chairman of the Executive Affairs Authority and Member of the Executive Council; Khalid Mohammed Salem Balama Al Tamimi, Governor of the Central Bank of the UAE; and Dr. Abdul Nasser Al Shaali, UAE Ambassador to India, as well as a n
umber of UAE ministers and high-ranking officials

The delegation accompanying the Prime Minister of India that included a number of ministers and senior officials, were also in attendance.

Source: Emirates News Agency

Amman: Social Security Corporation (SSC) announced allocation of 948 natural death pension salaries during the past year 2023, bringing the cumulative number to 24,509 at end of last year.

In a press statement Tuesday, SSC said the entitled beneficiary of this retirement pension must have paid actual subscriptions for a period no less than 24 contributions, including 6 continuous payments, adding that death must occur this time to benefit from this service.

The SSC added that this salary is allocated to the eligible heirs of the corporation-insured person from the beginning of the month of the beneficiary’s death and a funeral expenses allowance of JD700 is also paid to the family.

Source: Jordan News Agency

DUBAI: Colombia aims to establish itself as a leading digital hub in Latin America, partnering with the United Arab Emirates, Mauricio Lizcano, the country’s Minister of Information and Communications Technology, told the Emirates News Agency (WAM) on the second day of the ongoing World Governments Summit 2024.

During his participation in the global event, Lizcano signed two Memorandums of Understanding (MoU) with Omar bin Sultan Al Olama, Minister of State for Artificial Intelligence, Digital Economy, and Remote Work Applications.

These agreements aim to promote cooperation and exchange of expertise between the two countries, to encourage and boost innovation, competitiveness and social welfare, stimulating research and development projects in strategic areas for Colombia, including the creation of a roadmap for a long-range artificial intelligence hub in Colombia.

“We have signed several agreements with the UAE and have built a strong relationship, with visits by presidents and ministers, which is alread
y beginning to yield its first results with this project,” the minister said.

Colombia launched its National Digital Strategy 2023-2026 a few days ago to respond to the country’s most significant challenges and “become a digital economy and society”.

“By developing eight main axes, starting with connectivity, artificial intelligence, digital skills, and cybersecurity, we hope to become a Latin American digital hub,” said the minister.

He elaborated that Colombia’s digital transformation ambitions extend beyond mere citizen convenience. “Our vision is to leverage technology to drive economic growth, bridge the digital gap, and foster greater social equity,” he emphasised.

The minister explained that the South American country is in a middle-income trap, with around US$ 7,500 per capita per year, and is also one of the most inequitable countries in the world.

The minister praised the neat organisation of the WGS by the UAE. “Convening nations to exchange experiences, showcase best practices, and analyze em
erging government trends is a commendable effort we deeply appreciate on behalf of all participating countries,” the minister concluded.

Source: Emirates News Agency

Amman: The Ministry of Local Administration Tuesday declared a state of alert in municipal emergency rooms and joint service councils, to deal with a rainstorm, which is forecast to cross the Kingdom tomorrow.

The ministry issued a flood warning to those living in low-lying areas as the Department of Meteorology forecast heavy downpours that could trigger flash floods in some areas.

Ministry Secretary-General Nidal Adwan said necessary procedures have been taken and response crews and mechinery were in the field according to the emergency plan.

He urged the public to heed safety precautions and stay clear of flood streams, call the ministry’s main emergency room when needed and report any accidents.

Source: Jordan News Agency

RAS AL KHAIMAH: H.H. Sheikh Saud bin Saqr Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Ras Al Khaimah, today offered his condolences on the death of the martyr of the nation, Suleiman Saeed Mohammed Al Shehhi, who passed away, along with his colleagues, while performing their duties in training the Somali Armed Forces.

Sheikh Saud stressed that the UAE’s martyrs’ sacrifices would be forever etched in the nation’s memory, and implored God Almighty to grant Al Shehhi and all Emirati martyrs eternal peace in Paradise, offering his deepest sympathies to their families and loved ones.

Source: Emirates News Agency

Amman: Leaders International for Economic Development (LI) and the Crown Prince Foundation (CPF) signed on Tuesday a collaboration agreement to support the Corporate Entrepreneurship Responsibility Alliance project “CERA,” funded by the Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands in Jordan. This agreement reflects the commitment of both organizations to promoting social responsibility and supporting local supply chains in the Kingdom.

The aim of the agreement, which was signed by Ll’s Country Manager, Hamzeh Shamaileh, and the CPF’s CEO, Tamam Mango, is to support the four-year CERA project, which focuses on motivating major Jordanian companies to shift their purchases of intermediate goods from the global market to the local market. To achieve this, the project will enhance the entrepreneurial responsibility of large companies and attract them to work with smaller Jordanian suppliers.

Simultaneously, the project will contribute to building the necessary human, technical, and financial capacities for owners o
f micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs) to enable them to respond to the needs of both the Jordanian and global industries.

“In this strategic collaboration, we are thrilled about the potential impact,” expressed Mango. “Our aim through this partnership is to advance economic and social objectives, with a particular emphasis on supporting small and medium-sized enterprises. At the Foundation, we prioritize fostering strong business partnerships. We are committed to enhancing cooperation with various stakeholders. We firmly believe that the synergy between organizations not only benefits our youth but also enriches society as a whole.”

Expressing his positive vision towards the current cooperation with the CPF, Shamaileh said: “This collaboration is an important milestone towards enhancing the economic and social benefits of the CERA project. Through joint efforts, we aspire to be an engine of positive change at the level of Jordanian MSMEs and Jordanian companies. This cooperation will contribu
te to solving many challenges, such as access to finance, developing capabilities and qualifications, and more broadly, promoting the sustainable development of targeted companies.”

Shamaileh predicted that the CERA project will contribute to strengthening the links of local companies, enabling them to effectively integrate into international supply chains and develop specialized products, as well as increase operational efficiency and productivity in innovative ways.

According to a statement, the organization said that this agreement reflects shared optimism and a strong commitment to achieving a positive impact through collaboration between the two organizations in support of the Dutch-funded CERA project. Through this effective partnership, it expects to see a promising future where local companies, through assistance, play a prominent role in the international arena, creating balance and sustainability in the business sector.

Source: Jordan News Agency