* The government earned more than JD 34 million in revenue in the first four months of this through its sales of publicly owned shares in local companies. Government sources said the revenues would be used to support the social-economic transformation plan. Local revenues from privatization have increased to JD 234 million as of 30 April-an increase of JD 76 million over the same period last year. Jordan's deficit reduced some 25 percent this year to JD 58 million.

* The Institute for Standards and Metrology (ISM) has begun development on a five-year plan to develop its programs and services. The plan intends to establish a new methodical structure for the institution to conform to modern programs. The Minister of Trade and Industry, Salah Bashir, said the Institute faces mounting challenges to protect people's interests and inspect the implementation of rules in the Kingdom. The plan, which begins next year, is being conducted jointly with the Euro-Jordanian Action for the Development of Enterprise (EJADA) and the German Agency for Technical Cooperation (GTZ).

* Jordan's pharmaceutical manufacturers are urging the government to intervene in a dispute with the Egyptian government currently barring Jordanian medicine from reaching Egyptian markets. The blockade continues despite a goodwill move by the Egyptian Health Ministry. Sources at the Jordan Pharmaceutical Association said the problem is 17 years old and results in many Jordanian medicine manufacturers finding it nearly impossible to promote their products in Egypt. JPA sources have called for a reciprocal approach by the Egyptian officials, as Egyptian medicine reaches Jordanian markets without any obstacles.

* Economic ties between Jordan and Slovakia are expected to witness a rapid increase in the near future. With some $30 million in trade volume between them, Jordanian and Slovak businessmen and investors agreed last week to increase mutual trade and develop new joint businesses to promote industry on both sides in local and regional markets.

* Royal Jordanian has re-launched two flights to Khartoum this week, increasing its worldwide destinations to 50. The latest flight comes two weeks after re-launching of flights to Detroit and a re-launch of Moscow one month ago. RJ employees have also initiated a new plan to enhance service and provide added-value assistance to the passengers this June. This latest plan focuses primarily on the ethics of time management, where employees work to provide the greatest benefit in the quickest time possible.

* The Jordan-Bahrain Telecommunications Technology Co (Batelco-Jordan) earned JD 1.66 million in profits in 2001. Company's assets are said to be worth JD 3.4 million. Batelco-Jordan was established in April 2001 and currently develops telecom services by enhancing cooperation with the Bahrain Telecommunication Co to improve Batelco's services in Jordan. The company is one of the leading IT providers in the Kingdom.

June 08, 2002
Sources : The Star