Amman, Sep. 20 (Petra) – Minister of Environment Dr. Ayman Suleiman announced a national initiative to distribute subsidized cloth bags to replace plastic items.

Suleiman noted the first phase will produce approximately 6 million bags to be distributed to Jordanian families, with three items per household, at a "subsidized" price not exceeding 10 piasters.

During a dialogue session held by the Jordan Economic Forum (JEF), themed: "The Environmental Sector's Contribution to Supporting Economic Modernization," he indicated that revenues will be reinvested in sustainable environmental programs and national clean-up campaigns.

The minister explained, according to a JEF statement on Saturday, that 10 million trees have been planted over the past ten years as part of the National Reforestation Project, noting smart agriculture programs were launched to enhance Jordan's food security.

Suleiman also ststed investment opportunities were developed in the blue economy in the Gulf of Aqaba, which he described as an "untapped treasure" due to its valuable natural and biological resources.

Regarding the waste sector, Suleiman said Jordan currently utilizes only 10,000 tonnes of e-waste out of a total of 69,000 tonnes annually, despite the fact that it contains precious metals, mainly gold and silver.

Suleiman noted the waste sector is a "promising economic opportunity for creating green jobs," as part of the ministry's efforts to promote the concept of a circular economy and transform environmental challenges into investment opportunities.

"Environment is not an obstacle to investment, but rather a guarantee for its continuity," he noted, citing the experience of Aqaba Special Economic Zone Authority (ASEZA), as "effective" environmental management has contributed to protecting investments and reducing risks.

The minister announced the next phase will witness "greater" integration between environmental and economic policies to achieve "sustainable" development and preserve the future of coming generations, calling on the private sector to "actively partner" in implementing environmental programs.

In turn, JEF vice president, Senator Issa Murad, noted the forum has become a "well-established" dialogue platform bringing together the private sector, the government, and international institutions.

Murad said hosting Minister of Environment reflects importance of integrating the environmental dimension into economic policies, especially amid global markets requiring adherence to environmental standards to ensure investment sustainability.

Concluding the dialogue, audience enaged in an extensive discussion, focusing on mechanisms enabling Jordan to benefit from the global transition to a green economy and the private sector's role in supporting national environmental initiatives.

//Petra// AG