Ammon News - Prime Minister Jafar Hassan has praised the Arab Potash Company for committing JD 30 million over the next three years to support the education and health sectors.
The funding, part of the company's corporate social responsibility (CSR) program, adds to its ongoing development and charitable contributions to local communities.
During a meeting Sunday with Arab Potash Chairman Shehadeh Abu Hdaib, the Prime Minister emphasized that such private sector contributions significantly bolster government efforts to improve these vital sectors and enhance services for citizens.
Hassan noted that total CSR funding pledged for health and education over the next three years has reached roughly JD 170 million within the last two months alone.
He stressed the importance of formalizing these contributions, highlighting previous commitments: JD 90 million over three years from the Association of Banks in Jordan, JD 40 million from the Jordan Phosphate Mines Company, and pledges from both the Jordan Petroleum Refinery Company and Jordan Free Zones Company to dedicate 5 percent of their annual profits.
The Prime Minister expressed hope that other private sector institutions will follow Arab Potash's lead. He underscored the need for CSR to become a sustained development strategy, independent of changing governments or corporate leadership.
Hassan explained that specific projects funded through the CSR initiative will be identified annually, with the first round announced next month. A dedicated account has been established at the Central Bank, and funds will be disbursed in coordination with contributing companies as projects progress.
He added that schools and health centers built with private funding will be clearly marked to foster a culture of giving, solidarity, and public-private partnership.
The Prime Minister also commended Arab Potash for expanding its investments and strengthening its global market position, citing a recent expansion agreement with the American company Palmarl valued at over $800 million.
Mr. Abu Hdaib affirmed that Arab Potash strives to balance commercial success with its community role. He stated the JD 30 million pledge supports national initiatives, spearheaded by the government in collaboration with the private sector, aimed at institutionalizing CSR and leveraging the private sector's potential in national development.
Abu Hdaib elaborated that the commitment stems from the company's belief in investing in people for sustainable development and a sense of national responsibility.
"Comprehensive development isn't possible without real investment in people," he noted, adding that the initiative strengthens public-private partnerships. He confirmed the company maintains a robust CSR strategy focused on long-term development impact.
He assured that this new commitment will not detract from the company's other CSR activities, noting that Arab Potash has already contributed over JD 66 million through these programs in the past five years.
Abu Hdaib asserted the company will continue to be a national enterprise focused not just on profit, but on making a lasting positive impact and serving the nation alongside its partners.
The meeting was also attended by Minister of State for Economic Affairs Mohannad Shehadeh and Government Communication Minister Mohammad Momani. During the session, Abu Hdaib outlined key projects under the company's 2025-2028 strategy, which aims to expand operations, enhance global competitiveness, and open new horizons for one of Jordan's largest industrial companies.
The government has been actively encouraging various economic sectors to adopt a more structured and sustainable approach to CSR, targeting essential development and service sectors, particularly in the governorates, and supporting projects with high operational potential. Petra