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3.122. The Competition Law follows the principle of free determination of prices in accordance with market mechanisms and the principles of free competition. However, prices of "essential commodities" are controlled, pursuant to the Industry and Trade Law No. 188 of 1998 and other specific laws. [49]
[49] In the case of emergencies or natural disasters, the Government may temporarily control prices of essential commodities.

4.1. In 2022, agriculture and related activities accounted for 5.3% of Jordan's GDP (Chart 1.1) and for 3.2% of national employment, of which two thirds are non-Jordanian. (...) The sector faces several challenges, particularly the dry climate with limited access to water supplies.

4.2. (...) There is minimal production in the semi-arid eastern regions as Jordan has limited water resources and much of the soil is relatively infertile. (...)

4.9. The principal legislation on agriculture remains Agriculture Law No. 13 of 2015, whose main objectives are to increase self-sufficiency and improve diversification while meeting international, regional, and domestic requirements and conserving the environment and natural resources. In addition, there are other laws relating to water and irrigation that affect agriculture.

4.11. On 24 August 2020, the Ministry of Agriculture launched the National Agricultural Development Strategy 2020-25 at an estimated cost of JOD 591 million. It envisages 174 interventions and projects, focusing on the following priorities: (...) and expanding forest and pasture areas.

4.12. The National Agricultural Development Strategy 2020-25 aims at increasing agricultural GDP from JOD 2.6 billion in 2020 to JOD 3.66 billion by 2025 and boosting agriculture's value-added from JOD 1.6 billion to JOD 2.48 billion in the period. (...) the Strategy is pursuing a 10% increase in the forest area by 2025.

4.14. The Government has recently developed and adopted the National Water Strategy 2023-2040, as well as several policies that focus on providing irrigation water while reducing overall volumes of freshwater used as irrigation water. These policies are part of the Strategy and include Wastewater Management and Reuse Policy, Water Reallocation Policy, and Water Demand Policy. The water for irrigation represented 48.6% of water demand in Jordan.

4.15. The National Water Strategy 2023-2040 consists of four pillars: (...) (ii) restore balance between available and sustainable water supplies and sufficient water demand to meet Jordan's health and economic development needs to achieve lasting water security; (...)

4.26. During the review period, there were no significant changes to the institutional framework regarding mining and energy. The Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources (MEMR) remains responsible for the sector, elaborating policies and legislation with the objective of achieving a sustainable supply of energy and optimal use of Jordan's natural resources according to global best practices.

4.31. Natural Resource Law No. 19 of 2018 aims at natural resources development, together with their sustainable exploitation, and to regulate mining activities. It establishes that (i) natural resources are considered property of the State, whether they are on the surface of the earth or in its interior, or in territorial waters, rivers, and inland seas; (ii) it is not permissible to explore, exploit, transfer, or trade in natural resources without obtaining a permit or licence; (iii) any activities of survey, exploration and exploitation of petroleum, oil shale, coal and strategic minerals shall be conducted in accordance with a Regulation issued for this purpose; (iv) mining is considered a public interest and no survey permit, exploration licence or mining right may be granted for governmental, private, or Waqf land unless approved by their owners or by whom authorized on land use; (v) prior approval and supervision of the related authorities is requested to survey, explore, or mine within holy places or antiquity sites, railway lands, municipal areas, reservoirs, and oil and sewage pipelines lands; and (vi) it is impermissible for the licensee to possess or obtain water from any lake, sea, river, stream, water passage, dam, underground reservoir, or canal abutting any spot within the licence or permit area without prior approval.