Amman, June 18 (Petra) — Minister of Labor Khaled Bakkar said the
industrial sector remains the Kingdom’s largest generator of
employment opportunities and one of the main drivers of economic
growth, underscoring its central role in advancing the objectives of
the Economic Modernization Vision.

Speaking during a dialogue session organized by the East Amman
Industrial Investors Association on Wednesday evening, Bakkar said
the government views industrialists as key partners in strengthening
the competitiveness of the national economy and achieving sustainable
economic development.

The session, held as part of the 6th Jordan Packaging Exhibition
(JOPEX), focused on human resource development in the packaging
sector.

Bakkar said the government has remained committed since its formation
to empowering the private sector and creating an enabling environment
for business growth and expansion by addressing challenges facing
investors and productive sectors. He noted that these efforts are
aimed at increasing investment, boosting exports and creating
additional employment opportunities for Jordanians.

The minister described the packaging sector as a successful model of
Jordanian industry, capable of achieving excellence and expanding
into regional and international markets. He stressed that developing
human capital in the sector is a national priority to ensure
sustainable growth and strengthen its capacity to keep pace with
rapid technological developments.

Bakkar said the Ministry of Labor continues to implement programs and
initiatives aimed at regulating the labor market, meeting the needs
of productive sectors for skilled workers, and increasing Jordanian
participation across economic activities. He added that the
government has adopted a range of measures and decisions designed to
support investment and encourage the expansion of industrial
projects.

The minister emphasized that vocational and technical training has
become a cornerstone of building a competitive economy capable of
meeting future labor market demands.

He noted that practical skills are increasingly important in today’s
labor market, particularly in light of rapid technological advances
and the growing impact of artificial intelligence on employment
patterns worldwide.

Bakkar called for stronger cooperation between the industrial sector
and vocational education and training institutions to develop
programs that reflect labor market needs and equip Jordanian youth
with the skills required in modern industries, including packaging
technologies and advanced manufacturing.

He stressed that investment in human capital remains the most
effective means of achieving sustainable economic growth and
enhancing the competitiveness of Jordanian industries.

Bakkar also announced the ministry’s readiness to facilitate the
recruitment of non-Jordanian workers for packaging-sector
establishments that maintain a workforce of at least 90 percent
Jordanian employees, in recognition of their commitment to employing
national talent and supporting their continued growth and expansion.

For his part, Chairperson of the East Amman Industrial Investors
Association Iyad Abu Haltam said the packaging sector has become a
strategic partner in marketing and export activities by providing
advanced solutions that enhance the added value of Jordanian products
and strengthen their competitiveness in international markets.

He noted that packaging has evolved beyond the production of
containers and now encompasses integrated engineering solutions that
address operational efficiency, environmental considerations and
compliance with international standards, particularly European
requirements that have become essential for access to many global
markets.

Abu Haltam said the packaging, printing, paper and cardboard
industries provide approximately 13,000 jobs, with Jordanians
accounting for about 94 percent of the workforce. He added that the
sector includes more than 900 industrial companies, underscoring its
economic significance and its role in supporting national industry,
growth and employment.

//Petra// AJ