Amman, January 12 (Petra) — Prime Minister Jaafar Hassan said the government is committed to supporting the industrial sector as a “key pillar” of the national economy.
After reviewing the main challenges facing the industrial sector, Hassan tasked the Minister of Industry, Trade, and Supply with establishing a joint committee that will convene periodically. The committee, composed of government officials and industrial sector representatives, will address issues impacting the sector.
On Sunday, during a visit to the Amman Chamber of Industry, where he met with industry representatives, the Prime Minister said the government is dedicated to fostering a strong partnership with the private sector across all industries.
Hassan said the government is working to realise the goals of the Economic Modernisation Vision in collaboration with the private sector.
The government is working to expand the natural gas supply to industrial cities and clusters, aiming to enhance the sector’s competitiveness and reduce energy costs.
The Prime Minister discussed the cooperation between institutions involved in capacity building and vocational training and the industrial sector to ensure training outcomes meet sectoral needs.
He discussed the “essential” role of Jordanian embassies and commercial attaches in promoting Jordanian industries and exports, noting that their collaboration with industry chambers could further strengthen this effort.
He said the government would continue to engage with other countries, within legal and diplomatic frameworks, to find solutions to obstacles facing Jordanian exports.
Minister of Industry, Trade, and Supply Yarub Qudah said the Economic Modernisation Vision executive programme places significant emphasis on the industrial sector. The government believes the industrial sector is key to achieving substantial economic growth and creating job opportunities, he noted.
He added that the industrial sector’s “renaissance” is closely linked to boosting exports. In partnership with the private sector, the government has launched a company in which the industrial sector holds a 51% stake to bolster export development and promotion.
Qudah discussed the new system introduced by the government two weeks ago, which mandates that all ministries assess the potential impact of any decision before implementation.
Fathi Jaghbir, Chairman of the Jordan Chamber of Industry and the Amman Chamber of Industry said the industrial sector is “vital” for comprehensive economic growth and stability.
He added that 40% of the economic growth achieved until the end of the third quarter of last year was driven by the industrial sector. He noted that every dinar spent in industry generates about 2.17 dinars for the national economy, with the sector providing employment for 21% of the workforce and supporting over one million Jordanians.
Jaghbir added that 94% of national exports are industrial goods and 62% of investments benefiting from the investment law were industrial. He called for restoring financial support for exports through sustainable mechanisms and greater allocation for promotion and market penetration.
He urged the government to settle outstanding financial dues to industrial establishments from various government institutions, including tax and export refunds, and to activate a financial clearing system to ease the financial burden on these businesses.
Jaghbir urged activating the role of diplomatic missions abroad to promote Jordanian industries and the investment environment, thereby enhancing trade relations with countries where these missions are located.
Nael Hussain, Director of the Amman Chamber of Industry, presented a roadmap to boost the industrial sector and increase its competitiveness.
Hussami said Jordan has the potential to become a regional hub for various industries, leveraging the national economy’s competitive advantages.
//Petra// AK
12/01/2025 17:27:33
