King visits three production factories in Al Muwaqqar Industrial City
AMMAN — His Majesty King Abdullah on Tuesday visited three factories in Al Muwaqqar Industrial City that specialise in food products, packaging, and garment manufacturing, and that are creating employment opportunities for Jordanians.
His Majesty's first stop was at Al Kbous Group for Industrial Trading and Investment factories, which have been producing tea and coffee for local consumption as well as export since the establishment of the group's Jordan branch in 2013, according to a Royal Court statement.
Chairman Hassan Al Kbous and CEO Mamoon Al Kbous gave a briefing about the group's factories, which have a production capacity of 7,200 tonnes and employ around 210 Jordanians.
Founded in Yemen, Al Kbous Group has investments in seven countries in the region and globally, and has chosen to increase its industrial investments in Jordan through the establishment of an industrial potato factory and soft drinks factory.
According to company officials, the group plans, as part of its expansion, to open new markets for its tea products, 95 per cent of which are exported to more than 32 countries.
The King's next visit was to the Quality Carton Packaging (QPack) factory, a local company founded by ZalatimoIndustries in 2005, which employs 225 Jordanians, the statement said.
The factory distributes its products to the local market, and exports approximately 7,000 tonnes annually to markets in the Middle East, Europe, North America and Asia.
Group Chairman Marwan Zalatimo and CEO Mohammad Zalatimo gave a briefing on the manufacture of packaging for the food, trade, and shipping sectors, which the factory produces at a capacity of 25,000 tonnes per year.
His Majesty also visited the Pine Tree Company for Textile Manufacturing factory, where CEO Moath Al Saaida gave a briefing about the company, whose exports exceed $100 million annually.
Established in 2014, the Pine Tree Company employs around 600 Jordanians, including 60 industrial engineers, out of a total of 1,730 employees. Jordanians hold 98 per cent of management positions at the factory, which is affiliated with Singaporean sportswear manufacturer Ramatex.
Jordan's industrial sector employs more than 250,000 employees, 90 per cent of whom are Jordanian, and attracts foreign investments while providing high-quality products that reach international markets, thereby contributing to economic growth.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Jordan Times
an hour ago
- Jordan Times
67 industrial companies receive JD4.5m in grants through modernisation programme
AMMAN — A total of 67 industrial companies on Thursday signed agreements under the second phase of the industrial modernisation programme, with grants exceeding JD4.5 million. During the signing ceremony, Minister of Industry, Trade and Supply Yarub Qudah said that the government remains committed to supporting the industrial sector through the industrial support fund and its various programmes, the Jordan Enterprise Development Corporation (JEDCO) said on its website. He added that these programmes have benefited more than 654 companies in less than two years with financing reaching JD65 million, contributing to a 29 per cent increase in exports and creating more than 3,000 new jobs. The minister stressed that the industry sector is the 'most capable' driver of real and sustainable economic growth, pointing out that economic growth rate, which is globally recognised as the most important indicator of economic recovery, relies on two main factors, value of local purchases and the trade deficit. Qudah also reviewed several economic indicators recorded during the first five months of 2025, including a 10.6 per cent increase in exports, 2.7 per cent economic growth rate and 35 per cent rise in container handling at Aqaba port. There is a rebound in transit trade after years of decline, where exporters are facing challenges in transportation capacity due to high demand, which is a positive indication of the sector's vitality, he pointed out. He announced that Bab Al Hawa crossing between Syria and Turkey will re-open at the end of September, which will boost re-export activity to the European Union. President of the Jordan and Amman chambers of industry Fathi Jaghbir described the industry modernisation programme as a 'step forwards' towards supporting local industries and enhancing their ability to adapt to global changes. Qudah stressed that JEDCO has played a pivotal role in supporting the industrial sector over the years, enhancing competiveness of companies and enabling them to face challenges, in addition to facilitating participation in international exhibitions to open new markets for Jordanian products. He stressed that the national industrial sector continues to boost its 'strong' presence in the national economy, contributing nearly one-third of the GDP and serving as a key pillar of development despite regional and international challenges, reflecting its ability to maintain position in traditional markets while expanding to new emerging ones. The industrial modernisation programme, one of the initiatives under the industrial support and development fund supervised by the Ministry of Industry, Trade and Supply and implemented be JEDCO, provides beneficiary companies with financial grants alongside technical assistance aimed to enhance production capacity, reducing costs and minimising environmental and health risks. In its first phase, the programme supported 131 companies with total funding exceeding JD11million, JEDCO said.
Al Bawaba
4 hours ago
- Al Bawaba
AUC Appoints Hala El Said as University Counselor
The American University in Cairo (AUC) announced the appointment of Hala El Said, economic advisor to the President of Egypt and former minister of planning and economic development, as the new University Counselor. El Said will succeed Tarek Shawki, former minister of education and technical education, who served as University Counselor since May 2023. Shawki will return to his academic role as a faculty member in AUC's Department of Mechanical Engineering at the School of Sciences and Engineering (SSE). 'I am pleased to announce the appointment of Dr. Hala El Said as the new University Counselor. As a member of AUC's senior leadership, Dr. El Said will play a key role in advancing our relationships with national universities, the Supreme Council of Universities and the Egyptian government,' said AUC President Ahmad Dallal, in his message to the AUC community. Dallal also recognized Shawki and extended appreciation for his dedicated service and longstanding commitment to AUC, noting that 'during his term, Dr. Shawki strengthened AUC's collaboration with government bodies and national institutions, supporting the University's mission of public service.' El Said is a distinguished economist, public servant and academic leader. She served as Minister of Planning, Monitoring and Administrative Reform from 2017 to 2019 and as Minister of Planning and Economic Development from 2019 to 2024, where she oversaw the development and update of Egypt's Vision 2030. El Said was previously Chair of The Sovereign Fund of Egypt, the first elected Dean of the Faculty of Economics and Political Science at Cairo University, and a member of the Central Bank of Egypt's Board of Directors. Earlier in her career, El Said was Executive Director of the Egyptian Banking Institute, leading it to become the first internationally accredited financial training body in the Middle East and North Africa. She holds a PhD in Economics from Cairo University and has published extensively on financial reform, international finance and economic development. 'I am deeply honored to join AUC as University Counselor, a role dedicated to advancing the University's relationships with national universities, the Supreme Council of Universities, and the Egyptian Government,' said El Said. El Said added that AUC has long served as a beacon of intellectual rigor and innovation, fostering the critical thinking and collaborative spirit that the region needs to navigate today's complex challenges. 'As we stand at a moment of profound technological and societal change, universities like AUC play an essential role in shaping leaders who can bridge cultures, drive sustainable development, and transform knowledge into meaningful impact. Through strengthening these vital institutional partnerships, I look forward to contributing to AUC's mission of empowering generations of change makers who will not only excel in their fields but also serve as catalysts for progress across Egypt, the region, and beyond,' El Said emphasized. © 2000 - 2025 Al Bawaba ( Signal PressWire is the world's largest independent Middle East PR distribution service.
Al Bawaba
7 hours ago
- Al Bawaba
The Ritz-Carlton, Amman Appoints New General Manager, Dimitrios Kotsifakos
The Ritz-Carlton, Amman is pleased to welcome Mr. Dimitrios Kotsifakos as its new General Manager. As the hotel recently celebrated its third anniversary, Mr. Kotsifakos will lead the team in building upon its distinguished reputation for luxury and unparalleled guest experiences, further solidifying its position as a grand hotel and a beacon of excellence in the over two decades of proven success within prestigious global hospitality brands, including 15 years in leadership roles, Mr. Kotsifakos brings a wealth of expertise and a solid track record in hotel operations, food and beverage management, and high-profile events. His extensive experience across international markets aligns seamlessly with The Ritz-Carlton, Amman's strategic vision, dedicated to curating exceptional experiences for both discerning international travelers and local luxury on his appointment, Mr. Kotsifakos shared, 'It is a true privilege to lead the next chapter of The Ritz-Carlton, Amman, a property that embodies the spirit of refined hospitality and the unwavering pursuit of excellence. At the heart of our culture is a deep commitment to creating meaningful, memorable experiences for every guest. I look forward to building on this legacy, elevating our position as a premier destination where world-class culinary artistry and exceptional entertainment come together in perfect harmony.' A graduate of the prestigious Swiss Hotel Management School, Mr. Kotsifakos started his hospitality career in 2003 at the Hilton Athens. His journey with Marriott International began in 2010 as the Director of Food and Beverage at Costa Navarino Resorts. Since then, Mr. Kotsifakos has held a range of executive roles with prestigious brands across Europe and the Middle East, including The St. Regis, The Westin, and Sheraton. His deep international expertise, combined with his tenure in the Kingdom, will ensure The Ritz-Carlton, Amman continues to deliver on its global vision rooted in local authenticity.
