Latest news with #JordanChamberOfIndustry
Zawya
3 days ago
- Business
- Zawya
Jordan: Leather, garment exports reach 90 countries as sector sees ‘record' growth
AMMAN — National exports of the leather and garment industry reached around 90 countries, the Jordan Chamber of Industry (JCI) announced on Tuesday. The sector accounted for 21 per cent of total industrial exports, hitting a record high of $2.4 billion, marking a 24 per cent increase compared with 2023 and the "strongest" export performance since 2010, the Jordan News Agency, Petra, reported. JCI representative for the leather and garment industries Ihab Qadri said that "the growth we're seeing is a clear sign of the sector's renewed momentum in international markets". He added that "despite regional and global economic challenges, the sector is proving resilient and competitive." Qadri attributed much of the export growth to a gradual recovery in demand from the US, which currently receives 80 per cent of the sector's exports, as well as to increased shipments to key European markets, such as the Netherlands and Belgium. Over the past 10 years, the total investment in the sector has surged by 150 per cent, rising from $420 million to over $1 billion. The number of active enterprises has also grown 'significantly', from 600 by the end of the last decade to over 1,000 today, supported by the establishment of production facilities across governorates. Under Jordan's Economic Modernisation Vision, the sector is expected to play a "central" role in job creation and industrial growth. The plan aims to increase the sector's value-added output by 10 per cent each year, reaching $1.8 billion by 2033, and to boost total production to $8.8 billion and attract $3.1 billion in new investments. The sector is also set to generate 149,000 of the one million jobs that the plan intends to create for Jordanians. The industry currently employs over 96,000 people, a workforce that has grown by 8 per cent, with 31 per cent of them are Jordanians. He noted that the project has reached an "advanced" phase, through completing feasibility studies, setting plans in place to finalise the location, offer incentives and launch promotional campaigns in order to attract further investments and skilled labour. The JCI member referred to progress made in a project to establish a 'comprehensive industrial cluster,' with support from the International Finance Corporation. Qadri said that the aim of the cluster is to fill gaps in the supply chain and reduce delivery times, thereby enhancing the sector's global competitiveness and export potential. He also acknowledged that there are challenges, mainly in the high cost of raw materials, which account for around 60 per cent of total production expenses. There is still a lot of "untapped" potential, Qadri noted, citing estimates from the International Trade Centre that Jordan's leather and garment exports could grow by an additional $752 million if market opportunities were "fully" exploited.
Zawya
26-05-2025
- Business
- Zawya
Jordanian apparel industry drives economic growth, green shift
AMMAN — The Jordan Chamber of Industry (JCI) has highlighted the leather and garments industries sector as one of the national industries leading in export and production, attributing its success to 'supportive' political will and continuous economic reforms. Ehab Qadri, representative of the sector at JCI, said the sector has become one of the main pillars of Jordanian industry. It now ranks first among export-oriented manufacturing industries, the Jordan News Agency, Petra, reported on Sunday. Qadri added that the sector's export value exceeded $2.5 billion in 2024, accounting for 26 per cent of Jordan's total industrial exports. Total production amounted to more than $3.2 billion. He noted that Jordan has become a strategic industrial base for exporting products to global markets, particularly the United States, benefiting from the free trade agreements signed by the Kingdom. Qadri emphasised that the sector is among the primary drivers of the Economic Modernisation Vision (EMV), launched by His Majesty King Abdullah in 2022. The EMV aims to increase the industry's contribution to Gross Domestic Product (GDP) and create hundreds of thousands of quality jobs by 2033. He said companies in the sector are now working to shift towards higher value-added industries by promoting design, innovation, and the development of national brands. The sector is also moving towards sustainable production that considers environmental and social dimensions. As part of its partnerships, Qadri referred to the signing of a memorandum of understanding with the International Finance Corporation (IFC). The agreement aims to enhance productivity and adopt advanced manufacturing technologies. Qadri explained that the partnership includes initiatives to build institutional capacity, develop value chains, and promote compliance with international standards. These efforts will strengthen Jordan's position as a regional hub for advanced textile and leather industries. According to Qadri, the sector is a leader in human development, currently providing over 90,000 direct jobs. Women make up more than 67 per cent of its workforce. It is also regarded as one of the most supportive sectors for women's economic empowerment, particularly in governorates, productive branches, and industrial zones across the Kingdom. Qadri noted that the sector also appeals to Jordanian youth through specialised training programmes and job opportunities designed to align with the demands of the modern labour market. In line with the global shift towards a green economy, Qadri said major factories in the sector have begun to adopt environmental and social sustainability standards. He added that these standards include the use of solar energy, water treatment technologies, and commitment to responsible production practices, enhancing the competitiveness of Jordanian products in both European and US markets. © Copyright The Jordan Times. All rights reserved. Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc. (
