Day: February 8, 2025

Amman: Jordan’s chemical and cosmetics industries have emerged as a significant pillar within the national economy, meeting 79% of the local market’s needs. This sector is highlighted as a priority in the Economic Modernization Vision (EMV) of the Kingdom, driving innovation and sustainability.

According to Jordan News Agency, Ahmed Al-Bas, the sector’s representative in the Jordan Chamber of Industry (JCI), emphasized that the chemical and cosmetics industry is a crucial component of Jordan’s industrial landscape. It has achieved self-sufficiency in essential products such as detergents, sterilizers, and disinfectants, particularly during the Covid-19 pandemic, and its products are now available in 112 international markets.

Al-Bas highlighted that these industries are vital to daily life in Jordan, supplying essential consumer goods. The sector not only satisfies local demand with quality products but also plays a strategic role in boosting the national economy through significant export capabilities. It has proven resilient, effectively managing crises and ensuring the availability of strategic goods.

The EMV aims to increase the sector’s contribution to the gross domestic product by 7% annually, from JD0.6 billion in 2021 to JD1.4 billion by 2033. Additionally, it seeks to enhance employment by creating over 23,000 full-time jobs and aims to increase exports by 11.4%, reaching JD5.4 billion by 2033.

To achieve these objectives, several initiatives have been launched under the EMV, including the establishment of a chemical industries complex and a research, development, and innovation center focusing on potash and phosphate value chains. These efforts aim to advance the sector to higher levels of productivity and innovation.

Amman: Philippine Ambassador to Jordan Wilfredo C. Santos announced that the Philippine Business, Trade, and Investment Mission to Jordan, comprising 13 companies and several officials, will arrive in Jordan on Sunday.

According to Jordan News Agency, the mission will convene in Amman on February 11 and 12, engaging with 39 Jordanian companies to enhance bilateral trade and economic cooperation. Speaking at a joint press conference with Philippine Trade Commissioner Vichael Angelo Roaring from the Philippine Trade and Investment Center in Dubai, Santos emphasized the Philippines’ commitment to strengthening economic relations with Jordan. He underscored the mission’s goal of fostering trade, investment, and business partnerships that benefit both nations.

“The Philippines, as one of the fastest growing economies in Asia, seeks to expand its global presence by forging strategic partnerships. Our robust sectors in food, agriculture, manufacturing, and creative industries align well with Jordan’s strategic location, its safety and security as an oasis of peace in this region, and investment-friendly environment,” he said.

The ambassador stressed that the delegation, which includes representatives from the Philippine Department of Agriculture, the Department of Trade and Industry, and the Philippine Trade and Investment Center in Dubai, reflects the country’s dedication to expanding its footprint in the Jordanian market and forging long-term partnerships with their Jordanian counterparts. He expressed confidence that the mission would serve as a “springboard for elevated bilateral trade levels and facilitate meaningful business exchanges.”

Santos noted that Jordan hosts a sizable Filipino community of 48,000 people, who are well-respected and receive proper care.

For his part, Roaring officially announced Saturday the launch of the Philippine Outbound Business Matching Mission to Jordan, describing it as a strategic initiative to strengthen trade relations and create new market opportunities for Filipino exporters in the Middle East. He highlighted Jordan’s importance as a valued trading partner and a gateway for Filipino companies seeking regional expansion.

Roaring explained that the Department of Trade and Industry, in collaboration with the Department of Agriculture and the Philippine Trade and Investment Center in Dubai, is leading the mission. The delegation includes Filipino exporters specializing in food, beverages, and personal care products sectors in which the Philippines has gained international recognition.

He stated that the mission aims to facilitate direct trade engagements between Filipino exporters and key Jordanian industry players through a Business-to-Business (B2B) Matching Session on February 11, 2025, hosted by the Amman Chamber of Commerce. This event will serve as a platform for trade discussions, deal-making, and market expansion opportunities.

Roaring emphasized that “This mission is more than just trade it is about building long-term partnerships and expanding business opportunities in Jordan and beyond. With the continued support of our partners, we look forward to turning discussions into concrete trade deals that benefit both our nations.”

He acknowledged that the current volume of trade between the two countries falls short of expectations but expressed optimism about the potential for significant growth.

Amman: Jordan on Sunday marks the 48th anniversary of Her Majesty the late Queen Alia Al Hussein, who passed away on February 9, 1977, during an inspection trip, performing her humanitarian duty towards citizens.

According to Jordan News Agency, Queen Alia was born on December 25, 1948, in Cairo, where her father, the late Baha Uddin Toukan, was Jordan’s ambassador to Egypt. She pursued her education in political science at Loyola University in Rome. From her marriage to His late Majesty King Al Hussein bin Talal until her untimely passing, Queen Alia showed a consistent interest in women’s affairs and charitable work, supporting initiatives aimed at elevating citizens’ living standards across the Kingdom.

A model for Jordanian women, Queen Alia worked to promote their contributions towards development goals, striving to empower them and enhance their role across various fields. In honor of her mother’s legacy, HH Princess Haya bint Al Hussein established Tkiyet Um Ali, a charitable organization that provides assistance to the poor and needy, embodying Queen Alia’s vision of service and compassion.

As Jordanians today remember the late Queen Alia and pray for her soul, they look to Their Royal Highnesses Prince Ali bin Al Hussein and Princess Haya as symbols of dedication and service to the nation, inspired by Queen Alia’s enduring legacy.

Amman: Minister of Investment Muthanna Gharaibeh highlighted the importance of boosting the digital generation’s skills and harnessing opportunities, stressing that investing in youth is an investment in the future. He spoke at a discussion session titled “Young Generation in Leadership: Leading the Next Industrial Revolution”, as part of the 7th annual regional conference of the Institute of Industrial and Systems Engineers (IISE), in the attendance of more than 300 University of Jordan students.

According to Jordan News Agency, the session addressed challenges and job opportunities for youth, focusing on artificial intelligence in developing skills and the impact of innovation and high competitiveness on the work environment. Gharaibeh emphasized that qualified human resources are key to attracting investment in Jordan, noting the Kingdom’s distinguished competencies in various fields.

The IISE conference is recognized as one of the largest global professional gatherings aimed at supporting youth, linking university life with the labor market, and providing industrial engineers with the necessary expertise.

Amman: Prime Minister Jaafar Hassan visited 53 sites from September 25, 2024, to February 8, 2025, across 10 governorates of the Kingdom, resulting in 98 procedures, 45 of which have been accomplished and 53 are in progress, according to the government’s third report on the prime minister’s weekly field tours.

According to Jordan News Agency, the report, published by the Prime Ministry on X, outlined progress in 98 development procedures and interventions in the sectors of health, education, vocational and technical training, agricultural and industrial production, social care, local services, and youth and tourism. It also detailed the expected time to complete the remaining procedures.

The field tours in the capital and other governorates covered a wide range of facilities, including hospitals and health centers, schools, youth and sports centers, nurseries, and agricultural facilities. They also included visits to disability and care centers, women’s centers, handicrafts facilities, a refugee camp, a church, and the Ajloun cable car (teleferik), among others, the report said.