Amman: The Leather and Garment Industries Sector at the Jordan Chamber of Industry (JCI), represented by Ehab Qadri, has highlighted the participation of the Jordanian national team in the World Cup finals as a "strategic" economic opportunity. This event is expected to serve as a catalyst for creating a sustainable sports economy, which could bolster Jordan's industry, stimulate investments, and generate new job opportunities, all in alignment with the nation's economic modernization vision.
According to Jordan News Agency, Qadri emphasized that sports have evolved into a "fully integrated" global industry, intertwining with production, investment, trade, services, and innovation. He pointed out that the "true" success of this endeavor depends on Jordan's capability to convert the World Cup milestone into enduring economic value, fostering growth and employment.
Qadri further elaborated that the Kingdom's leather and garment sector stands among the industries "best positioned" to capitalize on this achievement. As one of Jordan's largest industrial and export sectors, it comprises more than 1,000 factories and industrial facilities, employing over 95,000 workers. The sector's exports have surpassed $2.5 billion, accounting for approximately 26% of Jordan's total industrial exports.
He noted that the economic impact extends beyond sportswear, including various promotional products linked to the national team such as headscarves, flags, scarves, hats, and souvenirs. Events organized by companies, institutions, universities, schools, and clubs to celebrate the team's participation are also expected to benefit from this occasion, influencing production in factories and their supply chains.
Qadri emphasized that supporting local products at this juncture represents a "direct investment" in the Jordanian economy. He explained that for every dinar spent on local products, approximately 70 to 80 piasters remain within the national economy through wages, employment, supply chains, logistics, printing, packaging, transportation, and marketing, thereby amplifying the economic impact.
He concluded that the "true" economic value lies not in the sheer volume of products sold during the tournament but in Jordan's ability to sustain national momentum into long-term economic demand. This vision aims to enhance the Jordanian apparel and sportswear sector, promote e-commerce, build specialized Jordanian brands, and increase the competitiveness of local products in both domestic and international markets.