Prime minister values success of Jordan cement industry

AMMAN — Deputising for His Majesty King Abdullah, Prime Minister Abdullah Ensour on Tuesday inaugurated the INTERCEM international conference for the Middle East and North Africa for cement industries.

Ensour highlighted the significance of benefiting from economic opportunities available in the Middle East and enhancing the performance of industrial sectors to face social and industrial challenges.

The cement sector has always been a main driver in the economic development since the establishment of the first cement factory in Jordan in 1951, until the cement industry became a "successful" sector in Jordan, where five companies produce and market cement, the premier said. 

He added that cement companies have acquired a special characteristic in the economy and the development of local communities through their corporate social responsibility initiatives .

The government cooperated with investors, local communities and non-government organisations to develop regulations that protect the environment and preserve it, until reaching environment-friendly cement factories that use the most modern technologies, Ensour continued.

Amman Chamber of Industry (ACI) President Ziad Homsi said the industrial sector contributes to around 25 per cent of the national economy, and the total capitals of the sector's institutions exceed $6.2 billion. 

The industrial sector's exports constitute some 90 per cent of the total national exports, and reach more than 120 countries, Homsi added, noting that the sector is the second highest employer after the public sector.

There are five factories working in the Kingdom's cement sector with a total capital exceeding JD236 million and an annual production of more than 12 million tonnes, the ACI president noted.

INTERCEM Chief Executive Malcolm Shelbourne said the conference is held with the participation of more 250 representatives of international cement companies and investors from the MENA region.

The event provides a good opportunity for industry experts to meet and discuss the latest challenges facing the sector to cope up with new ideas that can contribute to the growth and prosperity of the sector, Shelbourne added.

Amman hosts the conference for the first time since its inception in 1985, after it spanned more than 50 countries across the five continents.

Ensour toured an exhibition, held on the sidelines of the event, which showcased new technologies in the cement industry and relevant logistics services.