‘Jordan exports up 3.8% in 2018 despite challenges, conditions’ — investment minister

AMMAN — Exports of the Amman Chamber of Industry increased in 2018 by 9 per cent, as Jordan’s total exports went up by 3.8 per cent, despite the challenges and conditions surrounding the Kingdom, Minister of State for Investment Affairs Muhannad Shehadeh said on Sunday. 

During a meeting with the president and members of the Jordan Chamber of Industry (JCI), Shehadeh, who is also chairman of the Jordan Investment Commission (JIC), said he expects an increase in the value of exports and investment volume in 2019, compared with 2018, according to a JIC statement.  

The minister highlighted the importance of acquainting Jordanians with national industries and products.

Shehadeh also underlined the importance of supporting Jordanian products by subsidising them.

He suggested organising mobile exhibitions to showcase national industries in the governorates and enacting a “zero” sales tax policy for Jordanian products.

Shehadeh reviewed the government’s efforts to improve the investment environment in the Kingdom.

He stressed that finding proper solutions to the difficulties facing the sector is a top government priority.

The JIC, as part of its 2019 plans, will support the industrial sector through opening new export markets and participating in specialised international fairs to promote Jordanian industries and products, he noted.  

JCI President Fathi Jaghbir expressed his appreciation for Shehadeh’s openness with industrialists and investors.

He thanked the minister for his attentiveness and readiness to hear out their complaints about the challenges facing them, as well as their proposals to overcome them.

Shehadeh and JCI members agreed to hold a regular monthly meeting with representatives of industrial chambers to check on issues and discuss possible solutions.