Clean technologies showcased in Amman

AMMAN — Clean technologies figured high at an exhibition that opened in the capital on Monday, with several participants expressing their belief that Jordan, like many other countries, was going solar.

Exhibitors from India, China, Italy, Germany, Greece, the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Lebanon and Jordan are displaying solar energy, environment and water technology products at JIMEX 2015 — the 12th International Machinery and Electricity Exhibition — running in parallel with SONEX 2015 — Solar Near East Exhibition and Forum. 

Inaugurated by Minister of Industry, Trade and Supply Maha Ali, the event, which is being held at the Amman International Motor Show and ends on May 21, features samples of modern industrial technologies.

“Sure, we are focusing on energy products… that is what the whole world is interested in, at present,” said Anil Trigunayat, India’s ambassador to Jordan. 

He expressed hope that participating businessmen from India will find Jordanian partners at the event, in which an Indian pavilion is showcasing products from several firms. 

Three years ago, there was not much focus on solar energy in Jordan because it was expensive, but that has now changed, according to a Chinese exhibitor from Huawei, a global ICT) solutions provider that has offices in Amman. 

Solar energy prices are getting lower and Jordan is a new market as it has lots of sunshine, he noted. 

“We think the prospect of PV in Jordan is very good, and hope we can offer Jordanian people more clean and green power,” he said, explaining that PV refers to photovoltaic devices that generate electricity directly from sunlight. 

Kedar Nath Laldas, whose company makes solar-powered water pumps, was optimistic about making contacts.

“Last year, I had good inquiries… you see, business is not immediate, it is an ongoing process,” he noted. 

Simant Vijai, who is heading the Indian contingent of around 80 businessmen to the exhibition, agreed. 

This year, there is a lot of optimism, he told The Jordan Times. 

“There is good scope. We have small companies and big companies taking part. This way we can help entrepreneurs and big businesses,” he said. 

A bio-stove that works for two days using a battery and wood without electricity, was another clean technology on display at the exhibition.

“It just needs 500 grammes of wood to make food when you go out and is perfect for outdoors,” noted Yash Rathod, director of Blossom Kitchenware, which manufactures the stove. 

A few steps away, Saudi exhibitors from Al Zamil Group said they already have an office in Jordan, but are taking part in the exhibition to boost the business, which makes water tanks and manhole covers.  

Nearby, Ashok Kumar from Delhi sat waiting for visitors. His company, Gas Lab Asia, manufactures and exports carbon dioxide and nitrous oxide gas storage tanks used in anaesthesia during surgery, he said.  

Among the visitors was Sultan Elayan, who was looking for devices to start a production line for metal cheese containers. 

“We used to get these from Syria, but not anymore, so we need to manufacture them here,” the young Jordanian pointed out. 

“We are looking for new technologies, pumps, compressors, instruments,” said Masood Ikram, a Pakistani visitor, who came from Muwaqqar, where he works at a factory.  

Organised by Golden Gate for Organisation of Exhibitions and Conferences Services with the support of the Jordan Engineers Association, JIMEX has been held in the Kingdom for 12 consecutive years, according to Hani Ghanem, a member of the organising committee.