Taiwanese company to build LED street light factory in Jordan — diplomat

AMMAN — One of Taiwan’s leading LED light firms will soon start working on a project to build a factory to manufacture LED street lighting units in Jordan, Ali Yang, the representative of the Commercial Office of the Republic of China (Taiwan), said on Sunday.

The Taiwanese firm will implement the project in cooperation with Saudi Prince Khaled Bin Al Waleed Bin Talal’s company.

The factory will help transfer Taiwanese technology in the field of manufacturing LED lights to Jordan and will create several jobs, Yang told The Jordan Times in an interview.

“The factory will first focus on the local market and will later export its products to several countries in the region, which will play a key role in making Jordan a regional hub in this regard,” said the diplomat.

He noted that LED street lights consume 75 per cent less power than other types, playing a significant role in reducing energy consumption.

“Taiwan enjoys great expertise in this area and transferring the project will help transfer the technology and know-how of Taiwan to the country.” 

In regard to economic relations, Yang said the trade volume between Jordan and Taiwan rose to $410 million in 2015, compared to $370 million in 2014. 

Jordan’s exports to Taiwan, mainly potash and phosphate, rose by 40 per cent in 2015.

“There are five major Taiwanese textile factories in Jordan with a total investment of around $450 million,” Yang said.

These employ some 6,000 workers, of whom around 25 per cent are Jordanians, according to the diplomat.

Textile and garment exports by the Taiwanese factories in Jordan stand at about $300 million per year, accounting for about 30 per cent of Jordan’s overall textile and garment exports, he said.

Pledging continued support to the Kingdom to help it deal with the influx of Syrian refugees, Yang said the recent decision by the EU to simplify the rules of origin for Jordanian products is likely to play an important role in creating jobs.

“When such jobs are created and some products are being made by Syrian refugees, it might be a good idea to label these products with labels informing buyers that these products are made by Syrian refugees. These products can be sold at a little bit higher price and will … ensure turnout to help in this cause, as buyers can give back and support Syrians this way,” he added.