Irbid: The government has expanded its initiatives to support productive families and small projects by establishing permanent exhibition hubs aimed at marketing rural and agricultural products. These efforts are part of a broader strategy to bolster local production and create employment opportunities across the country.
According to Jordan News Agency, the establishment of permanent exhibition complexes marks a significant step in the government's plan to provide continuous platforms for selling and promoting products from productive families. The Permanent Exhibition for Agricultural and Rural Products in Irbid serves as a model for these efforts. Built on a 4,500-square-meter site, the complex is set to open soon and will cater to the northern region's governorates, offering a year-round market space for local products.
Monther Bataineh, executive director of the Irbid Development Corporation, commented on the features of the exhibition complex, which is strategically located next to King Abdullah II Gardens. Spanning three floors and costing over 3 million dinars, the facility includes product display halls, a space for productive kitchens, an outdoor theater, and other essential service facilities. Established through a collaboration between the Ministry of Agriculture, the Irbid Development Foundation, the Irbid Governorate Council, and the Greater Irbid Municipality, the project also received contributions from the Royal Hashemite Court.
Bataineh emphasized the significance of the permanent exhibition as a gateway for farmers and small-project owners, highlighting its role in job creation and economic empowerment. The director of the Agriculture Directorate in Irbid Governorate, Abdel-Hafez Abu Orabi, further noted the multifaceted impact of the complex, suggesting that it will serve as a marketing, tourism, and cultural hub during agricultural seasons.
Abu Orabi acknowledged the success of temporary agricultural festivals, such as those for pomegranates and olives, in marketing products and generating employment, but he also pointed out the limitations of their short durations. The establishment of permanent exhibitions is anticipated to transform the outlook of productive families, enabling them to showcase their goods year-round and providing continuous job opportunities.
He also mentioned that the Ministry of Agriculture plans to introduce new marketing strategies to ensure the sustainability of these exhibitions, which will include an expanded range of products beyond olives and pomegranates, such as citrus fruits and wheat.
Imad Al-Azzam, mayor of Greater Irbid Municipality, expressed support for projects aimed at empowering productive families and small-project owners economically. He highlighted the government's policy of endorsing agricultural and rural initiatives, which enhances local production and job creation, particularly for young people.
Prime Minister Jaafar Hassan recently visited the completed exhibition site, underscoring the government's commitment to supporting local farmers and entrepreneurs. The complex is expected to open shortly, serving as a vital resource for the region's agricultural community.