Irbid: The Irbid Shopping and Entertainment Exhibition and Carnival, along with the Productive Kitchens and Handicrafts Festival, commenced in Irbid on Tuesday, featuring approximately 50 booths that exhibit national companies, factories, products, handicrafts, home-based businesses, and productive kitchens.
According to Jordan News Agency, the events, organized by Afaq Group Events Management, will continue until August 15. These are held in partnership with the Irbid Development Corporation and the Irbid Culture Directorate, and in cooperation with the Amman and Irbid Chambers of Industry, the Irbid Chamber of Commerce, the Greater Irbid Municipality, and Bani Obeid Municipality.
The aim of these events is to combine shopping with the promotion of national products along with cultural and entertainment activities. This initiative supports commercial, economic, and tourism activity in the city, offering companies, factories, craftspeople, and productive households an opportunity to present their products and engage directly with consumers.
Ministry of Industry, Trade, and Supply Secretary-General Dana Al-Zoubi, who inaugurated the exhibition in the presence of Irbid Governorate Council Committee Chairman Munther Bataineh, Irbid Chamber of Commerce President Mohammad Al-Shouha, and community representatives, emphasized that such exhibitions are crucial for stimulating commercial, economic, and tourism activities. They encourage small and medium-sized enterprises and strengthen the presence of Jordanian products in domestic markets.
Al-Zoubi highlighted the need for continued efforts to enhance the competitiveness of Jordanian products, noting that the current economic challenges require collaboration among government institutions, civil society, and the private sector to support the national economy and local products.
She pointed out that national exports had grown by over 5.5% in the first five months of this year compared to the same period last year, despite regional conditions affecting trade and markets. Al-Zoubi commended Afaq Group for organizing the exhibition and carnival and acknowledged the efforts of various supporting and participating institutions, stressing the importance of such initiatives in promoting producers and boosting economic activity in the governorates.
Afaq Group Director-General Khaldoun Nasser stated that the exhibition and carnival integrate shopping, economic activity, tourism, entertainment, culture, and heritage in one venue. This provides companies, factories, and national producers with a direct platform to engage with the public, promote their products, and sell to consumers.
The exhibition includes around 50 booths, along with spaces for handicrafts, handmade products, productive households and kitchens, and traditional foods representative of northern Jordan, Nasser explained. He added that the event offers visitors a comprehensive experience that extends beyond shopping to include insights into local heritage and products.
Nasser mentioned that the organizers aimed to transform the exhibition and carnival from a mere commercial or entertainment event into a catalyst for economic and tourism activity in Irbid, thereby attracting visitors and benefiting local markets, restaurants, cafes, and various commercial and service sectors.
Irbid Chamber of Industry President Hani Abu Hassan emphasized that Irbid offers diverse advantages and resources that make it an attractive environment for various economic and investment activities, including industry, agriculture, and tourism. He underlined the importance of leveraging these assets through specialized events and exhibitions.
Such exhibitions, Abu Hassan noted, contribute to enhancing economic and commercial activities, provide a platform for promoting national products and industries, attract investment, and highlight opportunities in Irbid Governorate. This supports economic development and increases the number of beneficiaries of commercial and tourism activity.
He also remarked that Jordanian products have proven competitive in global markets due to their quality and adherence to international standards and specifications. This has bolstered the presence of national products in overseas markets and enhanced their competitiveness.
The Irbid Shopping and Entertainment Exhibition and Carnival offers a diverse program of artistic, entertainment, and cultural activities, along with booths showcasing national products, handicrafts, and traditional foods. The event is open to visitors free of charge daily from 4 p.m. to 10 p.m.