Amman: Sectoral working sessions to prepare the second executive program of the Economic Modernization Vision (EMV) 2026-2029 continued on Monday at the Prime Ministry, with a session dedicated to the industrial sector under the high-value industries driver.
According to Jordan News Agency, Minister of Industry, Trade and Supply Yarub Qudah emphasized the vision's focus on the industrial sector as a crucial growth engine and a fundamental element in enhancing the national economy's competitiveness. The session on the industrial sector aimed to build on the outcomes of the vision's first phase by setting clear executive steps, such as preparing industrial infrastructure, automating processes, and offering incentives to boost the competitiveness of Jordanian industries both regionally and globally.
Qudah highlighted the significance of projects designed to facilitate the work of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). These projects aim to provide direct solutions to obstacles faced by SMEs and simplify procedural requirements to align with industry developments. He stressed that these initiatives are integral to the vision's core objectives, which were refined during sessions at the Royal Court to align with national industrial development.
He also pointed out the importance of aligning with global industrial trends and emphasized that without joint efforts and innovative institutional solutions, individual firms might struggle to overcome challenges. The Royal Court workshops provided a platform for in-depth dialogue with industry stakeholders, focusing on stimulating industrial investment, supporting innovation, and expanding market access for national industries.
Participants discussed initiatives such as a "facilitated manufacturing" program, which aims to streamline regulatory procedures through a specialized entity. Another key initiative involves supporting industrial entrepreneurship in SMEs to enhance productivity and the sector's contribution to gross industrial output. Additionally, the session reviewed an industrial policy initiative to create a competitive environment and foster an integrated Jordanian industry capable of producing high value-added chains and generating job opportunities.
Export diversification was another focal point, with strategies to promote Jordanian products in international markets and enhance their quality and competitiveness. The session also outlined strategic objectives for the sector, including reducing import dependence, increasing export capacity, and positioning industry as a main driver of employment. Efforts to enhance workforce efficiency, increase women's and youth participation, and create a conducive environment for industrial investment were also discussed.
The session highlighted the industrial sector's GDP contribution, which reached approximately JD6.094 billion in 2024. At the subsector level, discussions included initiatives to develop a national strategy for chemical industries, attract investments in chemicals, expand pharmaceuticals, and enhance food safety systems. Strengthening competitiveness in the food sector and building integrated industrial clusters were also considered.
Further initiatives addressed developing a national strategy for the automotive sector, diversifying markets for automotive exports, accelerating digital transformation, and strengthening innovation centers in engineering industries. Participants also reviewed a national strategy to advance the engineering industries sector.