Amman: The Jordan Chamber of Industry, in collaboration with the Jordan Furniture Exporters and Manufacturers Association (JFEMA), held its first forum targeting companies in the woodworking, furniture, and kitchen sectors. The event, sponsored by Industry, Trade and Supply Minister Yarub Qudah, marks a significant step in addressing the challenges and opportunities within these industries.
According to Jordan News Agency, Minister Qudah highlighted the ministry's commitment to overcoming obstacles faced by the industrial sector. This includes enhancing quality and design standards to boost competitiveness both domestically and internationally. He praised the sector for its quality, diversity, and potential, emphasizing its ability to meet both domestic and export demands while enhancing the global perception of Jordanian products.
Qudah further noted the sector's reliance on local expertise and skills, integrating traditional craftsmanship with modern production technologies. This not only creates job opportunities but also strengthens value chains linked to other sectors like construction, real estate, hotels, and restaurants. He assured that the ministry would collaborate with relevant agencies to support business continuity and productivity.
Fathi Al-Jaghbir, head of the Jordan and Amman Chambers of Industry, committed to advancing initiatives aimed at improving the business environment for the sector. He promised to engage with relevant authorities to discuss these proposals.
Taher Khaled, representing the furniture and woodworking sector and serving as a board member of the Jordan Chamber of Industry, acknowledged the industry's creativity and adaptability. He cited the sector's strength in local and regional markets due to its product quality and responsiveness to market demands. The sector encompasses 1,750 industrial facilities, providing approximately 8,000 direct jobs, with exports projected to reach $54 million by the end of 2024. The industry has witnessed a growth rate exceeding 13% over the past five years.
Khaled stressed the importance of digital transformation, innovation support, partnerships with educational institutions, and launching an online marketing platform for wooden products. He proposed the establishment of a permanent exhibition in Saudi Arabia and collaboration with the construction and engineering sectors to explore new markets.
Mohammad Abbas, JFEMA president, highlighted the association's role in promoting dialogue among members, developing the workforce through training, enhancing manufacturing techniques, and maintaining strategic relationships with funding entities. Established in 2004, the association represents Jordanian furniture and woodworking exporters and manufacturers both locally and internationally, participating in trade fairs to expand market opportunities.
Forum participants addressed challenges such as rising operational costs, a shortage of skilled labor, weak vocational training, and export difficulties related to production capacity.