**Jordan**: Ihab Qadri from the Jordan Chamber of Industry highlights the pivotal role of the textile sector in the nation’s Economic Modernisation Vision, aiming to create over 149,000 jobs and achieve $5.5 billion in exports by 2033 through strategic initiatives and investments.
Jordan’s textile and apparel industry is poised to play a significant role in the nation’s Economic Modernisation Vision (EMV), as highlighted by Ihab Qadri, a representative at the Jordan Chamber of Industry. Speaking to Apparel Views, Qadri outlined ambitious objectives aimed at transforming the sector into a strategic hub for high-value manufacturing. Key goals include the creation of over 149,000 jobs, an annual boost in value added of 10 per cent to reach $1.8 billion by the year 2033, and exporting goods worth $5.5 billion.
The sector’s growth strategy is supported by a series of initiatives designed to enhance its operational efficiency. These initiatives focus on improving supply chains, developing integrated manufacturing clusters, investing in workforce training, and fostering collaboration between small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and larger corporations. Currently, the Jordanian textile and apparel industry includes around 1,000 registered companies, and Qadri indicated that this sector is seen as a crucial driver for the broader economic diversification of Jordan.
As part of these efforts, a feasibility study for the establishment of an integrated industrial alliance has been completed. This initiative aims to streamline operations and attract further investment, complemented by ongoing regulatory reforms and policy adjustments intended to improve the overall business climate. The strategic plan seeks to position Jordan as a regional leader in high-quality, agile manufacturing, adhering to international sustainability and efficiency standards.
Qadri pointed out that amendments to the Customs Law have facilitated the importation of raw materials from development zones, which has in turn enhanced the value added to products and reduced operational bottlenecks. The textile sector currently employs over 90,000 workers, of which 29,000 are local residents. Notably, the sector created over 2,000 new jobs in the year 2024 alone.
The export performance of the textile and apparel industry has also shown noteworthy growth; exports surged to JD1.753 billion in 2024, marking a 24 per cent increase compared to the previous year. This surge is largely driven by strong demand from the United States market, with diversification efforts extending the market reach to also include Canada, Europe, and the Gulf region. Apparel exports alone accounted for 95 per cent of the total exports, reaching $1.664 billion—a 25 per cent increase—further signifying the sector’s growing competitive edge on the global stage.
Increased foreign direct investment, spurred by improved business conditions and the EMV, is leading to the establishment of new manufacturing facilities and the expansion of existing operations. Qadri emphasised that plans are actively underway to create an integrated industrial alliance to further bolster investment and promote comprehensive growth within the sector.
Source: Noah Wire Services
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