Industrialists have confirmed that the shift toward manufacturing raw materials and production inputs locally has become a vital strategic choice for Jordanian industry, particularly amidst regional instability and global supply chain disruptions.
اضافة اعلان
Speaking to the Jordan News Agency (Petra), they emphasized that investing in raw material manufacturing is a fundamental pillar for achieving industrial and economic security, enhancing the Kingdom's ability to face external challenges with efficiency and sustainability.
Royal Vision and Self-Reliance
They highlighted that His Majesty King Abdullah II has placed great importance on localizing industries and promoting self-reliance regarding production inputs. This aligns directly with the goals of the Economic Modernization Vision. During his field visits to factories, His Majesty has consistently stressed the need to produce the raw materials required for national industries to meet local market needs and boost exports.
Economic Impact and Competitiveness
Eng. Fathi Jaghbeer, Chairman of the Jordan Chamber of Industry, explained that localizing raw materials helps:
Stabilize Costs: By avoiding price fluctuations and high import/shipping costs.
Enhance Competitiveness: Strengthening the position of national products in both local and export markets.
Job Creation: Expanding the production base creates new employment opportunities and fosters industrial integration.
Jaghbeer noted that Jordan possesses a robust industrial base of approximately 18,000 establishments, producing over 2,500 products with a total output value of 20 billion JOD. This base includes chemical industries (fertilizers and acids), mining (phosphates and potash), plastics, and construction materials like cement and steel.
Integration Between Agriculture and Industry
Senator Ahmad Al-Khudari, President of the Jordanian Exporters Association, stated that regional tensions have underscored the urgent need for self-reliance. He pointed to successful initiatives in the food industry, where there is significant potential to rely on local agricultural output as a primary source of raw materials.
He noted that investors are increasingly interested in agricultural projects specifically designed to serve food factories—such as tomato processing, freekeh, and medicinal herbs. This integration ensures better quality control, particularly regarding international standards for pesticide use, and adds significant value to the national economy.
A Smart Industrial Model
Eng. Mohammad Al-Smadi, Deputy General Manager for Business Development at Giant Industrial Group, argued that while total independence from imports is not feasible in all sectors (such as polymers linked to oil and gas), Jordan must expand its manufacturing industries to increase local added value.
He emphasized that Jordan has a "true comparative advantage" in chemical industries due to its natural resources (phosphates and potash). Al-Smadi called for a "smart industrial model" that balances local production with strategic imports, focusing on technology transfer and linking government incentives to the level of actual industrial integration.
