ACI organises session on USAID grants programme supporting Jordanian anchor firm competitiveness

AMMAN — The Amman Chamber of Industry (ACI), in collaboration with the USAID Economic Reform Activity, on Thursday held an information session on the activity’s Annual Program Statement (APS) for Anchor Firm Competitiveness. 

More than 60 members of the ACI and representatives from anchor firms across different sectors attended the session, according to a statement from the organisers.

The USAID Economic Reform Activity helps Jordanian anchor firms fine-tune their competitive advantages, ensure business growth, increase exports and create more job opportunities, thereby contributing to economic growth at the national level. Anchor firms are those that meet specific criteria, such as having more than 250 employees, exporting at least 15 per cent of annual sales, among others.

Fathi Jaghbir, president of the Jordan and Amman Chambers of Industry, said: “Our partnership with the USAID Economic Reform Activity is in line with the economic reform agenda, the government’s economic priorities, the Economic Modernisation Vision, and the ensuing executive action plans.”

The significance of the Annual Statement Programme was emphasised by the attendees, as it recognises the potential of anchor companies and assists in their growth. This will directly enhance operational processes, facilitate the creation of export-compliant products, bolster export activities and promote the introduction of new export products, read the statement.

The USAID Economic Reform Activity in Jordan is working with stakeholders to implement economic reforms to foster economic growth in the country. These efforts include building the government’s capacity to prioritise and implement policies that promote private sector competitiveness and investment, as well as facilitating exports. The activity also focuses on improving the country’s overall competitiveness by working with anchor firms and providing rapid and strategic technical assistance to address emerging economic priorities.

Funded through the US-Jordanian Memorandum of Understanding for economic development, the USAID Economic Reform Activity is aligned with the Government of Jordan’s economic reform agenda outlined in the Economic Modernisation Vision, the statement said. 

It places emphasis on gender equality and social inclusion, making them integral components of its initiatives. Additionally, it promotes the advancement of reforms aimed at reducing barriers to women’s economic participation, concluded the statement.