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AMMAN — The Ministry of Industry, Trade and Supply on Sunday launched the "Leadership in Industry" programme, a 35 million euro initiative funded by the German government and implemented through the Industrial Development and Support Fund (IDSF) to strengthen the competitiveness of Jordan's industrial sector.
The programme aims to support 370 micro, small and medium-sized industrial enterprises (SMEs), enhance exports, improve productivity and create new employment opportunities.
It will provide non-refundable grants of up to JD25, 000 for micro-enterprises, JD50, 000 for small enterprises and JD100, 000 for medium-sized enterprises.
A total of 10 million euro has been earmarked to support women-owned and women-led businesses through financial, technical and logistical assistance, with the aim of increasing women's participation in the industrial sector.
the Fund will cover up to 70 per cent of eligible project costs, rising to 80 per cent for businesses owned or managed by women or projects that create employment opportunities for women.
Ministry Secretary-General Dana Zoubi said the initiative supports the Economic Modernisation Vision (EMV) and the Industrial Policy 2024-2028, both of which seek to strengthen the competitiveness of Jordanian industry and increase its contribution to economic growth.
She noted that the industrial sector accounts for around one-quarter of the national economy and contributed nearly 45 per cent of Jordan's economic growth last year.
Zoubi said the Industrial Development and Support Fund has received more than 2,500 applications since its establishment, supporting 635 companies. Beneficiary firms recorded sales growth of more than 30 per cent and an increase in exports of around 40 per cent, while creating over 4,100 jobs.
She also revealed that Jordan has reached preliminary understandings with the World Bank to secure around JD60 million in additional funding for the 2027-2029 period to expand industrial support programmes.
Jordan Chamber of Industry (JCI) Vice President Mohammad Jitan said more than 90 per cent of the Kingdom's industrial establishments are SMEs that require continued financial support to expand their operations and improve competitiveness.
He said the Fund's programmes have helped manufacturers overcome financing constraints and rising operating costs, enabling them to increase productivity and expand exports.
World Bank representative Mohammad Abdel-Qader said the programme is the result of nearly three years of cooperation between Jordan, Germany and the World Bank, with a focus on supporting SMEs, promoting economic development in the governorates and increasing women's participation in the industrial workforce.
KfW Development Bank Country Director Matthias Schmidt-Rosen said support for Jordan's industrial sector remains a cornerstone of German-Jordanian development cooperation. He said KfW would continue working with the government to develop financing programmes that strengthen industrial competitiveness, stimulate economic growth and create jobs.
