Jordan Times
Tuesday, January 13, 2004
Exports from Al Hassan Industrial Estate in Irbid total $321m in 2003
IRBID (Petra) — Al Hassan Industrial Estate near Irbid exported manufactured products worth $321 million to Arab and foreign countries last year, down from $323 million in 2002, according to Chairman of the Irbid Chamber of Industry Maher Naser.Describing the one per cent drop in exports as minimal during a year of eventful developments, Nasser said the year's results still give a indication of a stable investment climate in the Kingdom.
Naser said the textile products exports from the estate were worth $300 million. Engineering industries, veterinary drugs and fertilisers were among the other exports.
The total capital invested in the estate, which is one of Jordan's Qualified Industrial Zones, is estimated at JD215 million. Nearly 17,000 workers are employed in the 80 industrial factories operating at the estate.
Expressing optimism that 2004 will witness a surge in exports, Naser said new industries opening at the estate this year are expected to employ an additional 1,500 workers.
He noted that the estate's sales amounted to $31 million during last month alone compared to $27 million in December of 2002.