Jordan Times
Friday, May 14, 2004
Deputy Prime Minister and
Minister of Industry and Trade Halaiqa describes economic performance as 'good'
Irbid's industry, commerce chiefs outline obstacles, difficulties
RAMTHA (Petra) — Deputy Prime Minister and
Minister of Industry and Trade Mohammad Halaiqa on Thursday described the
country's economic performance as “good,” especially in terms of exports and
reserves of foreign currency, during a visit to Irbid
Halaiqa listened to Maher Nasser and Mohammad Shouha, presidents of the industry
and trade chambers, outlining the obstacles and difficulties hampering the
governorate's industrial and trade activities.
During the visit, the deputy prime minister said the government plans to exempt
industrial production inputs from customs duties noting that a list of 83
important input materials will be issued as soon as the Cabinet endorses it.
Halaiqa also visited Irbid's Al Hassan Industrial Estate on Thursday and
stressed the need to streamline investment procedures and support investors by
eliminating all hindrances.
He indicated that the concerned parties are continuously working to solve the
problems that face the industrialists and to improve the general conditions for
investment in light of the expansions taking place.
Noting that his visit comes within the framework of keeping up with, caring for
and looking after the Jordanian industry, Halaiqa also emphasised the need to
improve workers' conditions and to motivate them with incentives.
Jordan Industrial Estates Corporation Chief Executive Officer Amer Majali
highlighted the role of Qualified Industrial Zones in developing the investment
environment and creating job opportunities.
During the first four months of the year, exports of Al Hassan Industrial
Estate, which houses 82 companies, totalled $115 million, Majali indicated.
The estate's total invested capital currently stands at JD225 million, providing
more than 18,000 job opportunities. In light of the estate's expanding projects,
there is a need for another 3,000 workers, particularly to meet the needs of the
garments and textiles factories, Majali said.
Al Hassan Industrial Estate was established in 1991 as the first Qualified
Industrial Zone that allows duty free and quota-free exports to the US markets.