Ajloun, July 30 (Petra) - 14th "Yadawi" Platform Food and Handicraft Bazaar kicked off on Thursday in the courtyard of Ajloun Castle.

Yadawi, which is Jordan's first non-profit e-commerce marketing platform, is affiliated with the Irada Program.

In this years' edition, 30 home-based, small, and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) from across the Kingdom's northern governorates are participating in the event.

During the opening ceremony, Ajloun Governor Nayef Heidayat stated Ajloun's step to host the bazaar for the second time reflects the governorate's "significant tourism and heritage value." He added that the bazaar supports local producers and opens "new" markets for their products, which would boost domestic economic development and stimulate tourism, particularly at archaeological sites that experience high visitor numbers during the summer season.

He noted administration of Ajloun governorate is "committed" to supporting national initiatives that provide marketing opportunities for productive families and artisans and promote "high-quality" local products, which "positively" impacts the income levels of those working in these projects.

In turn, Director General of Irada Program, Sami Olimi, stated the bazaar's organization is part of the Irada Program's efforts to empower SMEs economically by providing a "direct" marketing platform that allows beneficiaries to reach thousands of visitors and tourists.

As for its goals, he noted the bazaar also aims to promote "Yadawi" online platform, which offers marketing services for Jordanian products year-round.

He added that the bazaar features certified food products after passing quality and laboratory tests by the Royal Scientific Society.

During the activities, he said handicrafts and heritage products, which will be showcased, reflect "authenticity" of Jordanian heritage and creativity of artisans in the Kingdom's northern governorates, with priority given to projects from Ajloun governorate.

The bazaar will run for 3 days in the courtyard of Ajloun Castle, offering visitors the opportunity to purchase local products and enjoy the site's heritage atmosphere, which would support community-based tourism and boost the local economy.

//Petra// AG