Amman, March 2 (Petra) – President of the Jordan and Amman Chambers of Industry, Fathi Al-Jaghbir, affirmed that Jordanian factories are operating at full capacity to provide the necessary needs of citizens, despite the rapidly unfolding developments in the region, stressing that communication is ongoing with the government to resolve any obstacles facing production operations as a result of these developments, particularly in light of the slowdown in shipping traffic through the Strait of Hormuz.

Al-Jaghbir explained in a statement on Monday that Jordanian industry has the flexibility and experience to adapt to prevailing conditions, noting that Jordanian factories benefited from previous crises and built a sufficient strategic stockpile of raw and intermediate materials to ensure the continuation of operations for several months without interruption, despite the slowdown in shipping. He added that Jordanian industry once again proves that it is a safety valve for providing goods and essential needs under the most difficult circumstances, in light of a strong national industrial base that constitutes the main pillar of the national economy, accounting for more than 24.3 percent of the total national economy, thanks to its production capacity exceeding JD17 dinars and more than 1,500 industrial goods from various sectors, which reflects its real weight in the structure of the national economy. He further noted that national industry is not a complementary sector but rather a fundamental pillar of the national economy and a safety valve in the face of external shocks.

He noted that the local market demonstrates a high level of readiness and stability in addressing any repercussions. This resilience was evidenced by the national industry during previous crises, starting with the coronavirus pandemic in 2020 and extending to the logistical challenges that arose from the closure of Bab al-Mandab. During these times, the industry was able to meet over 60 percent of the local market's essential goods needs without experiencing significant disruptions.

The impact of this period went beyond simply ensuring continuity; it also helped strengthen Jordanian consumers' confidence in domestic products. These products have become the preferred choice for many citizens compared to imported goods, as they have proven to be of high quality, effective, and capable of efficiently meeting market demands. This trend reflects a significant shift in consumer behavior, solidifying the role of national industry as a primary and reliable source for local consumption.

He pointed out that Jordan enjoys logistical flexibility supported by the multiplicity of trade partners and the possibility of shifting to alternative maritime and land transport routes, in addition to the presence of storage and industrial infrastructure capable of raising operational capacity when necessary. The competent authorities are working in coordination with the private sector to monitor market movement on a daily basis, ensure the smooth flow of supplies, and prevent any monopolistic practices or potential price distortions.

With regard to Jordanian industrial exports, Al-Jaghbir explained that the chambers of industry are coordinating with all official entities to ensure the smooth flow of Jordanian goods to global markets, as they are following up on any logistical obstacles that may arise at border crossings or ports and seeking alternatives and immediate solutions to ensure that the national product reaches its final destinations without significant delay that may affect international export contracts.

Al-Jaghbir called for the unification of national efforts and support for the local product to enhance self-reliance, affirming that the chambers of industry will remain in continuous session to serve the sector and overcome all obstacles resulting from this regional crisis.

//Petra// AF