Amman, June 18 (Petra) -- Minister of Labor Khaled Bakkar said the industrial sector remains the Kingdom's largest generator of employment opportunities and one of the main drivers of economic growth, underscoring its central role in advancing the objectives of the Economic Modernization Vision.
Speaking during a dialogue session organized by the East Amman Industrial Investors Association on Wednesday evening, Bakkar said the government views industrialists as key partners in strengthening the competitiveness of the national economy and achieving sustainable economic development.
The session, held as part of the 6th Jordan Packaging Exhibition (JOPEX), focused on human resource development in the packaging sector.
Bakkar said the government has remained committed since its formation to empowering the private sector and creating an enabling environment for business growth and expansion by addressing challenges facing investors and productive sectors. He noted that these efforts are aimed at increasing investment, boosting exports and creating additional employment opportunities for Jordanians.
The minister described the packaging sector as a successful model of Jordanian industry, capable of achieving excellence and expanding into regional and international markets. He stressed that developing human capital in the sector is a national priority to ensure sustainable growth and strengthen its capacity to keep pace with rapid technological developments.
Bakkar said the Ministry of Labor continues to implement programs and initiatives aimed at regulating the labor market, meeting the needs of productive sectors for skilled workers, and increasing Jordanian participation across economic activities. He added that the government has adopted a range of measures and decisions designed to support investment and encourage the expansion of industrial projects.
The minister emphasized that vocational and technical training has become a cornerstone of building a competitive economy capable of meeting future labor market demands.
He noted that practical skills are increasingly important in today's labor market, particularly in light of rapid technological advances and the growing impact of artificial intelligence on employment patterns worldwide.
Bakkar called for stronger cooperation between the industrial sector and vocational education and training institutions to develop programs that reflect labor market needs and equip Jordanian youth with the skills required in modern industries, including packaging technologies and advanced manufacturing.
He stressed that investment in human capital remains the most effective means of achieving sustainable economic growth and enhancing the competitiveness of Jordanian industries.
Bakkar also announced the ministry's readiness to facilitate the recruitment of non-Jordanian workers for packaging-sector establishments that maintain a workforce of at least 90 percent Jordanian employees, in recognition of their commitment to employing national talent and supporting their continued growth and expansion.
For his part, Chairperson of the East Amman Industrial Investors Association Iyad Abu Haltam said the packaging sector has become a strategic partner in marketing and export activities by providing advanced solutions that enhance the added value of Jordanian products and strengthen their competitiveness in international markets.
He noted that packaging has evolved beyond the production of containers and now encompasses integrated engineering solutions that address operational efficiency, environmental considerations and compliance with international standards, particularly European requirements that have become essential for access to many global markets.
Abu Haltam said the packaging, printing, paper and cardboard industries provide approximately 13,000 jobs, with Jordanians accounting for about 94 percent of the workforce. He added that the sector includes more than 900 industrial companies, underscoring its economic significance and its role in supporting national industry, growth and employment.
//Petra// AJ
