Amman, March 29 (Petra) – Leaders International for Economic Development on Sunday held the closing ceremony of its Corporate Entrepreneurship Responsibility Alliance (CERA) project, aimed at enhancing the competitiveness of micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) and integrating them into local and global supply chains.

The event brought together around 200 participants from the public and private sectors, development partners, and entrepreneurs.

Assistant Secretary-General for Technical Affairs at the Ministry of Industry, Trade and Supply Yasmin Khraisat said the initiative reflects the depth of Jordanian-Dutch relations, marking their 75th anniversary, and highlights the strength of bilateral cooperation in supporting economic and social development. She noted that the project represents a successful model of public-private partnership, promoting innovation, corporate responsibility, and private sector empowerment.

Khraisat said the project supported 90 MSMEs through an integrated model linking them with large and medium-sized enterprises, enhancing local procurement and strengthening supply chain resilience. The initiative also provided targeted capacity-building programs, development grants, and specialized training in quality management, finance, marketing, and planning.

She added that the project facilitated the establishment of more than 125 partnership linkages among members of the alliance, which includes 300 companies, and contributed to building a sustainable business environment. An interactive digital platform was also developed to connect companies, identify local suppliers, and support ongoing collaboration.

For her part, Ambassador of the Kingdom of the Netherlands to Jordan Stella Kloth highlighted Jordan’s resilience and ongoing reform efforts, noting that strengthening the private sector remains key to sustaining economic growth. She said the Netherlands will continue to support Jordan, with planned assistance amounting to €400 million over the next four years.

Kloth outlined key project outcomes, including support for 90 SMEs, the creation of nearly 600 jobs, the conclusion of more than 300 contracts, and the establishment of 125 partnerships between SMEs and large companies. She added that 30 major firms joined CERA, while participating companies increased reliance on local sourcing by up to 35 percent.

She also pointed to expanded trade linkages with partners in the Netherlands and Europe, particularly in raw materials and exports, and highlighted the food manufacturing sector as a promising area for further cooperation.

Leaders International General Manager Shadi Atshan said the project demonstrates how strategic partnerships can deliver tangible economic outcomes by linking large corporations with SMEs, creating growth opportunities and reinforcing local supply chains.

The event featured the launch of a "Made in Jordan" exhibition showcasing around 20 SMEs supported by the project, alongside business-to-business meetings aimed at expanding cooperation and market access.

A memorandum of understanding was signed between Leaders International and the Jordan Chamber of Industry to further strengthen sustainable partnerships and support the development of national supply chains. Members of CERA were also honored for their contributions to supporting SMEs and advancing economic integration.

Participants stressed the importance of sustaining support for local enterprises and enhancing their integration into supply chains, given their critical role in strengthening economic resilience and generating sustainable employment opportunities.

//Petra// AJ