Amman, May 18 (Petra) -- Minister of Industry, Trade and Supply Ya'rub Qudah stressed the importance of integration and partnership between the government and political parties in supporting Jordan’s comprehensive modernization process and advancing sustainable economic growth.

During a meeting with Secretary-General of the Change Party Fawzan Abadi and party representatives, Qudah said the Economic Modernization Vision constitutes a long-term national project built on defined priorities and implementation programs within a clear timeline.

He said the vision aims to increase national exports, strengthen the competitiveness of the industrial, commercial, and service sectors, expand their contribution to Gross Domestic Product (GDP), generate employment opportunities, and improve service quality.

Qudah noted that Jordanian exports rose by 10 percent in 2025 compared with 2024, reaching approximately JD9.5 billion, driven by continued growth in national industrial output.

He added that the industrial sector contributes around 24 percent of the Kingdom’s GDP and provides nearly 260,000 jobs, making it a key pillar of economic growth and employment generation.

The minister said the ministry is implementing a comprehensive strategy to support the industrial sector through opening new export markets, concluding preferential trade agreements, and maximizing the benefits of Jordan’s free trade agreements, which enable Jordanian products to access more than 150 countries worldwide.

He added that the Industry Support Fund has provided assistance to around 700 industrial companies, contributing to the creation of more than 4,000 jobs, increasing exports by 40 percent, and raising sales by 30 percent. Qudah also highlighted the ministry’s focus on women’s economic empowerment and support for small and medium-sized enterprises.

He said the government is moving forward with several strategic projects, including the National Water Carrier Project, railway initiatives, connecting industrial cities to the natural gas network, and upgrading transportation infrastructure, noting that these projects are expected to strengthen the investment environment.

The minister added that the government continues to settle outstanding dues owed to factories and suppliers to improve liquidity and sustain production activity.

Qudah said Jordan maintains strong monetary indicators and foreign currency reserves at the Central Bank of Jordan that exceed international coverage standards for imports, supporting monetary stability and investor confidence.

He noted that the ministry is currently prioritizing high-value industries, including mining, pharmaceuticals, and apparel manufacturing.

On food security, Qudah said Jordan has become a regional model for market stability, affirming that strategic wheat and barley reserves remain secure and sufficient for extended periods. He also reviewed government measures aimed at mitigating the impact of global price increases and maintaining supply chain continuity.

For his part, Abadi stressed the importance of cooperation between program-based political parties and government institutions in supporting political and economic modernization efforts.

He praised the ministry’s role in supporting productive sectors and enhancing economic competitiveness, affirming the party’s support for national programs aimed at stimulating investment and creating employment opportunities for youth.

//Petra// AJ