Amman, Aug. 27 (Petra) -- An agreement was signed Thursday to establish a new production branch for Morouj Al-Shafa Food Industries in the Al-Shafa area of Ajloun Governorate, with the project expected to create 150 jobs for residents in its first phase.
The agreement, signed under the Productive Branches Initiative launched by His Majesty King Abdullah II in 2008, was concluded by Minister of Labor Nidal Qatamin, Morouj Al-Shifa General Manager Muwaffaq Momani, and Al-Shafa Municipality Committee Chairperson Basma Amoush.
The signing ceremony was sponsored by Royal Hashemite Court Chief Yousef Issawi, who also chairs the committee overseeing the implementation of Royal initiatives.
The new facility is part of a broader package that includes 14 additional production branches across the Kingdom. Once completed, the total number of branches and production units established under the initiative will reach about 37.
Issawi stated that the initiative is designed to attract investment to areas outside major urban and industrial centers and provide employment opportunities close to local communities.
He explained that infrastructure requirements are provided through Royal initiatives, while the government offers operational support and incentives during the first year. Private-sector partners are responsible for investment, operations, training, and recruitment.
According to Issawi, around 37 production branches and units currently operate across the Kingdom, providing more than 10,000 jobs for residents, particularly women.
Qatamin noted that such projects are intended to expand employment opportunities for young people and women in governorates and outlying areas. He added that the Ministry of Labor will support employment, training, and qualification programs for local workers.
Momani stated that the new factory will use locally produced agricultural inputs and purchase surplus farm produce, including through contract farming arrangements.
He said the plant is expected to employ 150 people from the area during its first phase following specialized training, indicating that the company has allocated 10 percent of its employment opportunities to persons with disabilities as part of a previously launched inclusion initiative.
Amoush said the project is expected to support employment in Al-Shafa and nearby areas and contribute to local economic activity.
The project, which will be built on an eight-dunum site, will produce tomato concentrate and ketchup in different sizes using locally grown fresh tomatoes instead of imported processed tomato concentrate. It will also include a production line for frozen stuffed grape leaves, or yalangi, intended for export.
The agreement was signed in the presence of representatives of the participating entities, paving the way for construction procedures to begin.
//Petra// AO
