Amman, Feb. 1 (Petra) -- The Ministry of Labor on Sunday signed an agreement to operate a new garment manufacturing production branch in the Rihab district of Mafraq Governorate, creating 100 jobs for Jordanian men and women in its initial phase.
With the launch of the Rihab branch, the total number of garment production branches across the Kingdom rises to 36, collectively generating around 10,000 employment opportunities.
The agreement was signed by Minister of Labor Khaled Bakkar, CEO of Rich Pine International Group Cammy Wu, and Head of the Rihab District Municipal Committee Lina Zoubi.
Bakkar said the establishment of production branches is part of a Royal initiative implemented by the Ministry since 2008 to expand employment opportunities and stimulate local development. He explained that the Ministry provides operational incentives to investors through the Vocational and Technical Education and Training Activities Support Fund, including coverage of 50 percent of the minimum wage per worker, a JD25 monthly transportation allowance, and a JD25 monthly contribution toward each worker’s social security payments.
He added that the initiative aims to promote localized development in rural areas, desert regions, and refugee camps across all governorates, enabling young Jordanians to access employment opportunities close to their communities.
Bakkar noted that the private sector is the principal partner in establishing and expanding production branches, underscoring the government’s role in enabling it to generate additional jobs for Jordanian youth. He also highlighted the role of local authorities in supporting the initiative by providing suitable facilities.
Since the beginning of the year, the Ministry of Labor has signed two operational agreements for production branches in the Bal’ama and Rihab districts of Mafraq Governorate, in addition to an agreement to establish a branch in the Bani Kinanah district of Irbid Governorate, all within the framework of the Royal Initiative for Production Branches.
//Petra// AJ
