The first-half progress report of the Executive Program for the Economic Modernization Vision 2026–2029 revealed that the manufacturing sector’s gross domestic product (GDP) reached JOD 1.6 billion during the first quarter of this year.
The report highlighted a series of achievements and operational measures within the industrial sector. These encompassed enhancing the competitiveness of local industries, diversifying exports, boosting export capacity, attracting specialized investments, supporting research, development, and innovation, streamlining regulatory and inspection procedures, and accelerating digital transformation across the sector.
Export Diversification and Export Capacity Enhancement
Within the framework of the Circular Economy project – Jordan Ecolabel, the sector formulated the Jordanian Ecolabel Regulations No. 1 of 2026, officially published them in the Official Gazette, and adopted the final design for the brand’s logo.
An awareness campaign was conducted regarding the Jordan Ecolabel, including an introductory session detailing requirements for obtaining the mark, marketing mechanisms, and associated privileges to elevate awareness among target entities.
Under the Employment Through Local Entrepreneurship Program, the “Entrepreneurship in Industry” program was launched with 35 million euros in funding provided by the Industry Support and Development Fund to assist 370 medium, small, and micro industrial enterprises.
The report noted the completion of all preparatory measures required to roll out the program, including designing support windows, preparing application templates, and establishing administrative and technical evaluation systems to process incoming applications.
Regarding export growth, consultative sessions were held with relevant stakeholders to finalize the draft of the National Export Strategy for 2026–2029 based on feedback gathered during those sessions.
Furthermore, a study targeting potential high-opportunity export markets was conducted to explore emerging markets, boost the export of Jordanian products and services, and integrate findings into the National Export Strategy 2026–2029.
Attracting Investments in Chemical Manufacturing
The program implemented a initiative to support applied scientific research within the chemical and cosmetics industries.
A formal agreement to execute the Applied Scientific Research Support Program was signed between the Ministry of Industry, Trade, and Supply and the Support Fund for Scientific Research and Development in Industry—an affiliate of the Higher Council for Science and Technology—with a budget of JOD 250,000 to support at least 8 researchers or institutions. The program was launched with open applications via the El Hassan E-Learning Platform.
Improving the Enabling Business Environment
The program included reviewing the Industrial Designs Law and drafting an Enabling Business Environment report. This report evaluates the suitability of the legislative, regulatory, and procedural framework for conducting business and investing in industrial and productive sectors under the initiative to simplify and automate regulatory procedures in the “Facilitated Manufacturing” program.
To boost the efficiency of the food inspection system, a national food traceability framework was prepared. Requirements specified by the European Union to include Jordan on its approved list for exporting composite food products were gathered and mapped out.
To strengthen the garment sector’s competitiveness and support its strategic roadmap, initial promotional prototypes highlighting the sector’s competitive advantages were developed and shared with stakeholders.
Five virtual investment webinars were held to attract investors to the garment sector, targeting markets across Europe, Turkey, Bangladesh, Uzbekistan, and Asia as part of the sector’s investment promotion plan.
Engineering and Technology Development
The program focused on advancing R&D and innovation to accelerate digital transformation and adopt Industry 4.0 solutions. Fifteen specialized training courses on Fourth Industrial Revolution applications were conducted, benefiting 285 male and female engineers working across the sector.
Course modules covered smart factory systems, programmable logic controllers (PLCs), the Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT), artificial intelligence, enterprise resource planning (ERP) systems, industrial robotics, cybersecurity, and augmented reality in industrial environments.
Additionally, 21 engineers representing 16 companies across five industrial sub-sectors received training in mold design and manufacturing, as well as components tied to local and global supply chains and assembly industries, elevating the technical capabilities of Jordanian industrial firms.
As part of efforts to support R&D and position Jordan as a regional tech hub, the first promotional seminar for attracting the semiconductor manufacturing industry was conducted alongside preparing promotional toolkits and conducting a field survey among investors.
Pharmaceutical and Medical Sector Upgrades
Efforts were directed toward accelerating and automating drug registration procedures to boost regulatory efficiency and reduce processing times. Technical and regulatory measures were completed, including finalizing the project to expedite the registration of imported and locally manufactured original and generic medications, significantly reducing backlog review times.
A mobile application was launched to enable reporting of adverse drug reactions via smartphones and tablets, facilitating faster tracking of drug safety and efficacy in the market. Jordan is among the first countries in the region to deploy this application.
An electronic platform was established for downloading patient information leaflets, alongside developing a mobile application designed to assist patients and medical personnel in reviewing medication documentation.
To align with global standards and elevate institutional performance, Jordan—represented by the Jordan Food and Drug Administration (JFDA)—was admitted as a member of the Pharmaceutical Inspection Co-operation Scheme (PIC/S), becoming the second Arab nation to join. The tracking and inspection ecosystem for pharmaceutical, food, and medical device products was further reinforced, including issuing a regulatory decision limiting the supply of implantable medical devices directly from companies to hospitals.
Regulatory decisions were also issued to control and organize frozen meat imports. Furthermore, the tobacco testing laboratory was relocated to Amman Customs to expedite cargo testing and streamline clearance and release procedures.
Regarding pricing and distribution of medical devices, the Higher Committee for Drugs and Pharmacy approved pricing and distribution guidelines for peripheral stents, heart valves, and their accessories, which will significantly reduce treatment costs for patients requiring these interventions. Official regulations governing food preparations similar to powdered milk were also issued.
Petra
