Amman, May 6 (Petra) – Minister of Industry, Trade and Supply Yarub Qudah underscored the pivotal role of food importers and traders in maintaining a secure strategic stockpile of basic commodities and food products, describing the sector as one of the most vital due to its direct link to national food security.

Speaking during a meeting organized by the General Syndicate of Foodstuff Traders for its members, Qudah said the government is committed to providing full support and facilitation to food traders, importers, and manufacturers to ensure the steady flow of goods into the local market at affordable prices and to meet citizens’ needs year-round without disruption.

According to a statement issued by the Syndicate on Tuesday, Qudah noted that the food trade sector is one of the Kingdom’s oldest economic sectors, reflecting its deep-rooted importance in Jordan’s economic fabric.

He highlighted that Jordan’s experience during the COVID-19 pandemic demonstrated the sector’s effectiveness, as traders and importers successfully met citizens’ essential needs at a time when major countries faced shortages.

Qudah said empowering the food trade sector is a shared national responsibility and that the government, within its available capacities, seeks to support the sector through a genuine public-private partnership aimed at overcoming challenges and fostering a stable commercial environment.

He pointed to the formation of an executive committee under the directives of the Prime Minister, which he chairs, and includes two ministers from the economic team, the president of the Jordan Chamber of Commerce, and several chamber members.

The committee is tasked with regularly reviewing the conditions of the commercial and services sectors, addressing challenges, and developing practical solutions. He added that most challenges are procedural and can be resolved in a short timeframe.

Qudah also stressed the importance of sustained coordination between the government, the Syndicate, and food sector stakeholders to facilitate trade and ensure market stability. He affirmed the ministry’s commitment to enhancing cooperation mechanisms in the interest of both traders and consumers.

For his part, President of the Foodstuff Traders Association Khalil Haj Tawfiq underlined the commitment of traders, importers, and manufacturers to supplying the local market with diverse and affordable food products, reflecting their national responsibility in reinforcing food security.

He stated that the Association, established in 1973, remains a national institution devoted to genuine public-private partnership and committed to promoting cooperation to achieve food security, a top national priority championed by His Majesty King Abdullah II as a cornerstone of stability and sustainable development.

Haj Tawfiq said that despite various challenges, the commercial sector has demonstrated a high level of responsibility over the years, particularly during crises such as the COVID-19 pandemic. He stressed the need for further official support commensurate with the sector’s significant contribution to the national economy.

He also outlined several procedural obstacles facing food traders, importers, and manufacturers, urging relevant authorities to take swift and necessary action to facilitate workflow and enhance trade operations.

He added that the food trade sector is one of the largest employers of Jordanian youth, providing jobs for tens of thousands and supplying approximately four million tons of food annually. With around 80 percent of food in Jordan being imported, he noted, the sector plays a crucial national role.

Haj Tawfiq concluded by affirming the sector’s strong partnership with the public sector in achieving food security and enhancing economic stability, noting its high standards of transparency and credibility in meeting citizens’ needs and ensuring the consistent flow of essential goods.

//Petra// AJ


06/05/2025 14:09:32