His Majesty King Abdullah on Sunday attended a celebration marking the Amman Chamber of Industry’s (ACI’s) 50th anniversary.

King Abdullah honoured former ACI board chairs and members in recognition of their efforts and contributions to the Jordanian industry.

A “Made in Jordan” campaign was launched on the occasion to promote locally-made products and boost consumers’ confidence in Jordanian-manufactured goods.

Several speakers, including Industry and Trade Minister Hatem Halawani, highlighted the Kingdom’s industrial achievements, pointing out that the gross domestic product (GDP) grew from JD5 billion in1999 to around JD22 billion in 2012. Thus, the per capita share of the GDP has reached more than $4,000, Halawani indicated.
 
Highlighting industrial achievements, ACI President Zeyad Homsi pointed out that industrial exports grew from around JD1 billion in 1999 to around JD5 billion in 2012, representing more than 90% of the national exports.

The ceremony, attended by several Royal Family members, top officials and representatives from various diplomatic missions, also featured a documentary highlighting the progress of Jordanian industry, its foreign investment and growth in qualified workforce.
 
Established in 1962, the ACI started with less than 100 industrial companies. Today, it counts around 7,750 establishments, capitalised at JD2.7 billion with total exports amounting to around JD4 billion.