His Majesty King Abdullah on Tuesday commended the important role of the food industry in the national economy, through creating direct and indirect job opportunities, as well as contributing to the gross domestic product.

At a meeting with representatives of the industry at Al Husseiniya Palace, attended by His Royal Highness Crown Prince Al Hussein bin Abdullah II, King Abdullah noted the sector’s key role in fulfilling the objective of food security in Jordan by 2033.

His Majesty called for building on Jordanian success stories in this industry, urging closer public-private sector cooperation.

The King urged sector representatives to work with the government to find alternatives to reduce energy expenses and enhance competitiveness, noting the importance of utilising specialised technology.

Ministry of Industry, Trade, and Supply and Labour Minister Yousef Shamali highlighted the government’s plan to empower the food industry.

Speaking at the meeting, attended by Prime Minister Bisher Khasawneh, the minister said the sector includes 2,800 establishments that employ some 55,000 workers, at an investment volume of $1.5 billion, with nearly JD850 million in exports, while 65 per cent of production goes to the local market.

The attendees highlighted promising investment opportunities in the sector and gave suggestions to develop it further to increase exports and its contribution to the gross domestic product.