ភ្នំពេញ៖ ស្ថានឯកអគ្គរាជទូតកម្ពុជា ប្រចាំសាធារណរដ្ឋអារ៉ាប់អេហ្ស៊ីប បានជួយសម្របសម្រួលជូនពលករខ្មែរចំនួន ២៧នាក់ ដែលបានបញ្ចប់កិច្ចសន្យាការងារ នៅក្នុងរោងចក្រវាយនភណ្ឌចំនួន ២ នៅប្រទេសហ្ស៊កដានី ឱ្យបានត្រលប់មកប្រទេសកម្ពុជាវិញ តាមរយៈជើងយន្តហោះរបស់ក្រុមហ៊ុមអាកាសចរណ៍ Qatar Airways លេខ QR401 ចាកចេញពីទីក្រុង Amman ប្រទេសហ្ស៊កដានី នៅថ្ងៃទី១៥ ខែតុលា ឆ្នាំ២០២០ ដោយធ្វើដំណើរឆ្លងកាត់ប្រទេសកាតា និងកូរ៉េ ហើយបានមកដល់កម្ពុជាតាមជើងយន្តហោះ Korean Air លេខ KE ៦៨៩ នៅថ្ងៃទី១៦ ខែតុលា ឆ្នាំ២០២០ ។
Showing posts with label Jordanian Garment Industry. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Jordanian Garment Industry. Show all posts
19 October, 2020
24 September, 2020
More migrants return from Jordan, criticize work conditions
Cambojanews
22 Sep 2020
s a second group of migrant workers returned from Jordan on September 17, employees of two garment factories there have recounted the strenuous conditions they faced, made worse after Covid-19 forced the companies to suspend operations and cut workers’ pay earlier this year.
Oen Sreyna, a 25-year old migrant worker who is now in self-quarantine in her hometown in Kampong Chhnang province’s Kampong Tralach district, said September 21 that she had gone to work at Camel Textile factory in Al-Karak, Jordan 2.5 years ago. She said she found the job through Cambodia-based Lotus factory, which began a partnership with the Vega and Camel Textile seven years ago.
24 January, 2020
Garment factory workers in Jordan
By ILO
Migrant and national garment workers and a garment factory manager in
Jordan share their perspectives on the role and significance of the ILO
and the future of work. This video is part of the “Voices from the
World of Work” series, produced to celebrate the Centenary of the ILO.
12 July, 2019
EU Ambassador to Jordan: “Jobs are the centre of our effort to help Jordan get on a path to sustainable economic growth”
Better Work
Sahab & Madaba, Jordan (ILO News) The European Union (EU) Ambassador to Jordan, H.E. Andrea Matteo Fontana, met with Jordanian and Syrian workers on Wednesday (July 10) to hear first-hand about their experiences in accessing training and job opportunities, as part of EU-ILO initiatives that seek to promote employment and advance decent work in the country’s manufacturing sector.
Secretary General of Jordan’s Ministry of Labour, H.E. Ziad Obeidat, accompanied Ambassador Fontana on a visit to one of the five EU-funded employment centres located in Amman’s industrial area of Sahab. The centre has been set up by the ILO with the Jordanian government in order to help connect Jordanian and Syrian job seekers with employers.
Sahab & Madaba, Jordan (ILO News) The European Union (EU) Ambassador to Jordan, H.E. Andrea Matteo Fontana, met with Jordanian and Syrian workers on Wednesday (July 10) to hear first-hand about their experiences in accessing training and job opportunities, as part of EU-ILO initiatives that seek to promote employment and advance decent work in the country’s manufacturing sector.
Secretary General of Jordan’s Ministry of Labour, H.E. Ziad Obeidat, accompanied Ambassador Fontana on a visit to one of the five EU-funded employment centres located in Amman’s industrial area of Sahab. The centre has been set up by the ILO with the Jordanian government in order to help connect Jordanian and Syrian job seekers with employers.
25 June, 2012
ITMAs 2015 Exhibition to Focus on Sustainable Innovation
Apparel.edgl.com
By Jordan Speer, Editor in Chief
18 June 2012
ITMA, the long-running textile and garment machinery exhibition, will spotlight the innovations that promote sustainability for its 17th presentation in Milan in 2015. A trendsetting showcase of exciting innovations since 1951, the theme chosen for the 2015 edition is "Master the Art of Sustainable Innovation."
Stephen R. Combes, president of CEMATEX, which owns the show, said, "The drive towards sustainability is increasingly integrated with enlightened business practices. The keyword here is 'sustainability', and we hope industry members will join us in this responsible mission to promote more eco-friendly solutions and practices for the entire textile and garment value chain."
By Jordan Speer, Editor in Chief
18 June 2012
ITMA, the long-running textile and garment machinery exhibition, will spotlight the innovations that promote sustainability for its 17th presentation in Milan in 2015. A trendsetting showcase of exciting innovations since 1951, the theme chosen for the 2015 edition is "Master the Art of Sustainable Innovation."
Stephen R. Combes, president of CEMATEX, which owns the show, said, "The drive towards sustainability is increasingly integrated with enlightened business practices. The keyword here is 'sustainability', and we hope industry members will join us in this responsible mission to promote more eco-friendly solutions and practices for the entire textile and garment value chain."
07 January, 2012
Jordan garment sector seeks exclusion from wage hike
Source: Fibre2fashion News Desk - India
January 03, 2012 (Jordan
Jordan’s garment sector has urged the Government to exclude it from the proposed minimum wage hike for workers in the country.
Garment entrepreneurs in Jordan are apprehending that if the minimum wage is hiked from the current JOD 150 to JOD 190, this would raise their operational cost by 15 to 20 percent and prove detrimental to the industry’s competitiveness.
Speaking at a meeting of the Jordan Garments, Accessories and Textiles Exporters Association (JGATE), which was attended by the Ministry of Industry and Trade and Labour Ministry representatives, JGATE CEO Mohammad Khurma requested the Government to grant an exemption to the garment industry from raising the wages.
He said the garment industry is not opposed to raising the living standard of the local workers, but it does not agree that raising minimum wage can serve the purpose.
Making a mention that the sector serves as a source of livelihood for about 16,000 domestic and 27,000 migrant workers, Mr. Khurma noted that the proposed minimum wage differentiates between the domestic and foreign workers, which would amount to violation of Article 6 of Jordan’s Free Trade Agreement with the US.
He claimed that the Jordanian garment firms are already paying their workers in excess of the proposed minimum wage of JOD 190, including non-cash benefits. The workers enjoy free transportation facility and also earn other incentives from the industry, which usually sums up to more than JOD 190, he informed.
The JGATE Chief forewarned that the Government’s move of raising minimum wage for domestic workers would incite foreign workers to observe strikes to earn wages at par with their Jordanian counterparts.
He further pointed out that the country’s garment industry is mainly served by lures young workers in the age group of 18 to 24 years, who mostly do not happen to be the main bread-earners for their family; rather they only contribute a part of the same.
Mr. Khurma warned that the Ministry’s decision would cause a number of garment manufacturing units to close down or shift their business elsewhere outside Jordan, where they meet more favourable investment climate.
23 September, 2011
Jordan rights group: no proof of rape at factory
Recent allegations of sexual assaults at the Classic Fashion factory sparked a petition campaign by U.S. labor activists that prompted several U.S. retailers to stop placing orders with the plant. The controversy fueled worries in Jordan because textile exports to the U.S. are a major engine of the country's economy.
The petition campaign began in June after a Bangladeshi worker told police that her Sri Lankan manager, Anil Santha, had raped her three times since March. Santha was arrested and has been charged with rape, and his trial is expected this year. He denied the accusation in an interview with The Associated Press.
The Institute for Global Labour and Human Rights, a U.S.-based workers group that helped the woman present her case to police and then flew her home to Bangladesh, says dozens of other women have been raped at the plant and that it has collected testimonies from some of them.
The group said it asked the National Center for Human Rights, a non-governmental rights group in Jordan, to investigate. The National Center said in a report on its inquiry that it, other NGOs and government representatives conducted interviews in the plant during repeated visits since June.
According to the National Center, six Bangladeshi and Sri Lankan workers claimed to have been raped or sexually harassed by Santha in 2010 and 2011. One woman became pregnant, according to a copy of the center's report obtained by the AP. A statement from an Indian worker said he saw Santha having sexual intercourse with some female workers and that some had been raped. The man, identified only as Munir, said Santha used his position to "silence" victims and that workers "were frightened of him."
However, the National Center said it found no information or evidence to support the rape allegations. It said there were contradictions in the testimonies over "the place and time of the alleged harassment" and that its investigators suspected the allegations were "malicious and aimed at undermining the factory."
The report gave no examples of contradictions and did not elaborate on what raised the investigators' suspicions.
Classic, whose factory is in northern Jordan, boasts annual exports of $125 million, nearly 13 percent of Jordan's $1 billion garment exports to the United States last year. Overall, garment exports make up roughly 20 percent of the country's gross domestic product.
Change.org, a social networking platform, says it has collected more than 144,000 signatures by U.S. consumers calling for American retailers to cut ties with the plant. Classic produces clothing for Wal-Mart, Macy's, Kohl's and Lands' End, as well as Champion, a HanesBrands line, sold at Target. Macy's, Kohl's and Lands' End have halted orders. Wal-Mart and Target have not responded to requests for comment.
Matt Hall, a vice president for external communications for HanesBrands, said when the rape allegations surfaced, his company sent a representative to Jordan to ensure that the "workplace was safe and sound while professional investigations could be conducted."
"Before HanesBrands draws any conclusions of its own, the company is awaiting the outcome of the case before the Jordanian criminal justice system," he told the AP in a written statement.
But he said investigations, including that by the National Center, raised "counter-issues that also need to be addressed, including claims that there is evidence of witness tampering and that the Institute for Global Labour and Human Rights did not, in fact, interview any of the purported former workers making the allegations and has not shared the statements and information that its report is purportedly based on."
Charles Kernaghan, director of the Pittsburgh-based Institute for Global Labour and Human Rights, said he and members of his group repeatedly met with scores of Classic factory workers, including rape victims, since 2008.
"Our last meeting in late December was in a rundown hotel in Jordan, where dozens of workers visited secretly to tell us about the atrocities committed by their superiors in the factory," he said. He said the institute also had taped testimonies from the factory's rape victims. Several videos of testimonies are on its website.
Associated Press Writer Dale Gavlak in Amman contributed to this report.
On the Net:
- Institute for Global Labour and Human Rights: http://www.globallabourrights.org/
07 January, 2010
Union action needed to protect migrant workers in fashion industry
Fibre2Fashion
December 22, 2009 (Global)
On the occasion of International Migrants Day, the Global Union representing workers in the clothing and footwear sectors has called on unions to step up their efforts to protect the rights of migrant workers employed in the industry.
Says Patrick Itschert, General Secretary of the International Textile, Garment and Leather Workers’ Federation: “The abuse of migrant workers, including trafficked migrant labour, is a growing problem in the fashion industry, with workers often paying labour brokers a hefty fee – sometimes as much as ten years’ local minimum wage - in order to secure a job in Jordan, Malaysia, Mauritius or elsewhere.
“The fees often take the form of a loan which must then be repaid, with interest, from future earnings. Passports are withheld as security against the loan, and sometimes workers are charged additional fees if they want to change workplaces. They are typically housed in overcrowded dormitories and survive on substandard food.
“With deductions being made for their loans as well as for housing and food, workers are forced to work extremely long hours. Is it any wonder then many of these young migrant workers suffer from inadequate sleep and health disorders, including malnutrition. Without identity documents, owing money to brokers, tied to fixed contracts and far from home these workers are in reality bonded slaves.
“Today trafficked migrant workers are among those most badly affected by the economic crisis. Losing their jobs leaves them unable to pay off their debts, and they are sometimes left stranded, unable to return home, when the factories where they worked suddenly close down.
“Migrant garment workers are not found only in Amman, Kuala Lumpur or Port Louis. They are just as likely to be found in the backstreets of Barcelona, Manchester or Buenos Aires, where ruthless employers strive to undercut producers in low-wage countries.
“Earlier this year a Manchester sweatshop producing for high street brands was exposed for its exploitation of workers. The factory employed mostly illegal immigrants from Pakistan and Afghanistan who were earning a little more than half the minimum wage and working twelve hours a day, seven days a week. The factory was housed in an old Victorian mill and working conditions inside were more reminiscent of 1909 than 2009.
“Though some accuse migrant workers of taking local jobs and driving down wages, the reality is that they generally take jobs that no one else is available or willing to take. In Romania, for instance, wages in the industry are so low that local workers have abandoned the industry which now relies on an influx of migrant labour from China or Bangladesh.
“With many brands and retailers turning a blind eye to abuses in their supply chain, the goods made by these workers find their way to every high street and shopping mall in Europe and North America.
“Trade unions in developing and industrialised countries alike need to do more to address this appalling exploitation. They need to map the nature and scale of the problem. They need to recruit migrant workers into union membership, make them aware of their rights and ensure they enjoy equality in wages, conditions of work, rights and opportunities. They need to exert pressure on governments, employers and buyers for action to eliminate abuses. And they need to raise awareness among consumers that there is no such thing as cheap fashion because someone somewhere always pays the price”.
International Textile, Garment and Leather Workers’ Federation
December 22, 2009 (Global)
On the occasion of International Migrants Day, the Global Union representing workers in the clothing and footwear sectors has called on unions to step up their efforts to protect the rights of migrant workers employed in the industry.
Says Patrick Itschert, General Secretary of the International Textile, Garment and Leather Workers’ Federation: “The abuse of migrant workers, including trafficked migrant labour, is a growing problem in the fashion industry, with workers often paying labour brokers a hefty fee – sometimes as much as ten years’ local minimum wage - in order to secure a job in Jordan, Malaysia, Mauritius or elsewhere.
“The fees often take the form of a loan which must then be repaid, with interest, from future earnings. Passports are withheld as security against the loan, and sometimes workers are charged additional fees if they want to change workplaces. They are typically housed in overcrowded dormitories and survive on substandard food.
“With deductions being made for their loans as well as for housing and food, workers are forced to work extremely long hours. Is it any wonder then many of these young migrant workers suffer from inadequate sleep and health disorders, including malnutrition. Without identity documents, owing money to brokers, tied to fixed contracts and far from home these workers are in reality bonded slaves.
“Today trafficked migrant workers are among those most badly affected by the economic crisis. Losing their jobs leaves them unable to pay off their debts, and they are sometimes left stranded, unable to return home, when the factories where they worked suddenly close down.
“Migrant garment workers are not found only in Amman, Kuala Lumpur or Port Louis. They are just as likely to be found in the backstreets of Barcelona, Manchester or Buenos Aires, where ruthless employers strive to undercut producers in low-wage countries.
“Earlier this year a Manchester sweatshop producing for high street brands was exposed for its exploitation of workers. The factory employed mostly illegal immigrants from Pakistan and Afghanistan who were earning a little more than half the minimum wage and working twelve hours a day, seven days a week. The factory was housed in an old Victorian mill and working conditions inside were more reminiscent of 1909 than 2009.
“Though some accuse migrant workers of taking local jobs and driving down wages, the reality is that they generally take jobs that no one else is available or willing to take. In Romania, for instance, wages in the industry are so low that local workers have abandoned the industry which now relies on an influx of migrant labour from China or Bangladesh.
“With many brands and retailers turning a blind eye to abuses in their supply chain, the goods made by these workers find their way to every high street and shopping mall in Europe and North America.
“Trade unions in developing and industrialised countries alike need to do more to address this appalling exploitation. They need to map the nature and scale of the problem. They need to recruit migrant workers into union membership, make them aware of their rights and ensure they enjoy equality in wages, conditions of work, rights and opportunities. They need to exert pressure on governments, employers and buyers for action to eliminate abuses. And they need to raise awareness among consumers that there is no such thing as cheap fashion because someone somewhere always pays the price”.
International Textile, Garment and Leather Workers’ Federation
29 October, 2009
Jordan Issues First Progress Report on Labor Reform
Report Documents Steps Taken to Attain World-Class Labor Standards
Reuters, Wed Oct 28, 2009 4:39pm EDT
WASHINGTON--(Business Wire)--
Jordan`s Minister of Labor, Dr. Gazi Shbaikat, presented today a new
comprehensive Progress Report on Jordan's strategic plan for labor compliance at
a briefing in the U.S. Congress hosted by the Democratic Leadership Council and
the Embassy of Jordan. The First Progress Report on Labor Administration and
Compliance in Jordan highlights the diligent efforts that the Government of
Jordan has made towards meeting its international obligations, including those
under the U.S.-Jordan Free Trade Agreement, and outlines the Government`s
tremendous progress in labor reform since its 2008 report.
(http://www.jordanembassyus.org/new/aboutjordan/jordanpdf/LaborReport_Oct2009.pdf)
"We hope this progress report will shed light into the steps Jordan has taken to
reform labor administration reform and to strengthen labor compliance," said
Minister Shbaikat. "We are fully committed to build on these steps to further
improve labor conditions in Jordan, despite the challenges ahead. It is a
win-win situation for all; the Government, the workers, the employers and
investors alike."
The Government`s FirstProgress Report details the various initiatives undertaken
by Jordan since the government`s 2008 report on labor administration and
compliance, which outlines the tripartite strategy Jordan has put in place that
includes: improving working conditions through enforcement and compliance
assistance, enhancing institutional capacity and increasing employment
opportunities. The First Progress report presented today provides updates on
reforms of the labor inspectorate, amendments to the 1996 Labor Code to provide
protections to guest workers, enactment of a new anti-trafficking law,
implementation of the Better Work Jordan Project (BWJ), and revisions of the
monitoring and compliance mechanisms used by the Ministry of Labor.
In his remarks today, Minister Shbaikat highlighted progress made in
implementing the Better Work Jordan Project (BWJ), which the Ministry of Labor
has undertaken in coordination with the International Labor Organization (ILO)
and the International Finance Corporation (IFC). The BWJ combines independent
factory monitoring assessments with training and remediation to improve working
conditions and enhance the global competitiveness of participating factories.
"As the first country to undertake the BWJ after Cambodia, Jordan`s
implementation of the BWJ is truly representative of its commitment to
transparency and accountability," the Minister said.
The Minister also shared the First Progress Report and stressed Jordan`s
commitment to continuing the labor reform process with U.S. officials at the
U.S. Department of Labor and State as well as with Members of Congress in both
the House of Representatives and the Senate. In addition, Minister Shbaikat met
with representatives of the U.S. apparel companies and trade associations in New
York and Washington, DC to further emphasize the Ministry`s progress in
attaining global labor standards during the last three years and underline
Jordan`s political will and commitment to continue the labor reform process.
During his meetings with U.S. administration and congressional officials,
Minister Shbaikat expressed the government`s gratitude for U.S. assistance in
providing technical and financial support to enhance institutional capacity at
the Ministry of Labor and to launch projects aimed at increasing employment
opportunities for Jordanians. He said, "We are grateful to our friends and
partners in the United States for supporting our reform efforts and for helping
us make Jordan a successful model in labor compliance for others in the region
and beyond."
For More Information Contact Press Attache Merissa Khurma @ 202-265-1606
Embassy of Jordan - Washington, DC
Information Bureau
Merissa Khurma, 202-265-1606
or
Economic and Commerce Bureau
202-362-4436
or
www.jordanembassyus.org
Copyright Business Wire 2009
Reuters, Wed Oct 28, 2009 4:39pm EDT
WASHINGTON--(Business Wire)--
Jordan`s Minister of Labor, Dr. Gazi Shbaikat, presented today a new
comprehensive Progress Report on Jordan's strategic plan for labor compliance at
a briefing in the U.S. Congress hosted by the Democratic Leadership Council and
the Embassy of Jordan. The First Progress Report on Labor Administration and
Compliance in Jordan highlights the diligent efforts that the Government of
Jordan has made towards meeting its international obligations, including those
under the U.S.-Jordan Free Trade Agreement, and outlines the Government`s
tremendous progress in labor reform since its 2008 report.
(http://www.jordanembassyus.org/new/aboutjordan/jordanpdf/LaborReport_Oct2009.pdf)
"We hope this progress report will shed light into the steps Jordan has taken to
reform labor administration reform and to strengthen labor compliance," said
Minister Shbaikat. "We are fully committed to build on these steps to further
improve labor conditions in Jordan, despite the challenges ahead. It is a
win-win situation for all; the Government, the workers, the employers and
investors alike."
The Government`s FirstProgress Report details the various initiatives undertaken
by Jordan since the government`s 2008 report on labor administration and
compliance, which outlines the tripartite strategy Jordan has put in place that
includes: improving working conditions through enforcement and compliance
assistance, enhancing institutional capacity and increasing employment
opportunities. The First Progress report presented today provides updates on
reforms of the labor inspectorate, amendments to the 1996 Labor Code to provide
protections to guest workers, enactment of a new anti-trafficking law,
implementation of the Better Work Jordan Project (BWJ), and revisions of the
monitoring and compliance mechanisms used by the Ministry of Labor.
In his remarks today, Minister Shbaikat highlighted progress made in
implementing the Better Work Jordan Project (BWJ), which the Ministry of Labor
has undertaken in coordination with the International Labor Organization (ILO)
and the International Finance Corporation (IFC). The BWJ combines independent
factory monitoring assessments with training and remediation to improve working
conditions and enhance the global competitiveness of participating factories.
"As the first country to undertake the BWJ after Cambodia, Jordan`s
implementation of the BWJ is truly representative of its commitment to
transparency and accountability," the Minister said.
The Minister also shared the First Progress Report and stressed Jordan`s
commitment to continuing the labor reform process with U.S. officials at the
U.S. Department of Labor and State as well as with Members of Congress in both
the House of Representatives and the Senate. In addition, Minister Shbaikat met
with representatives of the U.S. apparel companies and trade associations in New
York and Washington, DC to further emphasize the Ministry`s progress in
attaining global labor standards during the last three years and underline
Jordan`s political will and commitment to continue the labor reform process.
During his meetings with U.S. administration and congressional officials,
Minister Shbaikat expressed the government`s gratitude for U.S. assistance in
providing technical and financial support to enhance institutional capacity at
the Ministry of Labor and to launch projects aimed at increasing employment
opportunities for Jordanians. He said, "We are grateful to our friends and
partners in the United States for supporting our reform efforts and for helping
us make Jordan a successful model in labor compliance for others in the region
and beyond."
For More Information Contact Press Attache Merissa Khurma @ 202-265-1606
Embassy of Jordan - Washington, DC
Information Bureau
Merissa Khurma, 202-265-1606
or
Economic and Commerce Bureau
202-362-4436
or
www.jordanembassyus.org
Copyright Business Wire 2009
29 July, 2009
Labour Ministry agrees new regulations for guest workers
The Jordan Times
Wednesday, July 29th, 2009, 9:29 am Amman Time
By Hani Hazaimeh
AMMAN - The Labour Ministry on Tuesday finalised amendments to regulations governing the recruitment of expatriate workers, a measure expected to facilitate the hiring of foreign workers and streamline the sector.
"The amendments will be sent to the Cabinet for endorsement today [Tuesday] and will be put into effect after they are published in the Official Gazette," Labour Minister Ghazi Shbeikat said yesterday at a press conference.
Under the new regulations, expected to come into force next month, the bank guarantee required of employers who seek to recruit non-Jordanian workers will be cut by half, which will offset an increase in work permit fees.
Shbeikat stressed that the increase in work permit fees was aimed at protecting Jordanian workers and was decided in consultation with all parties concerned with the labour sector, adding that the revenues, generated from around 300,000 work permits the ministry issues or renews, will be used to support the recruitment of unemployed Jordanians.
Shbeikat noted that the new regulations came after the government agreed to raise work permit fees by JD70 for guest workers in all sectors except for the agriculture sector, in which fees will be raised by JD40.
The minister added that the fee raise is “insignificant” and will not affect the industrial sector, adding that the cost of guest worker recruitment does not exceed 15 per cent of total production costs.
Meanwhile, Shbeikat said that as of Thursday, the ministry will temporarily suspend its inspection campaign, which started last year, until the new regulations are in place, adding that guest workers in the Kingdom who are violating the Labour Law will be given a one-month grace period to rectify their legal situations.
The minister said the grace period will spare around 9,500 non-Jordanian workers who are working in the Kingdom without permits or whose work permits have expired. The decision includes Egyptian and Syrian workers and excludes those who came into the Kingdom on a tourist visa or to visit a relative.
Moreover, under the new regulations, workers employed in the construction and agriculture sectors will be able to change their workplace within the same sector, provided that they inform the ministry of the name of their new employer in order to update the ministry's database.
Starting August 1, the ministry will provide a one-stop-shop service for employers in order to facilitate their businesses, through which the recruitment of guest workers and the issuance and renewal of work permits will be done in one place.
As part of the measures aimed at protecting workers' financial rights, the minister said the new regulations will give the labour minister the authority to liquidate bank guarantees if an employer fails to fulfil financial obligations towards his employees, a measure that formerly required court approval.
Meanwhile, Shbeikat said the ministry is reconsidering an article in the Labour Law under which women are banned from working after 8:00pm, noting that some employers, such as malls and megastores, work late-night hours.
29 July 2009
Wednesday, July 29th, 2009, 9:29 am Amman Time
By Hani Hazaimeh
AMMAN - The Labour Ministry on Tuesday finalised amendments to regulations governing the recruitment of expatriate workers, a measure expected to facilitate the hiring of foreign workers and streamline the sector.
"The amendments will be sent to the Cabinet for endorsement today [Tuesday] and will be put into effect after they are published in the Official Gazette," Labour Minister Ghazi Shbeikat said yesterday at a press conference.
Under the new regulations, expected to come into force next month, the bank guarantee required of employers who seek to recruit non-Jordanian workers will be cut by half, which will offset an increase in work permit fees.
Shbeikat stressed that the increase in work permit fees was aimed at protecting Jordanian workers and was decided in consultation with all parties concerned with the labour sector, adding that the revenues, generated from around 300,000 work permits the ministry issues or renews, will be used to support the recruitment of unemployed Jordanians.
Shbeikat noted that the new regulations came after the government agreed to raise work permit fees by JD70 for guest workers in all sectors except for the agriculture sector, in which fees will be raised by JD40.
The minister added that the fee raise is “insignificant” and will not affect the industrial sector, adding that the cost of guest worker recruitment does not exceed 15 per cent of total production costs.
Meanwhile, Shbeikat said that as of Thursday, the ministry will temporarily suspend its inspection campaign, which started last year, until the new regulations are in place, adding that guest workers in the Kingdom who are violating the Labour Law will be given a one-month grace period to rectify their legal situations.
The minister said the grace period will spare around 9,500 non-Jordanian workers who are working in the Kingdom without permits or whose work permits have expired. The decision includes Egyptian and Syrian workers and excludes those who came into the Kingdom on a tourist visa or to visit a relative.
Moreover, under the new regulations, workers employed in the construction and agriculture sectors will be able to change their workplace within the same sector, provided that they inform the ministry of the name of their new employer in order to update the ministry's database.
Starting August 1, the ministry will provide a one-stop-shop service for employers in order to facilitate their businesses, through which the recruitment of guest workers and the issuance and renewal of work permits will be done in one place.
As part of the measures aimed at protecting workers' financial rights, the minister said the new regulations will give the labour minister the authority to liquidate bank guarantees if an employer fails to fulfil financial obligations towards his employees, a measure that formerly required court approval.
Meanwhile, Shbeikat said the ministry is reconsidering an article in the Labour Law under which women are banned from working after 8:00pm, noting that some employers, such as malls and megastores, work late-night hours.
29 July 2009
08 June, 2009
Employers, unionists warn of ‘disaster’ if work permit fees raised
By Hani Hazaimeh
The Jordan Times, Monday June 8, 2009
AMMAN - Industrialists, unionists and investors on Wednesday warned against any raise in work permit fees for guest workers.
On Monday, Labour Minister Ghazi Shbeikat said that the ministry was reconsidering the activation of an article in the current Labour Law entitling the ministry to raise the work permit fee, adding that the suggested raise stands at JD100.
If the ministry goes ahead with the move, critics said the consequences would be “disastrous”. They also charged that the decision would contradict the previous government commitment to support the industrial sector and the investment environment particularly during the current harsh economic conditions.
Athulla Edirisinghe, director and CEO of EAM Maliban Garment Company in the Duleil QIZ, described the step as "driving the last nail in the coffin of the QIZ apparel sector”.
"At a time when investors are about to appeal for support from the government to keep their businesses afloat in this country, any decision to increase the work permit fee will no doubt be the last nail in the QIZ coffin," Edirisinghe told The Jordan Times yesterday.
Dirar Sarayreh, president of Jordan Construction Contractors Association, said in a letter faxed to The Jordan Times yesterday that the ministry's decision would lead to chaos in the labour market and the construction sector in particular.
"It will result in adversary repercussions on the Kingdom's economic sector yet it will not necessarily lead to less reliance on foreign labour due to the shortage in the local skilled workforce," Sarayreh said.
President of the General Trade Union of Workers in Textile Industries Fathallah Emrani said the Labour Ministry's announcement contradicts the commitment by Prime Minister Nader Dahabi to support the industrial sector during a previous meeting with the sector’s representatives.
At the meeting which took place last month, Emrani said he handed Dahabi a list of demands deemed necessary to support the QIZ sector. The premier promised to look into the demands and take immediate measures accordingly.
The document, a copy of which was e-mailed to The Jordan Times, said that the QIZ sector, which exports 95 per cent of its production to the US, is suffering from serious ramifications due to the global economic crisis.
He noted in the letter to Dahabi that the number of US companies investing has been shrinking and several companies have left Jordan and moved the investments to other countries such as Egypt, seeking lower production costs. Other factories have been forced to close down causing significant loss of jobs.
"What is required is to sustain the remaining factories and aid them to overcome this crisis… and encourage those factories that left the country to return," read the letter addressed to the premier.
"We need immediate action to protect Jordanian workers from unemployment, especially since the textile and garment sector employs a large number of workers. If these workers lose their jobs, there will be no project or workplace that will accommodate this large number of workers."
The Cabinet agreed to exempt QIZ employers from the fee of a work permit per each employed Jordanian and to waive the fees of two more work permits per each newly employed Jordanian, Emrani said.
The unionist added the letter also included suggested measures to address this situation.
Those included holding joint meetings between stakeholders, the government, employers and trade unions, to draw mechanisms for supporting factories in order to sustain their business and lure back those who left.
The government was also urged to provide direct support for Jordanian workers by adding JD40-50 to the salaries for those who are still working in QIZ factories.
4 June 2009
The Jordan Times, Monday June 8, 2009
AMMAN - Industrialists, unionists and investors on Wednesday warned against any raise in work permit fees for guest workers.
On Monday, Labour Minister Ghazi Shbeikat said that the ministry was reconsidering the activation of an article in the current Labour Law entitling the ministry to raise the work permit fee, adding that the suggested raise stands at JD100.
If the ministry goes ahead with the move, critics said the consequences would be “disastrous”. They also charged that the decision would contradict the previous government commitment to support the industrial sector and the investment environment particularly during the current harsh economic conditions.
Athulla Edirisinghe, director and CEO of EAM Maliban Garment Company in the Duleil QIZ, described the step as "driving the last nail in the coffin of the QIZ apparel sector”.
"At a time when investors are about to appeal for support from the government to keep their businesses afloat in this country, any decision to increase the work permit fee will no doubt be the last nail in the QIZ coffin," Edirisinghe told The Jordan Times yesterday.
Dirar Sarayreh, president of Jordan Construction Contractors Association, said in a letter faxed to The Jordan Times yesterday that the ministry's decision would lead to chaos in the labour market and the construction sector in particular.
"It will result in adversary repercussions on the Kingdom's economic sector yet it will not necessarily lead to less reliance on foreign labour due to the shortage in the local skilled workforce," Sarayreh said.
President of the General Trade Union of Workers in Textile Industries Fathallah Emrani said the Labour Ministry's announcement contradicts the commitment by Prime Minister Nader Dahabi to support the industrial sector during a previous meeting with the sector’s representatives.
At the meeting which took place last month, Emrani said he handed Dahabi a list of demands deemed necessary to support the QIZ sector. The premier promised to look into the demands and take immediate measures accordingly.
The document, a copy of which was e-mailed to The Jordan Times, said that the QIZ sector, which exports 95 per cent of its production to the US, is suffering from serious ramifications due to the global economic crisis.
He noted in the letter to Dahabi that the number of US companies investing has been shrinking and several companies have left Jordan and moved the investments to other countries such as Egypt, seeking lower production costs. Other factories have been forced to close down causing significant loss of jobs.
"What is required is to sustain the remaining factories and aid them to overcome this crisis… and encourage those factories that left the country to return," read the letter addressed to the premier.
"We need immediate action to protect Jordanian workers from unemployment, especially since the textile and garment sector employs a large number of workers. If these workers lose their jobs, there will be no project or workplace that will accommodate this large number of workers."
The Cabinet agreed to exempt QIZ employers from the fee of a work permit per each employed Jordanian and to waive the fees of two more work permits per each newly employed Jordanian, Emrani said.
The unionist added the letter also included suggested measures to address this situation.
Those included holding joint meetings between stakeholders, the government, employers and trade unions, to draw mechanisms for supporting factories in order to sustain their business and lure back those who left.
The government was also urged to provide direct support for Jordanian workers by adding JD40-50 to the salaries for those who are still working in QIZ factories.
4 June 2009
13 May, 2009
New draft of Labour Law finalised - Shbeikat
New draft of Labour Law finalised - Shbeikat
12 May 2009
AMMAN - The Labour Ministry has finalised a new draft of the Labour Law that guarantees protection and job security for all types of workers, and the Cabinet is expected to discuss the bill during its weekly meeting today, Labour Minister Ghazi Shbeikat said on Monday.
In an interview with the Jordan News Agency, Petra, Shbeikat said the ministry's ongoing inspection campaign was very successful in addressing the issue of illegal labourers who change the work sector specified in their work or residency permits.
He pointed out that the campaign, which is focusing on the construction sector, covered 190 institutions where 6,850 guest labourers were found in violation of regulations.
"Of this number, 1,160 were violating residency regulations, while 5,690 were in violation of the Labour Law," the minister said, adding that more than 3,000 of these workers will be repatriated.
Shbeikat also noted that the ministry has managed to resolve 250 out of 350 complaints it received against domestic helper recruitment agencies.
"The ministry has issued new regulations blacklisting companies that do not abide by the Labour Law with regard to the recruitment process of domestic helpers," he said, adding that companies found violating the law will be banned from applying for work permits.
Recruitment
Meanwhile, the minister noted that 1,214 out of 63,000 job seekers who applied at the ministry's recruitment directorates across the Kingdom, secured employment.
Noting that there are still 12,131 vacancies in 718 institutions, Shbeikat said the applicants refused these jobs for a variety of reasons such as location, salaries and the nature of the post.
In addition, the ministry is working on establishing a company that will be tasked with training and employing Jordanians for the agricultural sector as well as drawing up a plan to benefit from the University of Jordan's Institute of Agricultural Research, Training, Extension and Education in Deir Alla, which His Majesty King Abdullah inaugurated on the occasion of Labour Day.
"His Majesty King Abdullah's initiative to create 20,000 job opportunities in the agricultural sector will contribute to a large extent in reducing the impact of the global financial crisis on this sector, which is considered vital in addressing unemployment," Shbeikat said, noting that the unemployment rate during the first quarter of the current year stood at 12.1 per cent.
He added that the Royal directives to the government will motivate workers to enhance their productivity.
Earlier this month, the Monarch instructed the government to implement a series of measures to enhance the situation of workers and create new jobs.
In response to the King's directives, the government announced the formation of a socio-economic council comprising representatives of employers, employees, civil society institutions and the public sector to offer advice on effective steps that can be taken to enhance the situation of the Kingdom's labourers.
By Hani Hazaimeh and Petra
© Jordan Times 2009
12 May 2009
AMMAN - The Labour Ministry has finalised a new draft of the Labour Law that guarantees protection and job security for all types of workers, and the Cabinet is expected to discuss the bill during its weekly meeting today, Labour Minister Ghazi Shbeikat said on Monday.
In an interview with the Jordan News Agency, Petra, Shbeikat said the ministry's ongoing inspection campaign was very successful in addressing the issue of illegal labourers who change the work sector specified in their work or residency permits.
He pointed out that the campaign, which is focusing on the construction sector, covered 190 institutions where 6,850 guest labourers were found in violation of regulations.
"Of this number, 1,160 were violating residency regulations, while 5,690 were in violation of the Labour Law," the minister said, adding that more than 3,000 of these workers will be repatriated.
Shbeikat also noted that the ministry has managed to resolve 250 out of 350 complaints it received against domestic helper recruitment agencies.
"The ministry has issued new regulations blacklisting companies that do not abide by the Labour Law with regard to the recruitment process of domestic helpers," he said, adding that companies found violating the law will be banned from applying for work permits.
Recruitment
Meanwhile, the minister noted that 1,214 out of 63,000 job seekers who applied at the ministry's recruitment directorates across the Kingdom, secured employment.
Noting that there are still 12,131 vacancies in 718 institutions, Shbeikat said the applicants refused these jobs for a variety of reasons such as location, salaries and the nature of the post.
In addition, the ministry is working on establishing a company that will be tasked with training and employing Jordanians for the agricultural sector as well as drawing up a plan to benefit from the University of Jordan's Institute of Agricultural Research, Training, Extension and Education in Deir Alla, which His Majesty King Abdullah inaugurated on the occasion of Labour Day.
"His Majesty King Abdullah's initiative to create 20,000 job opportunities in the agricultural sector will contribute to a large extent in reducing the impact of the global financial crisis on this sector, which is considered vital in addressing unemployment," Shbeikat said, noting that the unemployment rate during the first quarter of the current year stood at 12.1 per cent.
He added that the Royal directives to the government will motivate workers to enhance their productivity.
Earlier this month, the Monarch instructed the government to implement a series of measures to enhance the situation of workers and create new jobs.
In response to the King's directives, the government announced the formation of a socio-economic council comprising representatives of employers, employees, civil society institutions and the public sector to offer advice on effective steps that can be taken to enhance the situation of the Kingdom's labourers.
By Hani Hazaimeh and Petra
© Jordan Times 2009
28 April, 2009
'Kingdom’s industries face credit crunch despite positive figures'
'Kingdom’s industries face credit crunch despite positive figures'
The Jordan Times
Tuesday, April 28th, 2009, 3:56 am Amman Time
By Omar Obeidat
AMMAN –– Around 90 per cent of the industrial sector in the Kingdom is encountering difficulties in obtaining credit facilities due to banks’ strict lending policies, according to Jordan Chamber of Industry Director General Zaki Ayoubi.
Ayoubi told The Jordan Times that although official figures show credit facilities to the industrial sector increasing in 2009, small and medium enterprises (SMEs) are struggling to get loans.
“Many SMEs are complaining about the restrictions imposed by banks on credit facilities,” he said, adding that some companies are having difficulties funding their export operations.
According to Central Bank figures issued late last month, credit facilities to the industrial sector increased by JD26.6 million to JD1.62 billion during the first two months of 2009 compared with JD1.59 billion at the end of 2008.
“We are concerned that although loans to large companies may have increased, the number of loans to SMEs seems to have dropped,” Ayoubi explained, noting that the Kingdom’s SMEs employ around 200,000 workers.
Saed Abu Yahia, director of a medium-sized pharmaceutical manufacturing company, said that bank procedures nowadays take a long time when applying for loans.
He said that although his company, which employs 23 people and exports products worth JD2 million per year, might eventually get the same volume of loans if collaterals are secured, the application to be approved by banks, which used to take a few days, now takes weeks.
Ayoubi warned that banks’ strict lending measures may force some SMEs to close down because of financial deficits.
“There are successful small and medium companies in the market which should be supported by liquidity at this critical time due to the financial crisis,” he noted.
However, Dana Bayat, head of the Jordan Garments Accessories and Textiles Exports Association, said that even large companies in the textile sector are having difficulties obtaining loans.
There are limitations on the volume of lending facilities and on letters of credit, Bayat said, also pointing out the high interest rates on loans.
Jordanian exports during the first two months of 2009 increased by 7 per cent reaching JD608 million compared with JD569 million for the same period of 2008, according to official figures. But the figure, industrialists said, does not reflect the actual situation of the sector as details show several exporters stumbling.
Garment sector exports dropped by 19 per cent totalling JD96 million during the first two months of this year compared to JD119 million last year, while pharmaceutical sector exports dropped by 27 per cent from JD60 million to JD44 million.
The plummeting exports from these two industries, among others, were partially offset by a 200 per cent increase in phosphate exports.
26 April 2009
The Jordan Times
Tuesday, April 28th, 2009, 3:56 am Amman Time
By Omar Obeidat
AMMAN –– Around 90 per cent of the industrial sector in the Kingdom is encountering difficulties in obtaining credit facilities due to banks’ strict lending policies, according to Jordan Chamber of Industry Director General Zaki Ayoubi.Ayoubi told The Jordan Times that although official figures show credit facilities to the industrial sector increasing in 2009, small and medium enterprises (SMEs) are struggling to get loans.
“Many SMEs are complaining about the restrictions imposed by banks on credit facilities,” he said, adding that some companies are having difficulties funding their export operations.
According to Central Bank figures issued late last month, credit facilities to the industrial sector increased by JD26.6 million to JD1.62 billion during the first two months of 2009 compared with JD1.59 billion at the end of 2008.
“We are concerned that although loans to large companies may have increased, the number of loans to SMEs seems to have dropped,” Ayoubi explained, noting that the Kingdom’s SMEs employ around 200,000 workers.
Saed Abu Yahia, director of a medium-sized pharmaceutical manufacturing company, said that bank procedures nowadays take a long time when applying for loans.
He said that although his company, which employs 23 people and exports products worth JD2 million per year, might eventually get the same volume of loans if collaterals are secured, the application to be approved by banks, which used to take a few days, now takes weeks.
Ayoubi warned that banks’ strict lending measures may force some SMEs to close down because of financial deficits.
“There are successful small and medium companies in the market which should be supported by liquidity at this critical time due to the financial crisis,” he noted.
However, Dana Bayat, head of the Jordan Garments Accessories and Textiles Exports Association, said that even large companies in the textile sector are having difficulties obtaining loans.
There are limitations on the volume of lending facilities and on letters of credit, Bayat said, also pointing out the high interest rates on loans.
Jordanian exports during the first two months of 2009 increased by 7 per cent reaching JD608 million compared with JD569 million for the same period of 2008, according to official figures. But the figure, industrialists said, does not reflect the actual situation of the sector as details show several exporters stumbling.
Garment sector exports dropped by 19 per cent totalling JD96 million during the first two months of this year compared to JD119 million last year, while pharmaceutical sector exports dropped by 27 per cent from JD60 million to JD44 million.
The plummeting exports from these two industries, among others, were partially offset by a 200 per cent increase in phosphate exports.
26 April 2009
06 March, 2009
Unionists declare QIZ workers’ exclusion from minimum wage hike ‘discriminatory’
Unionists declare QIZ workers’ exclusion from minimum wage hike ‘discriminatory’
By Hani Hazaimeh
AMMAN - Unionists on Thursday denounced the government’s decision to exclude Qualifying Industrial Zone (QIZ) workers from the new minimum wage as “discrimination” against sector labourers.
General Trade Union of Workers in Textile Industries (GTUWTI) President Fathallah Emrani said on Thursday Jordanian QIZ workers’ exclusion from the new JD150 minimum wage was at odds with the Labour Law.
"When it comes to labourers’ rights, the law does not distinguish between workers, regardless of the sector," Emrani said in a press conference yesterday, adding that without a hike in minimum wage, more Jordanians are expected to leave the sector, which has seen a drop in local staff.
"Around 23,387 Jordanians were employed by QIZ companies in 2004; this figure dropped to fewer than 11,000 by the end of 2008," Emrani said, calling on the government to adjust the minimum wage for Jordanian QIZ workers.
In October of last year, the Labour Ministry raised the minimum wage from JD110 to JD150 a month for 200,000 labourers, a decision that excluded QIZ firms, who in turn pledged to raise their Jordanian workers' salaries voluntarily.
On January 8, the Labour Ministry, the GTUWTI and the Jordan Garment, Accessories and Textiles Exporters Association signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) under which garment factory owners agreed to raise the wages of around 12,000 Jordanians working in QIZs to JD150 monthly.
None of the QIZ companies, however have abided by the MoU, Emrani said, adding that owners conditioned any salary increase for Jordanian workers on government support for QIZ companies to offset financial losses spurred by a drop in demand from the US market.
In September 2007, Prime Minister Nader Dahabi formed an ad hoc committee headed by the labour minister and comprising members from garment sector owners and workers, tasked with addressing obstacles hindering the sector's progress.
Emrani noted that the committee has “only met once” since its creation, stressing that he believes it has failed to live up to its duty of assessing the compatibility of labour legislations and the QIZ sector.
Meanwhile, Emrani said that through mediation, the GTUWTI settled 69 collective labour disputes between workers and employers involving over 4,600 labourers, in addition to 1,776 individual cases, last year.
The Kingdom's Qualifying Industrial Zones house 91 garment factories employing around 40,000 workers from China, Nepal, Sri Lanka, India and Bangladesh in addition to Jordan.
6 March 2009
By Hani Hazaimeh
AMMAN - Unionists on Thursday denounced the government’s decision to exclude Qualifying Industrial Zone (QIZ) workers from the new minimum wage as “discrimination” against sector labourers.
General Trade Union of Workers in Textile Industries (GTUWTI) President Fathallah Emrani said on Thursday Jordanian QIZ workers’ exclusion from the new JD150 minimum wage was at odds with the Labour Law.
"When it comes to labourers’ rights, the law does not distinguish between workers, regardless of the sector," Emrani said in a press conference yesterday, adding that without a hike in minimum wage, more Jordanians are expected to leave the sector, which has seen a drop in local staff.
"Around 23,387 Jordanians were employed by QIZ companies in 2004; this figure dropped to fewer than 11,000 by the end of 2008," Emrani said, calling on the government to adjust the minimum wage for Jordanian QIZ workers.
In October of last year, the Labour Ministry raised the minimum wage from JD110 to JD150 a month for 200,000 labourers, a decision that excluded QIZ firms, who in turn pledged to raise their Jordanian workers' salaries voluntarily.
On January 8, the Labour Ministry, the GTUWTI and the Jordan Garment, Accessories and Textiles Exporters Association signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) under which garment factory owners agreed to raise the wages of around 12,000 Jordanians working in QIZs to JD150 monthly.
None of the QIZ companies, however have abided by the MoU, Emrani said, adding that owners conditioned any salary increase for Jordanian workers on government support for QIZ companies to offset financial losses spurred by a drop in demand from the US market.
In September 2007, Prime Minister Nader Dahabi formed an ad hoc committee headed by the labour minister and comprising members from garment sector owners and workers, tasked with addressing obstacles hindering the sector's progress.
Emrani noted that the committee has “only met once” since its creation, stressing that he believes it has failed to live up to its duty of assessing the compatibility of labour legislations and the QIZ sector.
Meanwhile, Emrani said that through mediation, the GTUWTI settled 69 collective labour disputes between workers and employers involving over 4,600 labourers, in addition to 1,776 individual cases, last year.
The Kingdom's Qualifying Industrial Zones house 91 garment factories employing around 40,000 workers from China, Nepal, Sri Lanka, India and Bangladesh in addition to Jordan.
6 March 2009
17 February, 2009
Jordan: USAID and Garment Design Center offer course to garment designers and manufacturers
USAID and Garment Design Center offer course to garment designers and manufacturers
In an effort to promote the garment sector and enhance its productivity, USAID Jordan Economic Development Program (SABEQ) in partnership with the Garment Design and Training Services Center (GSC) are running a course on 'Implementation of Paper Patterns on Fabric' which complements an earlier series of training course on 'Pattern Making'.
The courses target small and medium enterprises in the garment and clothing industry. The new ten days course will be conducted at the GSC premises from 15 - 25th February 2009.
Aligning with the USAID Jordan Economic Development Program's strategic aims of driving economic growth, the GSC training courses provide local garment designers and manufacturers with the necessary tools to upgrade and build their capacities. Potential industry growth in the national and international markets has encouraged the GSC to provide its specialized technical services to the garment industry. The courses also aim to expose and create job opportunities for young designers and link them to businesses.
Building on its previous success in running training courses for the garment industry, the GSC in cooperation with a professional trainer conducted a patternmaking techniques course for T-shirt, skirt, blouse, pants and dress. Soon, the need to apply patterns to fabric was identified, and the new course was designed. For continuity purposes and the running of similar training activities, GSC nominated an ex-trainee as a counterpart, to work with the trainer in preparation of his taking over further training missions with the GSC.
'There are so many potentials… designers with astonishing talent; and there is a world of opportunity in a global market we aim at giving our students the right training to set them on that course with the hope of seeing Jordanian designers recognized on the international level,'
said Raghad Al Khoja, CEO of the Garment Design and Training Services Centre, thanking all supporters and funding agencies who gave the Centre their trust and support to fulfill their mission. In addition to USAID Jordan Economic Development program SABEQ, GSC is supported on the national level by E-TVET Fund (Employment- Technical and Vocational Education and Training Fund) as well as JE.
On his part, Mr Laith Al Qasem, Chief of Party, USAID Jordan Economic Development Program (SABEQ), said that the strategic aims of GSC and those of the Program to drive economic growth and create jobs for Jordanians meet and have materialized in this worthy partnership, 'Potentials for the garment industry are great. With new skills opportunities become more frequent for people. GSC are on the right track of better positioning the sector on the path to further success.'
The USAID Jordan Economic Development Program (SABEQ) is a five year broad economic development initiative implemented by Bearing Point, Inc. and a sizeable team of international and Jordanian partner firms. By both supporting improvements in the business environment and providing assistance to expand innovation and productivity in Jordanian businesses, it supports the main objective of building up the private sector as a powerful engine of economic growth.
In an effort to promote the garment sector and enhance its productivity, USAID Jordan Economic Development Program (SABEQ) in partnership with the Garment Design and Training Services Center (GSC) are running a course on 'Implementation of Paper Patterns on Fabric' which complements an earlier series of training course on 'Pattern Making'.
The courses target small and medium enterprises in the garment and clothing industry. The new ten days course will be conducted at the GSC premises from 15 - 25th February 2009.
Aligning with the USAID Jordan Economic Development Program's strategic aims of driving economic growth, the GSC training courses provide local garment designers and manufacturers with the necessary tools to upgrade and build their capacities. Potential industry growth in the national and international markets has encouraged the GSC to provide its specialized technical services to the garment industry. The courses also aim to expose and create job opportunities for young designers and link them to businesses.
Building on its previous success in running training courses for the garment industry, the GSC in cooperation with a professional trainer conducted a patternmaking techniques course for T-shirt, skirt, blouse, pants and dress. Soon, the need to apply patterns to fabric was identified, and the new course was designed. For continuity purposes and the running of similar training activities, GSC nominated an ex-trainee as a counterpart, to work with the trainer in preparation of his taking over further training missions with the GSC.
'There are so many potentials… designers with astonishing talent; and there is a world of opportunity in a global market we aim at giving our students the right training to set them on that course with the hope of seeing Jordanian designers recognized on the international level,'
said Raghad Al Khoja, CEO of the Garment Design and Training Services Centre, thanking all supporters and funding agencies who gave the Centre their trust and support to fulfill their mission. In addition to USAID Jordan Economic Development program SABEQ, GSC is supported on the national level by E-TVET Fund (Employment- Technical and Vocational Education and Training Fund) as well as JE.
On his part, Mr Laith Al Qasem, Chief of Party, USAID Jordan Economic Development Program (SABEQ), said that the strategic aims of GSC and those of the Program to drive economic growth and create jobs for Jordanians meet and have materialized in this worthy partnership, 'Potentials for the garment industry are great. With new skills opportunities become more frequent for people. GSC are on the right track of better positioning the sector on the path to further success.'
The USAID Jordan Economic Development Program (SABEQ) is a five year broad economic development initiative implemented by Bearing Point, Inc. and a sizeable team of international and Jordanian partner firms. By both supporting improvements in the business environment and providing assistance to expand innovation and productivity in Jordanian businesses, it supports the main objective of building up the private sector as a powerful engine of economic growth.
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