Amman, Jordan (October 28, 2024): twenty-seven Jordanian trade professionals have been awarded certificates today, marking the completion of the first phase of the “Export Launchpad Jordan,” an international trade capacity-building and market access support program. This took place during the Export Launchpad Jordan Certificate Award Ceremony which marks a successful occasion for the collaboration between the International Islamic Trade Finance Corporation (ITFC), member of the Islamic Development Bank (IsDB) Group under Aid for Trade Initiative for the Arab States (AFTIAS 2.0) Program, as well as Global Affairs Canada (GAC) through its Women in Trade for Inclusive and Sustainable Growth (WIT) project, implemented by Trade Facilitation Office (TFO) Canada, in partnership with the Jordan Enterprise Development Corporation (JEDCO).
His Excellency Mr. Abdel Fattah Al-Kayed, JEDCO’s Chief Executive Officer graced the occasion as the Chief Guest and thanked all the relevant local & international stakeholders for organizing such an impactful program. Mr. Tarik Ali Khan, Ambassador of Canada to the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan was also in attendance, delivering remarks that highlighted the growing partnership between Jordan and Canada. The Ambassador emphasized the importance of initiatives like Export Launchpad Jordan in not only enhancing Jordan’s export capabilities but also fostering inclusive and sustainable economic growth.
Export Launchpad Jordan is a technical assistance project aiming to build human resources in the field of international trade and to equip JEDCO and other national trade support institutions (TSIs)/business support organizations (BSOs) with the tools and capacity to deliver trade training and export-focused support services to Jordanian Small- and Medium-sized Enterprise (SME) exporters and potential exporters. Twenty-seven (27) technical trade professionals from key partner organizations: Trade Support Institutions (TSIs)/Trade Promotion Organizations (TPOs)/Business Promotion Organizations (BPOs) in Jordan, are now equipped and ready to train Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) interested in exporting their goods and services.
“The success of the Export Launchpad Jordan program demonstrates our commitment to enhancing the export readiness of Jordanian enterprises. By equipping our trade professionals with international trade expertise, we are paving the way for Jordanian businesses to thrive in global markets. This collaboration with ITFC and TFO Canada is a key step in achieving sustainable economic growth and positioning Jordan as a strong player in the international trade arena.”, added Abdel Fattah Al-Kayed, JEDCO’s CEO.
“On behalf of the Government of Canada, I congratulate 27 Jordanian trainers for completing a Training of Trainers (ToT) program and for training of 52 Jordanian SMEs as part of the Export Launchpad Jordan initiative. Supported by Canada’s Women in Trade for Inclusive & Sustainable Growth (WIT) project, implemented by the Trade Facilitation Office Canada, this will help strengthen Jordanian exports to Canada and other countries. These trainers and SMEs are part of our collective efforts to leverage the Canada-Jordan Free Trade Agreement to promote women’s economic empowerment and inclusive economic growth as part of the Government of Jordan’s Economic Modernization Vision. “ said Mr. Tarik Ali Khan
He added, “I want to express my appreciation to our local implementing partners, the Jordan Exporters Association (JEA) and Jordan Enterprise Development Corporation (JEDCO), as well as the International Islamic Trade Finance Corporation (ITFC) for funding the Export Launchpad Jordan, and the Trade Facilitation Office Canada (TFOC), a globally recognized expert on trade promotion and export. I wish all Jordanian exporters and potential exporters the very best as they seek new markets!”
“Within ITFC’s mandate to prioritize SMEs as the backbone of economic development, the Jordanian MSMEs play a vital role in Jordan’s private sector and the contribution to the overall GDP. Strengthening these businesses, is vital for the Jordanian economy’s resilience. Under the AfTIAS Program and In collaboration with our partners TFO Canada, and JEDCO, we recognize that digital tools and solutions offer MSMEs the opportunity to enhance efficiency, promote growth, and ultimately flourish in the global market. As such, Export Launchpad Jordan, aligned with ITFC’s mission, serves as a crucial initiative for economic recovery.” commented -Mr. Aymen Kasem, Division Manager, Trade Development at ITFC.
“We are grateful to the ITFC for the leadership they have demonstrated in supporting its member countries to seek international markets. Through this program, TFO Canada is bringing internationally experienced sector experts, to design and deliver unique export-readiness training. Given the challenges we all face post COVID-19, our collaboration with JEDCO of the Export Launchpad Jordan project is impressive and will result in Jordanian SMEs increasing and diversifying their exports to the world, thereby contributing to inclusive and sustainable economic growth of the country.” commented Steve Tipman, Executive Director of TFO Canada.
Under the second component, funded by GAC, TFO Canada, with close participation and contribution of JEDCO and Jordan Exporters Association (JEA), will facilitate a buyer mission for 30 agri-food SMEs in Jordan and a B2B mission of 10 dead sea cosmetics SMEs to Canada during Nov 2024. The selected SMEs will be provided export training by the trainers (from first component) and additional coaching by TFO Canada’s international sector experts to prepare them for the two trade missions. The objective of the second component is for the Jordanian SMEs to create export success through improved export capacity.
These SMEs took part in exporter training programs, received advisory support to help them select and adapt products from their current product line most appropriate for export to Canada and other international markets, benefited from technical assistance to help them develop appropriate export price lists for their products and will take part in trade missions to Canada or other destinations. This component will also have an emphasis on digital trade, showing SMEs how to establish an online presence and implement e-commerce strategies.
