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REVIEW
The American Chamber of Commerce in Jordan Newsletter 2013/14
In This Issue
• Letter from the Ambassador
• Letter from the Chairman
• AmCham Partners
AmCham Co-Partners
AmCham Platinum plus
• AmCham Projects
• Executive Events and Workshops
• Members List
AmCham Would Like to Thank Its
Chief Technology Sponsor
Useful Contacts
Emergency Numbers
Helpful Contacts
Traffic Police
190
Jordan Chamber of Commerce
06 590 2040
Rescue Police
191
Amman Chamber of Commerce
06 566 6151
Capital Police
192
Jordan Chamber of Industry
06 464 1648
Highway Patrol
194
Amman Chamber of Industry
06 464 3001
Public Safety
196
Zarqa Chamber of Commerce
05 385 1710
Civil Defense
199
Zarqa Chamber of Industry
05 393 2841
Telephone Directory
1212
Al Karak Chamber of Commerce
03 235 1171
Telephone Problems
1214
Irbid Chamber of Commerce
02 727 0026
International Information
1322
Aqaba Chamber of Commerce
03 201 2229
Airport
06 445 2000
Aqaba Special Economic Zone
03 209 1000
Highway Police
06 534 3401
Customs Department
06 462 3186
Municipality
06 535 9970
Great Amman Municipality
06 463 6111
Higher Council for Science & Technology
06 534 0401
Jordan Investment Board
06 560 8400
Jordan Tourism Board
06 567 8444
Royal Scientific Society
06 534 4701
Sales Tax Inquiries
06 462 4612
Social Security Corporation
06 550 7505
Jordanian Exporters Association
06 568 5603
Jordan Stone and Tile Exporters
06 568 1612
Jordan Inbound Tour Operators
Association
06 553 8597
Young Entreprenuers Association
06 464 4451
Information Technology Association
06 515 2322
Jordan Pharmaceutical Association
06 566 5320
Jordanian Businessmen‘s Association
06 567 7425
Jordanian Society of Tourism and Travel
Agents
06 463 8599
Jordan Forum for Business and
Professional Women
06 551 1647
Jordan Intellectual Property Association
06 551 5007
06 569 9631
Ministries
Prime Ministry
06 464 1211
Ministry of Finance
06 463 6321
Ministry of Industry, Trade, and Supplies
06 562 9030
Ministry of Interior
06 569 1141
Ministry of Justice
06 460 3630
Ministry of Municipality Affairs
06 464 1393
Ministry of Planning and International
Cooperation
06 464 4381
Ministry of Public Works and Housing
06 580 3835
Ministry of Social Development
06 567 8490
Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities
06 460 3360
Ministry of Transport
06 551 8111
Ministry of Water and Irrigation
06 565 2267
Ministry of Labor
06 580 2666
Ministry of Health
06 520 0230
Ministry of Agriculture
06 568 6151
Ministry of Information and
Communication Technology
06 580 5700
Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources
06 586 5714
Jordan Exporters and Producers
Association For Fruits and Vegetables
(JEPA)
Ministry of Education
06 560 7331
Jordan-Europe Business Association
06 585 1924
Ministry of Higher Education
06 534 7671
Jordan Customs
06 462 3186
Ministry of Islamic Awqaf & Trust Affairs
06 566 6141
Jordan Income and Sales Tax Dept
06 462 4577
Ministry of Municipality & Environment
06 556 0113
Jordanian Free Zones Corporation
05 382 6429
Ministry of Foreign Affairs
06 573 5150
Development Zones Corporation
06 580 2405
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AmCham Partners
Zain in Jordan
Founded in 1995, Zain in Jordan was the first operator to introduce
mobile phone services into the country. In just a few years, it earned its
reputation as the most progressive telecom operator in the region in terms
of competitiveness, readiness to adopt new technologies, cutting-edge
services and investment in community development through the most
active and substantive corporate social responsibility (CSR) program in the
country.
Since its inception, Zain in Jordan has tallied subscriber growth at an
exponential rate, with the number of users currently around 3.89 million
subscribers. Through more than 2,943 sites, Zain covers the entire populated
area of the Kingdom.
In January 2003, the Zain Group acquired Zain in Jordan in what was
considered the largest single acquisition in the Middle East area, and the
largest private sector investment in Jordan. Today, Zain is the leading and
the largest telecommunications network operator and services provider in
the country. Since day one, Zain has deployed an advanced infrastructure
and launched its services over a state-of-the-art network, one of the most
developed networks in the region.
The Applied Science Private University
The Applied Science University seeks to be one of the foremost, distinctive
universities in higher education and scientific research, both domestically
and internationally, while also playing a vital role in developing Arab society
in general, and Jordanian society in particular. The University works to
provide the best learning, teaching, and research opportunities to students
and academics, while keeping pace with international standards. ASU offers
vital services to the Jordanian and Arab societies via education, research,
and counseling, as well as serving Jordanian society through integrating
comprehensive quality controls and the continuous improvement of the
educational, research and administrative fields of the university. In addition
to creating a healthy and supportive educational milieu, which preserves
the university’s advanced standing as a haven for science, knowledge,
and virtue, ASU supplies students with the basics of modern knowledge,
integrative value systems, as well as polishing the student’s personal
attributes to make them capable of creativity, teamwork, and competition
domestically, regionally, and internationally. The University is located in the
Shafa Badran district within the borders of Greater Amman Municipality.
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Jordan Anti-Corruption Commission
The Jordan Anti-Corruption Commission (JACC) was established as an
independent commission in compliance with the requirements of the
United Nations Convention Against Corruption (UNAC), which was ratified
by Jordan in 2005. As a result, the Anti-Corruption Commission Law No.
(62) for the year 2006 was issued, stipulating JACC’s mandate, objectives,
jurisdiction, and defining acts of corruption. In 2012, the law was amended
to increase the compliance with UNAC.
Vision:
An effective and efficient legislative, administrative and media system that
fosters the principles of national integrity and entrenches citizens’ trust in
national institutions.
Mission:
Develop and implement active policies to entrench the principles of national
integrity through activating a culture that rejects corruption, and developing
efficient mechanisms and strategies capable of eliminating corruption,
draining its sources and curbing its spread in the community.
For more information:
Telephone:
+962 6 550 3150 - Website:
www.jacc.gov.jo
Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/AntiCorruptionCommission
Twitter:
@Jordan_ACC
Jordan Bromine Company Limited
JBC is Jordan’s first and only producer and manufacturer of bromine and
bromine derivatives. Established in January 1999, the Company is a joint
venture between the Arab Potash Company and Albemarle Holdings LTD, a
100% affiliate of Albemarle Corporation.
Registered as a private Free Zone Establishment in Safi located in the
southeast area of the Dead Sea, Jordan in June 2000, JBC employs over 340
people and is the first Jordanian company to become IMDG, ADR & IATA
certified. Since its inception, the Company has successfully established
sales in more than 30 countries worldwide, and is also the first company of
its kind in Jordan to become an authorized exporter to Europe.
Our mission is a simple one: we strive to maintain our role as a leading
and competitive global producer and manufacturer of bromine and bromine
derivatives, providing our customers across the globe with high-quality and
safe products at the lowest costs. We are committed to long-term growth
and excellence through customer and supplier partnerships, creating value
for all.
Throughout our processes, sustainability is our ultimate goal. We operate
with a long-term view in mind, and because we are a company built on
responsibility, we do not compromise on our promise of future prosperity
for our employees, our customers, our communities, our investors and the
environment.
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Bank al Etihad
Bank al Etihad is a Jordan-based financial and banking services institution,
established in 1978 as a public shareholding company, with a paid up
capital of JDs 110,000,000, a capital base in excess of JOD 235 million, and
a capital adequacy ratio of 16.91%.
Bank al Etihad operates a growing network of 34 branches and is expected
to grow to 38 branches and a central exchange unit by the end of 2014, in
addition to one branch in Ramallah, Palestine. Bank al Etihad also owns a
brokerage firm called “Etihad Brokerage” that was established in 2006.
Bank al Etihad financed a number of key infrastructure projects that hold
long-term benefits to the Kingdom and its citizens in sectors such as
electricity, energy, renewable energy, higher education, tourism, water
desalination and water treatment. The bank also offers a variety of products
and services that serve corporate clients, SMEs, and targeted segments
within the retail market, in addition to treasury and investment services.
Corporate social responsibility has always been part of the bank’s DNA
and its key values; the bank supports local communities and adopts
several initiatives mainly in the areas of education, youth, culture and arts.
Additionally, Bank al Etihad is an advocate of numerous charity organizations
associated with disabilities and special needs. The bank also offers its own
“Halim Salfiti Theater” for free to all musicians and art activities.
Nader Group
Established in Jordan in 1980, Nader Group is a family-owned holding
group with a network of companies in the fields of fast-moving consumer
goods (FMCGs), retail, logistics, and food processing. Not only a leader
in the market for quality products and exceptional brand building, Nader
Group is also at the forefront of both local and regional distribution. With
its performance-driven company culture, Nader Group works to raise the
benchmark for high quality service in the FMCG distribution industry by
identifying consumer needs and exceeding their demands and expectations.
Nader Group’s umbrella extends to encompass numerous subsidiaries
and joint ventures, including Modern Arab Distribution Ltd (MADL), Arab
Italian Trading Company (AITCo) and Aqaba Processing Co. (APC). Each of
the group’s subsidiaries adheres to the company’s fundamental values of
passion, integrity and excellence.
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AmCham Partners
KADDB INVESTMENT GROUP
The KADDB Investment Group (KIG) acts as the commercial and investment
arm for the King Abdullah II Design and Development Bureau (KADDB) and
its affiliates.
The KIG aims at establishing new and growing businesses in the defense
and security industries along with various services that would complement
these industries.
The scope of work covered by the Group’s affiliates is represented in
business clusters: Automotive and Industrial, Troops, Arms and Ammunition,
Electronics and Electro-Optics, as well as a supplementary cluster.
The Group focuses on its market outreach through implementing effective
strategies to satisfy the client and investor needs while enhancing the
performance of the Group.
Investors with the Group enjoy a high level of marketing exposure,
accessibility to a wide range of research and industrial capabilities, land
provisions and facilities through a purpose-built free industrial zone,
contributions to working capital, as well as facilitation of all logistics and
procedures.
In a short period of time, the KADDB Investment Group has managed to
place itself on the world map by not only being active in the Middle East
and Africa, but by also reaching Europe, the Americas, South, Central and
East Asia.
Specialized Technical Services
Specialized Technical Services is an information technology solutions and
services provider that operates in the MENA region. Founded in Jordan in
1989 by Ramzi Zeine and Humam Mufti, along with Aiman Mazahreh and
Omar Shaban, STS was the first to embrace “open” systems and promote
the latest networking technologies in Jordan. By building a highly qualified
technical team and working transparently with its customers, STS attracted
the world’s leading IT vendors and built long-term partnerships with them.
By the year 2000, armed with its reputation for timely delivery projects
and strong customer relationships, STS expanded into the Gulf countries
and scored several major success stories in the the UAE, KSA, Qatar and
Bahrain.
STS’s solutions and services cover a diverse set of technologies ranging
from server and data center solutions, enterprise network infrastructure
and structured cabling, e-business and e-government solutions, software
infrastructure and security solutions, and STS’s own payment processing
solutions.
With around 350 certified staff, STS provides assurance that its services
adhere to best practices. It serves most industry sectors with a focus on
financial services, governments, telecommunications, education, health,
commercial and small-medium businesses (SMB’s). STS is head-quartered
in Jordan, with offices in the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain
and Palestine, and works with local partners in other countries such as
Qatar, Lebanon and Egypt.
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AmCham Would Like to Recognize
it’s Longstanding Sponsor
Petra Engineering Industries Company
Petra Engineering Industries Company was founded in 1987 with a broad
vision to design and manufacture a wide variety of HVAC equipment that
meets a diverse range of application requirements, and to export to major
markets worldwide. The execution of successful corporate and business
strategies to this effect quickly took Petra to great heights and enabled it
to begin competing with long-established companies. Petra’s range of air
conditioning units include chillers, package units, air-handling units, fan coil
units, split systems and precision control units.
By 1994, Petra expanded its line of HVAC equipment by utilizing some of
the industry’s most advanced machinery, components and raw materials
to achieve the highest quality standards. Petra’s equipment quickly gained
recognition in over 20 countries worldwide. To handle the increasing
demand for its products, the facilities were expanded and the technology of
the products continually improved.
Since 2000, Petra has designed and manufactured a large array of quality
HVAC equipment to suit all commercial and industrial applications. Its
strategic finesse and exceptional products enabled Petra to enter the U.S.
market. Recognized as one of the most competitive and challenging markets,
the U.S. was a major milestone of success for Petra. With dedicated drive,
Petra continues to export to the U.S. and over 50 countries worldwide.
Working according to international standards, Petra has earned many
certifications including ISO 9001, ISO 14001, UL, ETL, CE, EMC, ARI, and
EuroVent.
Today, Petra Engineering Industries Company is a market leader in designing
and manufacturing sophisticated, high quality, commercial and industrial
HVAC equipment. The company has grown significantly, and today has
a facility that is over 300,000 m2, with more than 1,500 highly competent
technical and managerial employees. To cope with the increasing demands
for Petra’s products worldwide, Petra’s production facilities have expanded
with a new facility in Mafraq, Jordan, and a comprehensive facility in
Saudi Arabia that includes Petra’s second state of the art research and
development lab.
Petra will persevere in terms of innovation and quality achievements to
continue providing its customers throughout the world with the comfort and
value they expect.
Petra believes that success is achieved by a combination of high quality
equipment, short deliveries and competitive prices with exceptional
customer service. Petra will continue to strive to achieve superior quality
and efficiency in its products to satisfy the requirements of its customers
worldwide.
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AmCham Co-Partners
Creative Associates International
Creative Associates International (Creative) is a privately held, womenowned company providing long-term sustainable solutions to complex
development problems. Recognized for our ability to work rapidly, flexibly,
and effectively in conflict environments, Creative works with vulnerable
and underserved communities by sharing our expertise and experience
in workforce development, economic growth, education, employability,
governance, stabilization, and transitions from conflict to peace. Our work
has taken us to 85 countries in Asia, Africa, Latin America, Eastern Europe,
and the Middle East and currently includes two multi-year programs in
Jordan, both for the United States Agency for International Development
(USAID).
Housing Bank for Trade and Finance
The Housing Bank for Trade and Finance (HBTF) is a leading financial
institution in Jordan. HBTF has the largest and most widely distributed
branch and ATM networks in the Kingdom. The Bank extends its
comprehensive products and services for retail and corporate customers
inside and outside Jordan through:
Housing Bank Offices
• Branches: Jordan (119 branches), Palestine (12 branches) and Bahrain
(1 branch).
• Subsidiaries: International Bank for Trade and Finance - Syria (30
branches), Housing Bank for Trade and Finance - Algeria (5 branches)
and Jordan International Bank - UK (1 branch).
• Representative offices: Libya, Iraq and UAE
Main Financial Indicators (2013)
• Net Profit (before tax): USD 211.7 Million
• Total Assets: USD 10.2 Billion
• Deposits: USD 7.2 Billion
• Total Credit Facilities: USD 4.2 Billion
• Total Equity: USD 1.5 Billion
It is worth mentioning that HBTF won The Banker Award “Bank of the
Year-Jordan for 2013.
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AmCham Platinum Plus
New Jersey International Trading Company
New Jersey International Trading Company’s products are manufactured
with state-of-the-art equipment in FDA-approved facilities. New Jersey
International Trading Company’s manufacturing facility uses an ultramodern laboratory with complete testing equipment for analyzing both
raw materials and finished products, including microbiological, atomic
absorption, H.P.L.C., and environment testing chambers. New Jersey
International Trading Company’s manufacturing facility proudly employs
many of the finest scientists, formulators and manufacturing experts in the
industry.
Mission Statement: We are a premier company of high quality natural
products. We seek to maintain this by understanding our customers’
needs and providing them with excellent customer service.
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2014 AmCham Events & Updates
AmCham Jordan’s Door Knock Mission to the U.S.
January 16, 2014 in Washington D.C., U.S.A, Various Locations
On January 16 through January 18,
a varied delegation of Jordan’s most
distinguished businesspeople traveled
to Washington D.C. to represent
the Kingdom’s best interests to the
capitol’s most influential organizations.
Specifically, the delegates, joined by Her
Excellency Ambassador Dr. Alia Hatoug
Bouranand, and other embassy officials,
met with the following US entities:
USAID, US Energy Association (USEA),
members of Congress, Department of
State, US Trade Representative (USTR),
National Foreign Trade Council (NFTC),
US Trade and Development Agency (USTDA), and the Department of Commerce. The delegation, headed by Chairman
Eng. Mohammed S. Bataineh of the American Chamber of Commerce in Jordan, included representatives from Amman
Chamber of Commerce, Zarqa Chamber of Industry, and representatives from various economic sectors including
energy, tourism, transportation, construction, engineering and agriculture. This event marks the beginning of future trade
delegations that will greatly enhance U.S. and Jordan trade.
AmCham Jordan has Moved its Offices!
AmCham Jordan has moved its offices from the Shmeisani
neighborhood to the King Hussein Business Park. We
would like to invite any of our members to stop by building
number 24 in the Business Park and see our new offices!
Please contact Nour Abdullah at 565-1860 ext. 5016
or email nour.abdullah@amcham.jo to arrange an
appointment.
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Changes to Membership Packages
Amcham Jordan has
made some significant
changes to our
membership packages.
Please review your
membership details
included in the handout
in this newsletter. If you
are a corporate member,
did you know that there are many new benefits that
come with upgrading to a platinum membership?
Take a look at this same handout and consider
upgrading to a platinum membership today!
Also, do not forget to ask about our unique
partnership and sponsorship opportunities, tailored
for your business.
The Am eri can Ch a m be r o f Co m m e rc e i n Jo rda n | Y EA R i n REV I EW
AmCham Jordan and Creative Associates International, a Leading U.S.
International Development Company, Join Together to Address Workforce
Development
March 3, 2014 at the Le Meridien Hotel
AmCham Jordan and Creative Associates International joined together to address workforce development issues in
Jordan. As a first phase in their partnership, AmCham and
Creative conducted a survey among AmCham member
businesses to understand their various hiring, recruitment and
retention needs. On March 3, 2014, the partners held an
event to discuss the challenges, opportunities, and solutions
that the business survey revealed. The event was held under
the patronage of Dr. Nidal Katamine, the Minister of Labor and
the Minister of Tourism and Antiquities, and in the presence of
Mr. Stuart E. Jones, the U.S. Ambassador to Jordan, senior
officials and other private-sector stakeholders. It consisted of
two working groups, a presentation on the survey’s findings,
and concluded with CEOs and presidents of Jordanian
businesses and non-profits reflecting on the survey results,
and discussing the challenges and opportunities that the
survey presented.
AmCham Chairman Eng. Mohammed Bataineh said that the
Chamber chose to conduct the business survey and endorse
their partnership with Creative because “the Chamber believes
in understanding challenges and finding solutions for Jordan’s
business community, and in working toward the larger goal
of creating prosperity to achieve a higher economic and
social status for all Jordanians. Creative engages in a variety
of activities to achieve these goals from an economic and
social development perspective, so our organizations serve to
complement each other.”
The Middle East Commercial Center Conference
February 25-26, 2014 at the Dead Sea Mövenpick Hotel
The U.S. Chamber of Commerce, the U.S. Embassy in Jordan, and AmCham Jordan sponsored a conference in support
of the Middle East Commercial Center, a newly established alliance of business leaders across the region who are working
together to promote greater intra-regional trade and development. The Center seeks to develop a regional program
that supports the free movement of goods, entrepreneurship
development, natural resource cooperation, the efficient use
of special economic zones, and the maximization of available
capital to finance projects. The meeting took place under the
patronage of HE Hatem Halawani, the Jordanian Minister of
Industry, Trade and Supply.
The conference hosted over 300 participants from a dozen
countries, including, for the first time, our American Chamber
colleagues from the Gulf States. Prominent government officials
were also in attendance; the United States, in particular, sent
a large official delegation.
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AmCham Jordan and STS Sign Partnership Agreement to Support Developing
Codes of Conduct for Jordanian Businesses, with the Support of the U.S.
Government and Anti-Corruption Commission
February 23, 2014 at the Sheraton Hotel
On Sunday, February 23, 2014,
AmCham Jordan and Specialized
Technical Services (STS) signed a
partnership agreement supporting
AmCham in developing codes of
conduct for Jordanian businesses for
AmCham’s Anti-Corruption Program.
The Anti-Corruption Program is a
yearlong endeavor, supported by
the U.S. government and Jordan’s
Anti-Corruption
Commission,
to
write codes of conduct and provide
trainings for Jordanian businesses on
anti-corruption practices, and to raise
awareness on the negative social and
economic impacts of corruption.
According to AmCham Chairman Eng.
Mohammed Bataineh, AmCham Jordan selected STS as a primary partner in the Anti-Corruption Program due to their
longstanding history of transparency and conducting business in an ethical manner. “AmCham highly values its new
strategic partnership with STS and believes they will be essential to the success of the program. The Anti-Corruption
Program aims to assist businesses in implementing and enforcing ethics policies, and we believe the best way to do that is
to partner with those who have been successful in this field, such as STS, and to use them as a resource moving forward”.
AmCham Jordan Signs a Five-Year Partnership Agreement with KADDB Investment
Group (KIG)
December 18, 2013 at KADDB’s Offices
The American Chamber of Commerce in Jordan, represented by its
CEO Mr. Samir Mansour, signed a five-year partnership agreement with
KADDB Investment Group (KIG). KIG is the commercial and investment
arm of the King Abdullah II Design and Development Bureau (KADDB),
and was represented by its CEO, Mr.. Ahmad Al Sallakh. The scope of
the agreement clarifies that KIG will be the official strategic partner in all
of AmCham’s activities. Additionally, KIG shall be AmCham’s partner
for the industrial sector, aiding AmCham in further developing and
expanding this sector to further AmCham’s mission. This agreement will
be fundamental in AmCham’s efforts to develop and expand this sector
and furthering AmCham’s mission. The signing, which took place at
KADDB’s headquarters, was held in the presence of KADDB and KIG’s
Chairman Mr. Shadi Ramzi Al Majali, the U.S. charge’ d’affaire in Amman, Stephanie Williams, the American Chamber of
Commerce Chairman of the Board, Mohammed S. Bataineh, the U.S. Military attaché, and other senior diplomats from
the U.S. Embassy in Amman. AmCham would like to recognize the necessity of this partnership, in addition to the support
received by all who were in attendance.
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AmCham Projects
The American Chamber of Commerce in Jordan and Microsoft Sign an MOU
July 29, 2013 at Microsoft’s Offices
AmCham Jordan became a principal partner in implementing the “Employability Portal” in coordination with Microsoft, the
Ministry of Labor, and the King Abdullah II Fund for Development.
The employability portal represents a full ecosystem to support workforce development across the Middle East and Africa
for job research and professional skill enhancement, and the portal’s Jordanian partners joined together to customize the
portal for Jordan.
The portal is an inclusive experience that provides career planning resources for visitors to identify their career path and
the training gap compared to the requirements. It offers extensive training options for different skills customized to specific
target groups and jobs, directing visitors to online and physical locations where they can identify the jobs available, and
help them prepare their applications. The portal also includes a community engagement forum which serves a social and
professional networking function for young professionals to exchange their opinions, experiences and more.
Hussein Malhas, Microsoft Jordan’s Country Manager, emphasized the importance of this initiative, stating, “Microsoft
Jordan has always aimed to increase employability and job creation in the Kingdom. It gives us great pleasure to announce
this strategic partnership with AmCham, which will drive the objectives and ensure the continuity of the initiative.”
Microsoft and AmCham Sponsored Roundtable On
Upcoming Employability Portal
September 3, 2013 at AmCham Jordan’s Offices
AmCham Jordan and Microsoft conducted a roundtable discussion to better their
understanding of Jordan’s labor market and which services the Employability Portal can
provide. Roundtable participants offered their personal and organizational knowledge
of Jordan’s labor market, and voiced suggestions they had for the portal. The keynote
speaker for the event was Mr. Mousa Khalaf, Director of Policy and Strategic Planning
at the Ministry of Labor.
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The American Chamber of Commerce’s Anti-Corruption
Program
The Anti-Corruption Commission, in collaboration with the American Chamber of
Commerce in Jordan, and with the support of the U.S. government, is conducting
a training and awareness program on anti-corruption in Jordan’s private sector.
The goal of the project is to enhance the integrity of private sector businesses
by informing Jordan’s citizenship of the negative social and economic impacts of
corruption, and to train businesses on how to monitor and implement anti-corruption
practices.
Objectives
• Create a dialogue among the citizenship and private sector businesses on the
importance of integrity in the private sector and on ways to implement anticorruption practices.
• Increase direct investment in Jordan’s economy by strengthening investor
confidence.
• Develop anti-corruption guidelines for private sector businesses to foster a
community of business integrity.
• Increase the involvement of private sector businesses in Anti-Corruption
Commission initiatives.
AmCham Jordan Launches its AntiCorruption Program
Anti-Corruption Program’s First
Workshop: Enhancing Integrity and
Transparency in the Private Sector
October 6, 2013 at the Le Meridien Hotel
October 7, 2013 at the Le Meridien Hotel
On October 6, the American Chamber of Commerce
and the Anti-Corruption Commission, with the support
of the U.S. government, hosted an opening ceremony
marking the start of its Anti-Corruption Program. High-level
representatives from the U.S. Embassy, the Anti-Corruption
Commission, and participating Chamber of Commerce
members were in attendance, including Mr. Stuart E. Jones,
the U.S. ambassador to Jordan.
Following the opening ceremony on October 6, the
American Chamber of Commerce in Jordan kicked off its
Anti-Corruption Program with a day-long workshop. The
workshop covered topics ranging from Codes of Conduct
and Compliance Policies in the Private Sector, Transparency
Standards in National Enterprises and its Impact on
Attracting Foreign Investments, and the Role of the Media in
Enhancing Integrity and Transparency in the Private Sector.
High-level representatives and professionals from multiple
sectors were in attendance to contribute to the dialogue
and workshop activities.
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AmCham Executive Events
and Workshops
USFDA and JFDA Workshop
AmCham Jordan’s Executive Dinner on
Financial Policy and Economical Reform
March 18, 2013 at the Bristol Hotel
June 10, 2013 at the Le Meridien Hotel
In collaboration with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration
and the Jordan Food and Drug Administration, the
American Chamber of Commerce in Jordan hosted a oneday workshop on new U.S. FDA regulations. In an effort to
keep Jordan’s food products sector abreast of international
developments in their field, the workshop covered how the
Food Safety Modernization Act will affect the future of food
exports to the U.S., as well as the act’s impact on exporters,
and proposed rules. The U.S. embassy in Jordan, U.S.
FDA, JFDA, AmCham Jordan, and top professionals in
the region were all in attendance. AmCham would like to
extend a special thanks to New Jersey International Trading
Company for sponsoring this event.
The American Chamber of Commerce in Jordan hosted an
executive dinner sponsored by The Housing Bank for Trade
and Finance on “Jordan’s Financial Policy and Economic
Reform.” The Minister of Finance, Dr. Umayya Toukan,
and the U.S. Ambassador to Jordan, Stuart E. Jones,
addressed financial policy and economic reform, as well as
other closely related issues. The Minister mentioned that the
$200 million USD U.S. grant announced during President
Barack Obama’s visit to Jordan in March was transferred
to the Treasury a week prior to the gathering. Ambassador
Jones reiterated encouragement and support from the U.S.
government for Jordan’s continued role in supporting Syrian
refugees in the face of conflict.
Franchise Trade Mission 2013
AmCham Jordan’s
Roundtable Discussion and Luncheon
on Standards and Integrity
May 19-20, 2013 at Marriott Amman Hotel
AmCham Jordan in collaboration with the U.S Embassy
hosted a Franchise Trade Mission from May 19-20, 2013.
This event and mission were generously sponsored by
the Applied Science Private University and Mr. Khader
Kalbouneh, an international healthcare architect. The
mission included representatives from Hertz Equipment
Rental Corporation, Johnny Rockets, Pollo Tropical , Tutor
Doctor and Wing Zone who met with their Jordanian
counterparts.
28
June 13, 2013 at the Le Meridien Hotel
The American Chamber of Commerce hosted a roundtable
discussion regarding “International Standards of Integrity in
the Private Sector.” They keynote speaker was Mr. Michael
J. Hershman, President & CEO of The Fairfax Group. Mr.
H.E. Ramzi Nuzha, board member of the Anti-Corruption
Commission, served as moderator for the event.
The Am eri can Ch a m be r o f Co m m e rc e i n Jo rda n | Y EA R i n REV I EW
MENA Regional Development Opportunities: U.S. and Multilateral Support
Programs
January 13-14, 2013 at AmCham Egypt
The Permanent Secretariat of the AmCham MENA Regional
Council hosted the Council’s Annual Conference on “MENA
Regional Development Opportunities: U.S. and Multilateral
Support Programs.” AmCham’s Chairman, Engineer
Mohammed Bataineh, was in attendance, representing the
American Chamber of Commerce in Jordan.
The Conference was chaired by the MENA Council
president, Mrs. Amel Bouchamaoui Hammami, President
of AmCham Tunisia and Mr. M. Gamal Moharam, President
of AmCham Egypt and focused on current U.S. and
multilateral support programs that assist the region’s
stabilization process, economic development, and lay the
AmCham Jordan’s Executive Dinner on
Jordan’s Economic Performance and
Managing the GCC Grant.
foundation for longer term prosperity. It also shed light on
U.S. government’s special initiatives that assist the region’s
countries to set out on their own paths toward economic
modernization and transformation, and on other support
programs extended by international financial institutions.
More than 500 AmCham members and guests from the
MENA region were in attendance including delegations
from all MENA Council member AmChams headed
by AmCham presidents and board members from Abu
Dhabi, Bahrain, Jordan, Lebanon, Morocco, Palestine, and
Tunisia who took part in the different conference sessions.
Conferences speeches, audio recordings, presentations,
media coverage, and photos from the event, are available
on the MENA website: www.amchammena.org
AmCham Jordan’s Transportation
Roundtable
November 28, 2013 at the Le Meridien Hotel
July 7, 2013 at the Le Meridien Hotel
The American Chamber of Commerce hosted a dinner
sponsored by the Applied Science University, Halawani
Industrial Company, and Petra Engineering Industries
Company. Dr. Ibrahim Saif, the Minister of Planning &
International Cooperation, was the keynote speaker of this
event, and Ambassador Stuart E. Jones was the Guest of
Honor. High profile guests and representatives attended the
dinner from various sectors. In 2011, the GCC allocated $5
billion USD for a grant that will finance development projects
in Jordan between 2012 and 2016. Dr. Saif indicated that
expenditures from the GCC Grant would reach $500 million
USD at the end of 2013. The Minister announced new
governmental procedures to accelerate such processes to
ensure that potential projects under the grants are ready.
The American Chamber of Commerce in Jordan hosted
a transportation sector roundtable discussion in order to
address the challenges currently facing public and private
sector transportation development. At the suggestion of
AmCham Egypt member Mr. Alfred Assil, General Manager
of Menarail Transport Consultants, the roundtable sought
to bring together various AmChams in the MENA region in
order to build connections and opportunities for cooperation
throughout the region.
AmCham members in the transportation sector reached out
to AmCham Jordan in order to share their most pressing
challenges and concerns. These issues were raised
during the roundtable discussion, which was followed by
a collaborative dialogue on possible solutions to these
challenges. AmCham Jordan would like to extend a
warm thanks to everyone who contributed to making this
roundtable a success.
T h e Am e r i c a n C h a m b e r o f C o m m e rc e i n J o rd a n | Y EA R i n REVIEW
29
AmCham List of Top Platinum
and Corporate Members
Top Platinum Members
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.
11.
12.
13.
14.
15.
16.
17.
18.
19.
20.
21.
22.
23.
24.
25.
26.
27.
28.
29.
30.
31.
32.
33.
34.
35.
36.
37.
38.
39.
40.
41.
42.
43.
44.
45.
AbuSheikha Drug Store
Abu Sheikha Exchange Est.
Agri-Jordan
Al Mawared Natural Beauty
Products (RIVAGE)
Amin Kawar
Amman Marriott Hotel
Applied Concept for
Multifunctional Protection
System
Applied Science University
Aqua Industrial &
Investment Co.
Arab Jordan Investment
Bank
Arab Potash
Aramex Jordan Limited
Bank of Jordan
Boucai Group
Bustami & Saheb Trading
Co. Ltd. (Nissan)
Cairo Amman Bank
Citibank N.A.
DAI
EAM Maliban Textiles
Jordan (PVT) Ltd.
George and Sami Khoury
Co.
Intercontinental Hotel
InterContinental Hotels
Group
Investment Co. (Kurdi
Group – Ace Jordan)
JCT & I (COZMO)
Jordanian Sustainable
Agriculture Company
Jordan Bromine Co.
KADDB Investment Group
Kaylani Food Center
King Hussein Business Park
Le Meridien Amman Hotel
Merck Sharp & Dohme
IDEA A.G. – Jordan
Muna AlZaben Drug Store
Nader Group
National Gas
Petra Engineering Industries
Co.
Pharmacy 1
Philllip Morris Investment
PhRMA
PREMIER – Business &
Projects Co.
ProgressSoft Corporation
Rubicon Group Holding
Samra Electric Power Co.
(SEPCO)
Sheraton Amman Hotel
Specialized Technical
Services (STS)
The Coca-Cola Bottling
Company of Jordan
46. The Commercial and
Industrial Co.
47. The Integrated Solutions for
Medical Projects (ISM)
48. Union for Agricultural
Development and
Slaughtering
49. Treasury for Conferences
Equipment
50. Zain
51. Zarqa Chamber of Industry
Top Corporate Members
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.
11.
12.
13.
14.
15.
16.
17.
18.
19.
20.
21.
22.
23.
24.
25.
26.
27.
28.
29.
30.
31.
32.
33.
34.
Abu Khader Group
Abu Odeh Bros Co.
Advanced Automotive
Trading Company
Arab Development for Food
Industry Company
AES Jordan PSC
Agricultural Materials
(Miqdadi)
AKA Engineering
Construction Materials
Ali Sharif Zu’bi Advocates
and Legal Consultants
Al Jazy & Co.
Al Jidara Investment
Services
Al Kawthar Garments
Industry and Trade Co. Ltd.
Allegheny Valve & Coupling
Inc.
Al Mdanat Insurance
Brokerage
Al Nabulsi & al Amad
Al Omor Al Taweel Est.
Al Oula Events
Al Tawfiq Hotels Company
Americana
American Life Insurance
Company (ALICO)
Amerix Investments
AMIDEAST
Amin Kawar & Sons (Kawar
Group)
Amman Drugs & Trading
Co.
APHRODITE Co.
Arab Co. for Medical &
Agricultural Products
Arabtech Development
(ADC)
Arabtech Jardaneh
Arabic Traders Inc.
Arab Transit Goods
Transport
Armoush Tourist Investment
– McDonald’s
Aspire
Attanqeeb Construction
Materials Manufacturing
Aqaba National Real Estate
Projects Company
Azmi Habiba & Sons
35. Baby Cord
36. BCI for Communication &
Advanced Technology
37. Bentley Systems Europe
B.V. Jordan Branch
38. BLOM Bank
39. Capital Bank of Jordan
40. CARE International Jordan
41. CDM International
Corporation
42. Central Trade and Auto
(Toyota)
43. CISCO Systems
44. Class Travel & Tourism
45. Communications
Development Co. (CDC)
46. Creative International
Associations
47. Dakkak Tours International
48. Dar al Omran for
Infrastructure & Environment
49. DHL Danzas Air & Ocean –
Jordan
50. Fawaz Investment Group
51. Fuad Abujaber & Sons
52. Foursan Middle East for
Investments
53. General Electric
54. Global Carpet & Rug
Industries (GCR)
55. G4S Secure Solution Inc.
Int. Jordan
56. Haddad Distilleries
57. Halawani Industrial
Company (H.I.C)
58. Haider Murad & Sons
Investment Group
59. Hesham Ali Al-Zubi and
Partners Co.
60. HiltonKHBTCC
61. Hikma Pharmaceuticals
PLC
62. Hanania Solar Systems
63. International Cards Co.
(Mastercard)
64. International Tourist Travel
Services
65. Izzat Marji & Sons
66. Jawwab Tax Consultants
67. Jordan Carbonate Co.
68. Jordan Company for
Anti-Body Production
(MONOJO)
69. Jordan Data Systems (JDS)
70. Jordan Hotel Association
71. Jordan Hospital
72. Jordan International
Insurance Co.
73. Jordan Tractor & Equipment
(CAT)
74. Khader Kalbouneh
75. Khalifeh & Partners
76. Khalil & Kanan Co.
(American Closeout)
77. Khleif & Co.
78. Kilani Group - Mohammed
Yasin Kilani Co.
79. KPMG Jordan – Kawasmy
& Partners
80. Luay Bassam al Jallad
81. Local Leadership
Management (LMI Jordan)
82. Majed Haroun Est. for Tires
83. Maltrans Shipping Agencies
Co.
84. Mawared-Inv
85. Mid Contracting
86. Midas Furniture Center
87. Masharek 360 Solutions
88. Migrate
89. Munir Sukhtian Group
90. Nabil Naber Contracting &
Interiors
91. Nafith Logistics
92. Naouri Group
93. National Paints Factories
Company
94. National Poultry Co.
95. NCR Jordan
96. Near East Technologies
97. New Jersey International
Trading Company
98. Novartis
99. Nuqul Group
100. Offtec
101. ORACLE Jordan
102. PANMED Energy
103. Payless Car Rental
104. PBI Aqaba Industrial Estate
105. Philadelphia for General
Supplies
106. Philadelphia Solar
107. Pharmaceuticals &
Chemical Industries
& Medical Appliances
(MIDPHARMA)
108. Projects & Trading Co.
109. Saad Naffa Law Firm
110. Salam International
Transport and Trading Co.
PLC
111. Schema Advisory
(Sustainable Advisory)
112. Signal Communication
113. Spider Iron Choppers
Motorcycle
114. Sterling Apparel
Manufacturing
115. Strategies – Harris
Interactive
116. Tantash Travel Agency
117. Talal Abu-Ghazaleh
Organization (TAG)
118. Tatweer (BDC)
119. Techknowledge
120. T. Gargour & Fils Shipping
121. The Specialty Hospital
122. UTI Egypt Jordan
123. Warwick Hotels
Management MENA
T h e Am e r i c a n C h a m b e r o f C o m m e rc e i n J o rd a n | Y EA R i n REVIEW
31
This Newsletter is sponsored by:
Halawani Industrial Family H.I.C.
Since its early days, the Halawani family has been famous for making the
most well known Mediterranean sweet called “ Halva– Halawa.” Halawa is a
uniquely healthy sweet which is made of carefully selected and processed
sesame seeds that have been lightly toasted, in a manner that Halawani has
long specialized in, to produce an aromatic smell and sweet, light taste.
During the Ottoman era Abdelwahhab Hasan Al-Halawani, our founding
father, moved to the Emirate of Transjordan where he established and
expanded his halva production, in addition to expanding his business by
trading in different kinds of grains.
During the 1930’s his son, Mohammad Abdelwahhab Al-Halawani, joined him and acquired the skills of the
halva production and trade industry
In the early seventies Mohamed Abdel Wahab Al-Halawani’s sons joined him and continued in the family
profession, and then expanded into the production of snack foods, candies and chips.
Abdul Karim Mohammed Halawani and his sons, Mohammed Ashraf and Othman Abdul Karim Al-Halawani
completed this expansion, allowing the company to begin producing and assembling its goods using industrial
equipment. It now manufactures raw materials side-by-side with the original manufacturing of its chips, halva,
and tahini. Halawani is now the largest manufacturing source in this regard throughout the Middle East and
North Africa.
The company has many certificates of quality, production, and manufacturing:
- ISO 9001 certification
- ISO 22000 certification
- HACCP certification
- FDA Certified
The company and members of its board of directors maintain memberships in the following:
- Snack Food Association, Virginia - United States – (SFA)
- European Snack Food Association (ESA)
- American Chamber of Commerce in Jordan (AmCham Jordan)
- Jordan European Businessmen Association (JEBA)
- The Jordanian Scandinavian Business Club (Scan Club)
- Jordanian Export Association (JEA)
- Jordanian Canadian Businessmen Association (JCBA)
- Jordan Investor Association (JIA)
Since that historic era, the founder of Halawani Industrial Company, Mr. Abdul Karim Mohammed Halawani, has
grown the company to include efficient managerial, financial, technical and specialized marketing teams. The
company is now known as the H.I.C.
Mr. Abdul Karim Mohammed Halawani and his sons are now well known businessmen in the industrial world,
where their activities extend from Jordan to many Arab countries, and include relations with manufacturers in all
of Europe, the Americas, and Asia.
The American Chamber of Commerce in Jordan
King Hussein Business Park
Building Number 24
32
PO Box 840817
Amman 11184, Jordan
The Am eri can Ch a m be r o f Co m m e rc e i n Jo rda n | Y EA R i n REV I EW
T.: +962-6-565 1860
amcham@amcham.jo
www.amcham.jo