JEDCO, EU launch 2nd tranche of grant to finance JSMPII’s last phase

AMMAN – Jordan Enterprise Development Corporation (JEDCO) and the European Union (EU) delegation in Jordan on Tuesday signed an agreement for the second tranche of a grant to finance the last phase of the EU-funded Jordan Services Modernisation Programme (JSMPII).    

According to a statement issued by JEDCO, the grant was around 3.2 million euros with an expected investment volume of about 5.7 million euros.  

JEDCO said 51 new and already established companies in the services sector in various governorates are projected to create 535 employment opportunities. 

The signing ceremony was attended by Industry, Trade and Supply Minister Hatem Halawani and Tarja El Idrissi, head of trade, economic affairs and private sector development section at the EU Delegation in Amman. 

Halawani said the government will work on supporting small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) through boosting their technical, administrative and production capabilities to achieve their development goals. 

Idrissi said it is an EU policy to support the development of the private sector, and in particular SMEs, as they are key players for inclusive growth  and for the well-being of local and regional communities. 

"We keep private sector high on the agenda in our relations with  Jordan. Support for SMEs, vocational education and training and development of poorer regions are at the core of our support," she added. 

Hana Uraidi, JEDCO acting chief executive officer, said the corporation through JSMP II has extended financial support worth 20 million euros to 369 companies in all governorates with an investment volume of 31.8 million euros. 

The projects, supported by JEDCO, are expected to create 2,144 job opportunities when completed, Uraidi noted, adding that a total of 135 projects were owned by women. 

JSMP II is an EU-funded programme focusing on the development and modernisation of the services sector.