The telecom and IT sector contributed JD900 million to the Kingdom’s GDP in 2021, or 3 percent of the total, and is expected to reach JD3 billion by 2033, or 3.9 percent of the GDP, as the country implements the Economic Modernization Vision, a press release from the Jordan Chamber of Commerce stated recently.
The communications and information technology sector representative at the Jordan Chamber of Commerce, Haitham Al-Rawajbeh, said on Saturday that committees would be formed to follow up on issues related to the sector’s work with customs, standards, metrology, and tax bodies.
According to chamber figures, the number of workers in the sector reached nearly 25,000 last year, constituting 1.6 percent of the total number of employees in the Kingdom; this figure is expected to reach 100,000 full-time workers in 2033, as included in the vision.
Exports of the communications and information technology sector during the past year amounted to JD200 million, or 1.9 percent of the Kingdom’s total exports; they are expected to reach JD4.5 billion by 2033, according to the vision.
Rawajbeh stressed the need to continue on the path of serving the communications and information technology sector in partnership with various entities, adding that the chamber will organize an annual conference for the sector to discuss the challenges facing it.
He added that the next stage would witness the strengthening of communication and coordination between companies in the sector across all governorates of the Kingdom and the Jordan Chamber of Commerce and building a database and a special platform for the sector to facilitate communication with its companies.
Rawajbeh said that work would continue to establish a business incubator for the sector at the chamber and to expand the participation of companies in trade missions and exhibitions abroad.
The chamber will remain in constant contact with workers in the sector and will seek to resolve any obstacles facing their work in cooperation with the concerned government agencies, he said.
He added that the communications and information technology sector is at the forefront of economic sectors and will have a major role in implementing the Economic Modernization Vision and achieving its goals by attracting investments and generating more job opportunities.
He added that the communications and information technology sector is an essential pillar of national security, made more obvious during the coronavirus pandemic, and an important and supportive contributor to the national economy. He expressed gratitude for the great and continuous care His Majesty King Abdullah accords the sector.
He said: “Jordanian companies operating in the telecommunications and information technology sector have come a long way, have developed and grown, and have supported many countries in the region by providing solutions for their various economic and service sectors.”
He pointed out that introducing 5G services in the local market will revitalize the national economy, enhance its competitiveness, attract investments, encourage leadership and innovation, increase employment opportunities and help gain experience.
Source: https://www.jordannews.jo/Section-113/All/Telecom-sector-contributed-JD900m-to-GDP-in-2021-25857