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YEAR inREVIEWThe American Chamber of Commerce in Jordan Newsletter 2013/14

In This Issue

• Letter from the Ambassador

• Letter from the Chairman

• AmCham Partners AmCham Co-PartnersAmCham Platinum plus

• AmCham Projects

• Executive Events and Workshops

• Members List

AmCham Would Like to Thank Its Chief Technology Sponsor

3The Amer ican Chamber of Commerce in Jordan | YEAR in REVIEW

Emergency Numbers

Traffic Police 190

Rescue Police 191

Capital Police 192

Highway Patrol 194

Public Safety 196

Civil Defense 199

Telephone Directory 1212

Telephone Problems 1214

International Information 1322

Airport 06 445 2000

Highway Police 06 534 3401

Municipality 06 535 9970

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

Ministry of Education 06 560 7331

Ministry of Higher Education 06 534 7671

Ministry of Islamic Awqaf & Trust Affairs 06 566 6141

Ministry of Municipality & Environment 06 556 0113

Ministry of Foreign Affairs 06 573 5150

Helpful Contacts

Jordan Chamber of Commerce 06 590 2040

Amman Chamber of Commerce 06 566 6151

Jordan Chamber of Industry 06 464 1648

Amman Chamber of Industry 06 464 3001

Zarqa Chamber of Commerce 05 385 1710

Zarqa Chamber of Industry 05 393 2841

Al Karak Chamber of Commerce 03 235 1171

Irbid Chamber of Commerce 02 727 0026

Aqaba Chamber of Commerce 03 201 2229

Aqaba Special Economic Zone 03 209 1000

Customs Department 06 462 3186

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

Jordan Exporters and Producers Association For Fruits and Vegetables (JEPA)

06 569 9631

Jordan-Europe Business Association 06 585 1924

Jordan Customs 06 462 3186

Jordan Income and Sales Tax Dept 06 462 4577

Jordanian Free Zones Corporation 05 382 6429

Development Zones Corporation 06 580 2405

Useful Contacts

4 The Amer ican Chamber of Commerce in Jordan | YEAR in REVIEW


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 2,94 3 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.


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.


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.


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.


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.


Creative Associates International

Creative Associates International (Creative) is a privately held, women-owned 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.

AmCham Co-Partners


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 ultra-modern 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.


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 [email protected] to arrange an appointment.

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.

2014 AmCham Events & Updates


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.


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

AmCham Jordan Signs a Five-Year Partnership Agreement with KADDB Investment Group (KIG)

December 18, 2013 at KADDB’s Offices

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”.

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.


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.


AmCham Jordan Launches its Anti-Corruption Program

October 6, 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.

Anti-Corruption Program’s First Workshop: Enhancing Integrity and Transparency in the Private Sector

October 7, 2013 at the Le Meridien Hotel

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.

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 anti-corruption 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.


March 18, 2013 at the Bristol 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 one-day 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.

Franchise Trade Mission 2013

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.

June 10, 2013 at the Le Meridien Hotel

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.

AmCham Jordan’s Roundtable Discussion and Luncheon on Standards and Integrity

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.

AmCham Executive Events and WorkshopsUSFDA and JFDA Workshop AmCham Jordan’s Executive Dinner on

Financial Policy and Economical Reform


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.

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

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

AmCham Jordan’s Executive Dinner on Jordan’s Economic Performance and Managing the GCC Grant.

July 7, 2013 at the Le Meridien Hotel


AmCham List of Top Platinum and Corporate Members

Top Platinum Members1. AbuSheikha Drug Store2. Abu Sheikha Exchange Est.3. Agri-Jordan4. Al Mawared Natural Beauty

Products (RIVAGE)5. Amin Kawar6. Amman Marriott Hotel7. Applied Concept for

Multifunctional Protection System

8. Applied Science University9. Aqua Industrial &

Investment Co.10. Arab Jordan Investment

Bank11. Arab Potash12. Aramex Jordan Limited 13. Bank of Jordan14. Boucai Group15. Bustami & Saheb Trading

Co. Ltd. (Nissan)16. Cairo Amman Bank17. Citibank N.A.18. DAI19. EAM Maliban Textiles

Jordan (PVT) Ltd. 20. George and Sami Khoury

Co. 21. Intercontinental Hotel22. InterContinental Hotels

Group23. Investment Co. (Kurdi

Group – Ace Jordan)24. JCT & I (COZMO)25. Jordanian Sustainable

Agriculture Company 26. Jordan Bromine Co.27. KADDB Investment Group28. Kaylani Food Center29. King Hussein Business Park30. Le Meridien Amman Hotel31. Merck Sharp & Dohme

IDEA A.G. – Jordan32. Muna AlZaben Drug Store33. Nader Group34. National Gas35. Petra Engineering Industries

Co.36. Pharmacy 137. Philllip Morris Investment38. PhRMA39. PREMIER – Business &

Projects Co.40. ProgressSoft Corporation 41. Rubicon Group Holding42. Samra Electric Power Co.

(SEPCO)43. Sheraton Amman Hotel44. Specialized Technical

Services (STS)45. 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. Zain51. Zarqa Chamber of Industry

Top Corporate Members1. Abu Khader Group2. Abu Odeh Bros Co. 3. Advanced Automotive

Trading Company4. Arab Development for Food

Industry Company5. AES Jordan PSC6. Agricultural Materials

(Miqdadi)7. AKA Engineering

Construction Materials8. Ali Sharif Zu’bi Advocates

and Legal Consultants9. Al Jazy & Co.10. Al Jidara Investment

Services11. Al Kawthar Garments

Industry and Trade Co. Ltd.12. Allegheny Valve & Coupling

Inc. 13. Al Mdanat Insurance

Brokerage14. Al Nabulsi & al Amad15. Al Omor Al Taweel Est.16. Al Oula Events17. Al Tawfiq Hotels Company18. Americana19. American Life Insurance

Company (ALICO)20. Amerix Investments21. AMIDEAST22. Amin Kawar & Sons (Kawar

Group)23. Amman Drugs & Trading

Co. 24. APHRODITE Co. 25. Arab Co. for Medical &

Agricultural Products26. Arabtech Development

(ADC)27. Arabtech Jardaneh28. Arabic Traders Inc. 29. Arab Transit Goods

Transport30. Armoush Tourist Investment

– McDonald’s31. Aspire32. Attanqeeb Construction

Materials Manufacturing33. Aqaba National Real Estate

Projects Company 34. Azmi Habiba & Sons

35. Baby Cord36. BCI for Communication &

Advanced Technology 37. Bentley Systems Europe

B.V. Jordan Branch38. BLOM Bank39. Capital Bank of Jordan40. CARE International Jordan 41. CDM International

Corporation42. Central Trade and Auto

(Toyota)43. CISCO Systems 44. Class Travel & Tourism45. Communications

Development Co. (CDC)46. Creative International

Associations47. Dakkak Tours International48. Dar al Omran for

Infrastructure & Environment49. DHL Danzas Air & Ocean –

Jordan50. Fawaz Investment Group51. Fuad Abujaber & Sons52. Foursan Middle East for

Investments53. General Electric54. 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 Group59. Hesham Ali Al-Zubi and

Partners Co. 60. HiltonKHBTCC61. Hikma Pharmaceuticals

PLC62. Hanania Solar Systems63. International Cards Co.

(Mastercard)64. International Tourist Travel

Services65. Izzat Marji & Sons66. Jawwab Tax Consultants67. Jordan Carbonate Co.68. Jordan Company for

Anti-Body Production (MONOJO)

69. Jordan Data Systems (JDS)70. Jordan Hotel Association71. Jordan Hospital72. Jordan International

Insurance Co.73. Jordan Tractor & Equipment

(CAT)74. Khader Kalbouneh75. Khalifeh & Partners76. Khalil & Kanan Co.

(American Closeout)77. Khleif & Co.

78. Kilani Group - Mohammed Yasin Kilani Co.

79. KPMG Jordan – Kawasmy & Partners

80. Luay Bassam al Jallad81. Local Leadership

Management (LMI Jordan)82. Majed Haroun Est. for Tires83. Maltrans Shipping Agencies

Co. 84. Mawared-Inv85. Mid Contracting86. Midas Furniture Center87. Masharek 360 Solutions88. Migrate89. Munir Sukhtian Group90. Nabil Naber Contracting &

Interiors 91. Nafith Logistics92. Naouri Group93. National Paints Factories

Company94. National Poultry Co. 95. NCR Jordan96. Near East Technologies97. New Jersey International

Trading Company98. Novartis99. Nuqul Group100. Offtec101. ORACLE Jordan102. PANMED Energy103. Payless Car Rental104. PBI Aqaba Industrial Estate105. Philadelphia for General

Supplies106. Philadelphia Solar107. Pharmaceuticals &

Chemical Industries & Medical Appliances (MIDPHARMA)

108. Projects & Trading Co. 109. Saad Naffa Law Firm110. Salam International

Transport and Trading Co. PLC

111. Schema Advisory (Sustainable Advisory)

112. Signal Communication113. Spider Iron Choppers

Motorcycle114. Sterling Apparel

Manufacturing115. Strategies – Harris

Interactive 116. Tantash Travel Agency117. Talal Abu-Ghazaleh

Organization (TAG)118. Tatweer (BDC)119. Techknowledge120. T. Gargour & Fils Shipping121. The Specialty Hospital122. UTI Egypt Jordan123. Warwick Hotels

Management MENA


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 industryIn 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.

King Hussein Business ParkBuilding Number 24

The American Chamber of Commerce in Jordan

PO Box 840817Amman 11184, Jordan

T.: +962-6-565 [email protected]

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