USAID organizes a brainstorming session entitled "Brainstorming Export Opportunities for Jordan's Furniture Makers"

The event was attended by Jordan Furniture Exporters and Manufacturers Association (JEFEMA), Jordan Chamber of Industry (JCI) and Jordan Upgrading and Modernization Program (JUMP).

The brainstorming session aimed to get Jordanian furniture exporters acquainted with the American market requirements and provide them with guidelines on how to compete with other countries such as China and India where production cost is lower.

Other opportunities to use technology to reduce the number of labor hours were also discussed.

The brainstorming session tackled issues on technology drivers, economic drivers, safety and environmental concerns, outsourcing, design, distribution channels, and how to find and develop contacts.

Ziad Abbasi, Light Manufacturing Sector Lead at USAID Jordan Economic Development Program (SABEQ) stated during the session: "This brainstorming session aims to expose and upgrade the light manufacturing sector in order to increase exports, expand businesses, create job opportunities and contribute to the enhancement of Jordan's economic growth.

The USAID Jordan Economic Development Program (SABEQ) is a five year broad economic development initiative implemented by BearingPoint, Inc. and a sizeable team of international and Jordanian partner firms.

By both supporting improvements in the business environment and providing assistance to expand innovation and productivity in Jordanian businesses, to support the main objective of building up the private sector as a powerful engine of economic growth.