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Tuesday, November 10 - 2009
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ITFC $80m trade financing supports productive development of home appliances industry in Jordan

The International Islamic Trade Finance Corporation (ITFC), an autonomous entity within the IDB Group, has signed a $40m revolving trade financing agreement, amounting to a total of $80m, with Middle East Complex (MEC), Jordan's leading producer of electric home appliances.

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The agreement was signed by ITFC CEO Dr. Waleed Al Wohaib and MEC CEO Mr. Osama Al-Khalili during an ITFC delegation visit to Amman, which included meetings with the Prime Minister of Jordan, H.E. Mr. Nader A Dhahabi, and Dr. Suhair Al-Ali, the IDB Governor in Jordan.

"MEC is one of the biggest companies in Jordan and this trade financing agreement accords with ITFC's aim to support strategically selected operations that will make a significant beneficial impact on economic development of OIC member countries," said Dr. Al Wohaib. "By providing the company with trade financing we are facilitating increased production and job creation while at the same time promoting intra-trade among OIC countries. "

Following the signing, Mr. Osama Al-Khalili, MEC CEO, said:

"This revolving trade financing agreement will enable MEC to strategically support its operations in readiness for its upcoming expansion program to meet demand across the board."


He went on to explain that MEC is in the process of establishing a mega project for manufacturing refrigerators, air conditioners and washing machines, which is the first of its kind in the region and has an initial investment of $200m with projected average annual sales of $300m and a 27% return on investment. The built-up area on the site of the manufacturing facility will be 109,000 m2 on a total land area of 200,000 m2.

Adding his comments, Mr. Mashhour Al-Basha, MEC CFO, said:

"MEC plans to continue its ongoing strategy of replacing imported components with in-house produced parts, whereby the Company is succeeding in transforming itself from being a semi-knock down operation in which major parts are imported and assembled, to a complete knock down manufacturing process which is automated and requires minimum human input. This strategy has historically proven to be very profitable and is expected to significantly cut down on its imports, transportation, production, and inventory costs. Moreover, this will increase the competitive advantage of MEC both domestically and in the export markets."


MEC specializes in the production, sales, marketing, and after sales service of a comprehensive range of household appliances and components including refrigerators, air conditions, TV sets, LCDs, cookers, washing machines and other home appliances. MEC's products include famous international brands such as LG, Daewoo, and Haier, as well as MEC's own 'home grown' brands including: First, Denka, General Star, National Star, MEC and Acma.

The ITFC promotes intra-trade among OIC member countries and provides funds for productive development that leads to job creation and capacity building through skills transfers and technical assistance. By redistributing the wealth of rich countries through trade financing ITFC plays a key role in improving the infrastructures and economies of underdeveloped countries, with the overall purpose of implementing IDB objectives to increase prosperity and raise standards of living.
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Notes and media contacts

About the International Islamic Trade Finance Corporation - ITFC:
The ITFC is an autonomous entity within the Islamic Development Bank Group formed to consolidate financing business that was formerly undertaken by various windows within the IDB Group. The consolidation of the bank's trade finance activities under a single umbrella increases the efficiency of service delivery by enabling rapid response to customer needs in a market-driven business environment.

A rich heritage of 30 years trade finance experience by the IDB Group puts the ITFC in a leadership position to foster socioeconomic development, set new benchmarks for trade financing and ethical based business standards, and develop innovative Shariah compliant trade financing instruments. Operating to world-class standards the ITFC promotes IDB developmental objectives through its two main pillars, Trade Finance and Trade Promotion, to fulfill its brand promise of 'Advancing Trade & Improving Lives'.

About MEC:
Middle East Complex for Engineering, Electronics and Heavy Industries Plc MEC is the largest manufacturer of electric and electronic home appliances in Jordan. The Company was incorporated in September of 1994 as a public limited company following a merger between three companies; Middle East Company for Electric Industries (established October 1987), Middle East Company for Engineering and Electronic Industries (established January 1992), and Middle East Company for Manufacturing and Trading Vehicles (established March 1993).

Over the past five years the company's turnover has grown from $65m in 2003 to more than $158m in 2007. The 142% sales growth is the result of increased home demand for consumer durable goods, a more diversified product range, and the company's success in penetrating new markets.

Syria constitutes the largest single export market for the company with around 25% of total sales in 2007, followed by Egypt 22%, Iraq 17%, Lebanon 10% and Libya 4%. Currently MEC is targeting the huge potential in the vast Egyptian market, which has an estimated demand for 3.8 million household appliances a year.

Today, MEC commands an estimated market share of 70% of the total electrical and electronic home appliances market in Jordan. The company's growth strategy involves expanding its sales coverage both locally and in the export market, in order to benefit from its un-utilized production capacity. This move will enhance profit margins by taking advantage of the available economies of scale .MEC also plans to expand its marketing reach by setting-up additional distribution channels in existing and potential export markets in order to boost direct sales and increase penetration of targeted markets.

For further information, please contact:
Hatoon Baeshen
Account Coordinator
TRACCS - KSA
Tel: +966 2 663 2525
Fax: +966 2 663 2323

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