the Information and Communication Technology Companies Association, recently held a comprehensive workshop focused on the optimum international strategies and practices within the realm of information technology outsourcing. A statement from the association revealed that the workshop, held on Saturday, was sponsored by the Minister of Digital Economy and Entrepreneurship, Ahmed Hanandeh. The session was delivered by the globally renowned Canadian consultant and outsourcing specialist, Olga Fragis. Hanandeh emphasized the notable advancements Jordanian companies have achieved in this significant field, which currently employs roughly 20,000 specialized individuals. He underscored Jordan’s tremendous potential to emerge as a major outsourcing hub, attributing this to a number of factors, most significantly the availability of creative talents. The strong infrastructure, a conducive legal framework, and supportive programs by the ministry, including “Youth, Technology, and Jobs” and “Jordan Source”, further contribute to this potential. Hanandeh shed light on the sector’s challenges, such as the significant skill gap in the digital realm and the pressing need to bridge this divide. He emphasized on the necessity of educational reforms to equip individuals straight out of school for this expanding sector. The Minister assured the government’s unwavering support to the sector, pledging necessary assistance to technology firms through various incentives aimed at strengthening the demand-supply dynamics in the labor market. Moataz Nabulsi, a board member of int@j and Chairman of the Outsourcing Sector Council, expressed confidence in Jordan’s outsourcing services sector, noting its consistent growth in the Kingdom. Nidal Bitar, CEO of int@j, recounted how the association initiated a mission years ago to position Jordan as a significant technological hub in the region. With substantial backing from all involved parties, including the German Agency for Development, they have achieved this objective. Bitar discussed the “Uni-Match” project, a collaboration with Education for Employment-Jordan (EFE-Jordan) and funded by the German Agency for International Cooperation (GIZ). The project aims to escalate exports from 10 Jordanian companies and create employment for 250 IT specialists. This is realized by building corporate capabilities, connecting them with clients in the Arab Gulf countries, Iraq, and the European Union, and providing specialized training based on market needs. Diana Hollmann, Head of the GIZ project promoting Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises, acknowledged the support the German Development Agency extends to the IT sector in enhancing market access, finance, and talent. Canadian consultant Olga Fragis expressed her gratitude to the Production Association for the opportunity to contribute to the event, reinforcing Jordan’s promising talent pool and its prospective role in the outsourcing field. Israa Awajan, the chief of the project management unit at EFE-Jordan, shared that the organization operates within a global network, managed locally in several Middle East and North African countries, with support offices in the United States, Europe, and the United Arab Emirates. Since its establishment, the Foundation has successfully trained more than 23,000 youths, with women representing 70 percent of this figure.

Source: Jordan News Agency