Leaders International Advances Local Supply Chains Through CERA Closing Event and “Made in Jordan” Expo
Amman, March 29 — Under the patronage of H.E. the Minister of Industry, Trade and Supply (MoITS), Mr. Yarub Qudah, and H.E. the Ambassador of the Kingdom of the Netherlands to Jordan, Ms. Stella Kloth, Leaders International for Economic Development organized the closing event of the Corporate Entrepreneurship Responsibility Alliance (CERA) project, alongside the “Made in Jordan: Powering Local Supply Chains” Expo.
The event, supported by the Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands in Jordan, brought together around 200 participants, including representatives from the public and private sectors, development partners, and entrepreneurs.
This event also coincided with the celebration of 75 years of diplomatic relations between the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan and the Kingdom of the Netherlands. These longstanding relations represent a strong model of cooperation in advancing economic development and fostering sustainable partnerships.
The event featured the opening of the “Made in Jordan” Expo, showcasing around 20 small and medium enterprises (SMEs) supported through the project. These businesses presented their products and services, creating direct engagement opportunities with large companies and decision-makers. The expo also included B2B matchmaking sessions, opening new avenues for collaboration and enhancing the integration of local businesses into supply chains.
The event included interactive panel discussions bringing together representatives from the government, private sector, and experts in economics and development. Discussions focused on building competitive local supply chains, strengthening the role of large enterprises in supporting local suppliers, and scaling Corporate Entrepreneurship Responsibility (CER) at a national level.
On the sidelines of the event, a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed between Leaders International and the Jordan Chamber of Industry, aiming to strengthen sustainable partnerships and support the development of national supply chains. 30 members of the CERA Alliance were also recognized for their contributions to supporting SMEs and enhancing economic integration.
The event further highlighted several success stories of SMEs that successfully expanded their businesses and entered new markets through partnerships facilitated by the project with larger companies.
In her speech during the ceremony, Her Excellency Eng. Yasmeen Khriesat, Assistant Secretary-General for Industrial Development and Foreign Trade and delegate of the Minister of Industry, Trade and Supply (MoITS), stated:
“This reflects the depth of Jordanian-Dutch relations, marking their 75th anniversary, and highlights the strength of bilateral cooperation in supporting economic and social development. It also represents a successful model of public-private partnership, promoting innovation, corporate responsibility, and private sector empowerment.”
She added that the project supported 90 MSMEs through an integrated approach linking them with larger enterprises, while providing capacity-building programs, development grants, and specialized training in key business areas. The effort also facilitated over 125 partnerships, contributing to a more sustainable and resilient business environment.
H.E. Mrs. Stella Kloth, Ambassador of the Kingdom of the Netherlands to Jordan, stated:
“One of the Netherlands’ priorities is to support Jordan in strengthening the resilience of its private sector. The successful completion of the CERA project reflects this commitment. Through CERA, we are proud to have supported 90 Jordanian businesses, created 600 new jobs, and facilitated 125 partnerships between MSMEs and larger corporations.”
Mr. Shadi Atshan, General Manager of Leaders International, stated:
“This project represents a practical model of how partnerships can be translated into tangible results on the ground. We have clearly witnessed the impact of connecting large corporations with SMEs, resulting in real opportunities for growth and stronger local supply chains. What has been achieved today is a key step toward building a more resilient and sustainable economy in Jordan.”
Participants emphasized the importance of sustained support for local businesses and strengthening their integration into supply chains, particularly in light of regional and global challenges, given their critical role in enhancing economic resilience and creating sustainable job opportunities.
About the Project:
The CERA project, funded by the Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands in Jordan, aims to promote the concept of corporate entrepreneurship responsibility by supporting the integration of SMEs into local supply chains and fostering effective partnerships with large corporations.
The project supported 90 SMEs through a comprehensive package of interventions, including the provision of machinery and equipment, technical and managerial training, marketing activities, development of financial models and business plans, business development consultancy, and support in accessing new markets.
It also contributed to establishing an alliance of 30 large companies that actively supported SMEs and enhanced their integration within the local market.
