AMMAN — The Information and Communications Technology Association of Jordan (Int@j) and Education For Employment-Jordan (EFE-Jordan) discussed developing new projects to enhance young people’s readiness to join the digital outsourcing sector and strengthen the capacity of Jordanian technology companies to access international markets.

 

During a coordination meeting, the two sides reviewed priorities for the next phase and mechanisms for building on the outcomes of their ongoing partnership, according to an Int@j statement issued on Saturday.

 

The planned projects will combine youth training based on labour market needs with efforts to help Jordanian companies strengthen their competitiveness and market their services regionally and internationally, the Jordan News Agency, Petra, reported.

 

The meeting also reviewed the results of joint projects implemented over the past several years, including an assessment of the capabilities and competitive advantages of 51 Jordanian IT companies, 10 of which were selected to benefit from a specialised capacity-building programme.

 

The partnership also included a study of demand for IT outsourcing services in European Union and Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) markets and helped six Jordanian companies conclude 12 commercial deals in Saudi Arabia and Oman.

 

In skills development and employment, the two sides implemented 12 specialised training programmes, in which 341 young men and women enrolled. A total of 297 participants completed the programme requirements, while 158 graduates have secured employment.

 

Int@j CEO Nidal Bitar, said the partnership’s results provide a "feasible" foundation for developing new projects that link the development of Jordanian talent with the needs of companies and target markets.

 

He said the next phase would focus on enhancing the competitiveness of Jordanian companies seeking to enter new markets and preparing young people to work in the digital outsourcing sector.

 

Bitar noted that the initiative supports the objectives of the Economic Modernisation Vision related to developing the information technology sector and expanding employment and export opportunities.

 

EFE-Jordan Director General Ghadeer Khafash, said the partnership with Int@j had contributed to designing programmes based on the actual needs of companies and the labour market, which was reflected in the training, employment and business opportunities achieved in recent years.

 

She added that the projects currently under development would equip Jordanian youth with the skills needed to join the digital outsourcing sector, enhance their competitiveness and access sustainable employment opportunities, while supporting companies seeking qualified talent to expand their operations.

 

The two sides agreed to complete the development of the proposed projects, set priorities and identify implementation mechanisms during the coming period.

 

The process is expected to enhance young people’s readiness for the labour market and support the presence of Jordanian companies in regional and international technology and outsourcing services markets.