Jordan sees ‘enormous growth’ in e-commerce, yet more needed to improve sector “” experts

Jordan sees ‘enormous growth’ in e-commerce, yet more needed to improve sector “” experts

AMMAN “” Jordan witnesses "enormous growth“ in e-commerce especially nowadays during the coronavirus pandemic, experts said.

In remarks to The Jordan Times, experts said, when the e-commerce first started in Jordan around 2011, it was dominated by international players, which affected local merchants negatively.

"International competitors pose a big threat to local e-commerce businesses. Products ordered from international platforms arrive via the post, which sometimes are not processed properly and can be exempted from taxes.“Asaad Qawasmi, representative of the apparel and jewelry sector in the Jordan Chamber of Commerce said.

Amjad Sweis, co-founder of e-commerce platforms in Jordan, said that "some platforms witnessed big growth in sales during the pandemic. During the lockdown, e-commerce was the only way for customers to buy some of their favourite products“.

President of the Textiles and Ready-made Garments Syndicate Muneer Deyeh said that there is a "noticeable development in e-commerce in Jordan which has reached a total value of around JD500 million."

Wajdi Makhamreh, an economist, urged the government to raise awareness about the importance of e-commerce for both the merchants and the Kingdom's economy.

"Compared with neighbouring countries, e-commerce is not as successful as it should be in Jordan, due to the lack of a clear strategy and coordination