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Ammon News - AMMONNEWS - The Jordanian government has received a letter from its US counterpart, allowing entry of Jordanian clothes to the US markets within a more advanced level than before.

The decision was taken after the US Department of Labor lifted its reservations on such industries. The letter, which was received by the government late September, noted that the Jordanian industries are not within the list of countries that violate cross-border anti-human trafficking laws.

The US decision was the fruit of measures taken by the Jordanian government to monitor clothing manufacturers, develop and implement its labor regulations and protect laborers' rights to preserve the Kingdom's reputation.

Jordan, in cooperation with the International Labor Organization (ILO) and "Tamkeen" NGO, has carried out inspection campaigns on violating industries to correct their situation according to laws. The government also ensured that the industrial sector provide a suitable and healthy working environment, suitable wages and working hours.

Further, the government has developed merit lists for industries that observed these practices and rights.

Official export figures showed that the Kingdom's exports dropped in 2015 and during the first half of 2016, because of regional turmoil and border closures with some Arab countries. Meanwhile, the Kingdom's exports to the US account for 21% of the total national exports. In this regard, the government is exerting efforts to offset the in exports because of regional turmoil by opening new markets.

In this context, Deputy Prime Minister for Economic Affairs Jawad Anani said that the government exerted its utmost to maintain the good reputation of the Jordanian products to the US, since its a major importer of clothes made in Jordan. This in turn, he added, would more jobs to Jordanians.

Jordan can expand this industry to reach European markets, especially following a recent agreement with the EU to ease rules of origin on Jordanian products.