Ammon News - The Jordan Chamber of Industry (JCI) and the International Labor Organization (ILO) have partnered in an initiative to enhance the productivity and resilience of agro-food SMEs employing or serving refugees and host community members.

A statement by the JCI on Tuesday said that the joint initiative is part of efforts to help agro-food SMEs improve their productivity and working conditions.

The pilot initiative will provide technical and financial assistance to 15 enterprises whose activities have been impacted by the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.

"Employment of Syrian refugees and host community members, investment in job retention and workforce reskilling programs for business continuity and growth, and improvement in working conditions are among the main eligibility criteria for enterprises to join the initiative," the statement added.

The ILO, in collaboration with JCI, is set to provide tailor-made financial and technical assistance to the selected SMEs, supporting the development of improved occupational safety, trainings, business continuity and expansion plans, among other activities.