Nedal Zubeidi
Jordan Daily - Jordan's JIMEX exhibition remains one of the largest and most influential electromechanical trade fairs in the Arab region, despite a decline in visitor numbers this year due to regional geopolitical tensions, an Indian trade representative said on Wednesday.
Jitender Kumar, Manager for International and MENA Region at the India Export Promotion Council (IEPC India), said Indian companies have participated regularly in the exhibition for the past 10 to 15 years, with the exception of disruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.
"We are working under India's Ministry of Commerce and Industry through the Export Promotion Council, which promotes exports from India," Kumar said during an interview with Jordan Daily at the exhibition. "We have nearly 15,000 member companies and circulate information about international exhibitions among them."
According to Kumar, Indian participation has varied over the years, reaching as many as 60 companies at one stage and around 30 companies in 2023. This year, only 10 Indian firms attended.
"The situation was not favorable because of the war between Iran and the United States, so many companies preferred to avoid travel," he said.
The Indian delegation at JIMEX consists entirely of Indian manufacturers from the electromechanical sector, including companies specializing in electrical equipment, switchgear, batteries, meters and related products.
Kumar, who has visited Jordan repeatedly over the years, praised the organization and marketing of JIMEX and credited the event with helping Indian companies establish long-term business relationships in the region.
"As of today, this is one of the biggest electromechanical exhibitions in this region," he said. "It is well organized, well planned and well marketed by the organizers. That is why many of our companies keep returning year after year."
Several Indian exhibitors have already secured local distributors in Jordan, reflecting the commercial opportunities generated by the event, he added.
However, Kumar noted that visitor turnout was lower than expected this year, particularly from neighboring countries.
"We expected more visitors from Egypt, Syria and Iraq," he said. "Normally, visitors come from across the region, but this time the numbers were lower."
He attributed the shortfall largely to regional instability and ongoing security concerns.
Kumar also commended the Indian Embassy in Jordan for its support of trade promotion efforts, saying embassy officials actively encourage Indian participation in the exhibition and work with government agencies to expand exports under India's "Make in India" initiative.
"Our embassy is doing its job very beautifully," he said. "The ambassador is keen to increase exports and has assured us that next year we may come with double the number of companies."
JIMEX is regarded as one of Jordan's premier trade exhibitions, bringing together companies from the electrical, mechanical and energy sectors and attracting visitors from across the Middle East.
