Jordan Daily – Classic Fashion, a leading garment manufacturer, hosted a panel discussion on Monday titled “Role of Corporates in Leading Socio-Economic Change,” focusing on how businesses can drive positive social impact.
The panel was moderated by renowned Podcaster & Rotarian (Rotary Club of Philadelphia, Amman) .Laith Al-Barghouthi and centered on how corporates can contribute to socio-economic development by focusing on people and creating opportunities for growth.
Rana Zoubi, Country Director at SOS Children’s Villages Jordan, highlighted the long-standing partnership between her organization and Classic Fashion, emphasizing the company’s role in providing opportunities for vulnerable youth.
“Our relationship with Classic Fashion dates back many years, and we’re very proud of this collaboration,” Zoubi said. “Without the work of community members and corporates like yourselves, there is no way we can extend the services with the quality that we want for our young men and women.”
Zoubi explained that the collaboration helps bridge the gap between the skills students gain in universities and the practical demands of the job market. “What Classic Fashion offers to our young men and women is education, opportunities, accommodation, and bridging the gap between what they learn at university and what is needed in the marketplace,” she said.
Nedal Zubeidi, Chief Editor of Jordan Daily, spoke about the importance of corporate social responsibility, praising Classic Fashion’s efforts to improve worker welfare. “Not many big companies offer a way of living for somebody like Classic Fashion does. It’s about education, care, and even housing,” Zubeidi said, adding, “Classic Fashion has changed the lives of many people.”
Zubeidi also compared Classic Fashion’s model to other major corporations in Jordan, noting that while companies like Jordan Phosphate Mines and Arab Potash contribute to community projects, Classic Fashion’s comprehensive approach has had a more direct and personal impact on individual lives. “I know young girls who have been with Classic Fashion for 15 years, and they now make good living and have families of their own. That kind of long-term growth is rare,” Zubeidi said.
Sridhar Rajagopal, a executive at Classic Fashion, reflected on the company’s people-centered approach, recounting a conversation with Chairman Sanal Kumar in 2006. “I asked him, what’s growth for you? He never said profits or turnover. He said, ‘My next milestone is I want to employ 10,000 people,’” Rajagopal said. He emphasized that this vision still drives the company today, with recent initiatives like the establishment of an internal academy to promote employee development.
“This is probably one company where the chairman says, ‘I need you to set up an academy not to teach management theory, but to impart skills which will help our people grow with the Company,’” Rajagopal added. “We want to be participating in that change process.”
The Stakeholders at the event have agreed to establish a working-group to design, develop & implement impactful social projects in Jordan, under the leadership of Classic Fashion.