Manufacturing is concentrated around Amman. The major heavy industries include the extraction of phosphate, petroleum refining, and cement production. Alongside these, food, clothing, and various consumer goods are also produced. Despite Jordan’s small market size, obstacles such as recession, debt, and unemployment have prompted the need for continued foreign aid. The government has been relatively slow to implement privatization, but efforts have been made to boost the private sector, with partial privatization of some state-owned enterprises beginning in 1999. Despite the dominance of the state in Jordan’s economy, the country is continually seeking economic reforms, with entry into the World Trade Organization in 2000 being one such step. However, Jordan’s geographic location makes it highly vulnerable to political instability in the region. Despite these challenges, manufacturing remains a crucial sector for Jordan’s economic growth and development.