British delegates visit to explore investment opportunities

AMMAN — A British delegation headed by Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills Sajid Javid was in the Kingdom yesterday “to explore investment opportunities in Jordan”.

They met with Prime Minister Abdullah Ensour and separately with Minister of Planning and International Cooperation Imad Fakhoury, the Jordan News Agency, Petra, reported.

The premier stressed in the talks the Kingdom's keenness to develop Jordanian-British relations at all levels, highlighting the attractive investment environment and legislation, in addition to the security and stability of Jordan as vital to the success of ventures lured into the country.

The premier also outlined achievements in Jordan’s political, economic and social reforms, adding that the Kingdom has evolved into a model for countries aspiring to full-fledged democracy, public freedoms, freedom of expression and respect of human rights.

Ensour also reviewed the repercussions Jordan bears as a result of hosting a large number of Syrian refugees, which placed extra pressure on resources, services and infrastructure, Petra reported.

For his part, Javid, accompanied by businesspeople representing major British companies, praised Jordan's role in hosting Syrian refugees, noting that Jordan has been enduring a burden that major countries would fail to shoulder.

He also expressed hope that the donor conference London is scheduled to host in February would result in further help to the Kingdom to bear the repercussions of hosting refugees.

The British official said the delegation accompanying him seeks to explore investment opportunities Jordan offers, Petra added.

Fakhoury, Minister of Industry, Trade and Supply Maha Ali and British Ambassador to Jordan Edward Oakden attended the meeting.

Also on Sunday, Fakhoury met separately with Javid and the delegates, and expressed the Kingdom's aspirations to develop its ties with the UK in a way that best serves both countries' interests, according to a ministry statement.

He also voiced the Kingdom's appreciation for London's support to Jordan in the development and humanitarian aspects through the assistance it has presented to Jordan.

Fakhoury outlined the aspects of competitiveness in Jordan’s investment promotion plans, noting that the Kingdom seeks to attract investments in the fields of renewable energy, water, transportation, civil development, tourism and ICT.

He said that Jordan’s portfolio of investment projects is worth $20 billion and can be implemented through public-private partnerships or the private sector alone.

Javid and the delegates expressed their admiration for Jordan’s political and economic reforms that made the country a role model, especially in light of regional events, the statement added.

The Business Secretary also took the time to meet a selection of young Jordanian entrepreneurs and learn about the small business future of the country, according to a statement from the British Embassy in Amman. 

“It is obvious that Jordan faces significant regional uncertainty, but by building greater business connections and strengthening the economic ties between our two countries we can hope to bring economic and national security,” Javid was quoted in the statement as saying.

He also visited the Irbid Industrial Zone, where he met Governor of Irbid Saad Shihab and toured a garment factory, to see the skills on offer in the Jordanian economy and to explore business and investment opportunities for UK companies. 

Javid’s visit came in preparation for the World Economic Forum’s annual meeting at Davos, on January 21, 2016, according to the embassy.