Creative industries, tech innovations on WEF agenda

AMMAN — The potential of creative industries and the impact of technological innovations will be discussed during the World Economic Forum (WEF) on the Middle East and North Africa, to be held in Jordan in May 2017. 

Boosting trade between and among Arab states in addition to job creation for youth will also be discussed at the event, which is expected to attract over 1,000 government and business leaders from around the world, said Miroslav Dusek, WEF executive committee member, at a meeting with reporters on Tuesday.

Under the theme of "Enabling a generational transformation", the event will also shed light on the empowerment of the labour force in the region, entrepreneurship and redesigning policies and strategies to meet the trends that will shape the future, said Dusek. 

"Related implications of technological advancement on industries and societies will also be on the forum's agenda in addition to the consequences of the Syrian crisis and regional issues,” he added.

"In spite of all the challenges, Jordan was capable of maintaining a competitive business climate, and coming back to Jordan is a testimony to the country's unique stability and position in the region," said Dusek.

The forum will be held in partnership with the King Abdullah II Fund for Development (KAFD).

Jordan last hosted the WEF on the Middle East and North Africa in 2015, in partnership with KAFD. 

The May 2017 forum will be the ninth hosted by Jordan since the first conference in 2003, which was held at the Dead Sea, WEF said in a previous statement.