Huge potential for further bilateral cooperation — Tarraf

AMMAN — Jordan needs to work on enhancing its business climate amidst fierce competition in the region, German Ambassador Ralph Tarraf said Monday.

Speaking at an event held by the Young Entrepreneurs Association in cooperation with the Friedrich Naumann Foundation for Liberty, Tarraf said the potential remains huge for cooperation between Jordan and Germany in different fields, namely, renewable energy, medical services, education, ICT and tourism.

Highlighting the renewable energy sector, the envoy said his country has vast experience in green energy projects and is ready to share it with Jordan.

However, bureaucracy is hampering going ahead with cooperation in certain fields, Tarraf noted.

“I have been here for almost three years as an ambassador. During this time, four energy ministers were changed and whenever I seek a meeting with a minister it takes two months, and by the time I ask for another meeting there is a new energy minister,” he said.

“There are good intentions, but no progress.”

“Relations with Jordan are solid. However, the trade balance... is largely in favour of Germany and there is a huge opportunity for increased cooperation in different areas,” Tarraf told an audience of business people, academics, lawmakers and media representatives.

Also speaking at the event, Jordanian German Business Council Chairman Khaldoun Abu Hassan highlighted vocational training as one of the fields for cooperation between the two countries.

He stressed the importance for Jordan’s economy to integrate into other economies to realise continued growth.

Participants at the event highlighted the key role small- and-medium-sized enterprises play in driving economic growth, calling for supporting these projects.