JICA, Digital Economy Ministry sign agreement to promote AI ecosystem

AMMAN — The Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) signed a Record of Discussions (R/D) with the Digital Economy Ministry for the Project for Promoting the Artificial Intelligence Ecosystem, a technical cooperation project.

Minister of Digital Economy and Entrepreneurship Ahmed Hanandeh and JICA Director of Junji Wakui signed the agreement, according to the Jordan News Agency, Petra.

In Jordan, where over 60 per cent of the population is under 30 years of age, the political situation in neighbouring countries and the global impact of the COVID-19 pandemic have resulted in a sluggish domestic economic growth rate and a high level of unemployment, JICA said in a statement posted on its website. 

The expansion of support for improved employment for young people is an urgent issue not only for the sake of peace and stability in the country, but also for achieving independent and sustainable economic growth, the statement said.

This project aims to establish an operational platform using an industry-government-academia model to promote the use of AI technology throughout Jordan, thereby contributing to the development of an ecosystem that advances the use of emerging technologies. 

Leveraging such technologies will vitalise entrepreneurial activities, which in turn will promote the ICT industry and lead to an expansion of employment opportunities. 

The project will contribute to the achievement of Sustainable Development Goal 9 (Industry, innovation and infrastructure).