Jordan has potential to be ICT hub — Japanese PM

AMMAN — Jordan has a potential to become a hub in the logistics and information technology sectors, Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe said during a press conference on Tuesday.

Accompanied by a high-profile business delegation and CEOs from various Japanese companies, the premier said that some major Japanese companies are already investing in infrastructure projects, such a solar and thermal power generation project, adding that others have expressed interest in entering the Jordanian market.

He announced that Jordan and Japan have “agreed in substance on a Japanese-Jordanian investment agreement”, which he said shows “the improvement of the business environment” in Jordan.

There is potential for cooperation not only when it comes to major companies, but also with smaller ones, Abe pointed out, highlighting Japan’s keenness to benefit from the talented Jordanian workforce.

“What is important in this visit is for companies to see the situation with their own eyes. I hope this will lead to further investments by Japanese firms in Jordan,” the premier stated.

Abe commended Jordan’s commitment to the economic and financial reform plans and its endeavours to create more jobs, voicing Japan’s readiness to support the Kingdom in the vocational training sector. 

Commending Jordan’s efforts in hosting some 1.3 million Syrian refugees, Abe announced a donation of about $15 million to Jordan, Lebanon and Syria to help alleviate the impact of the Syrian crisis.

“Jordan made tremendous contribution by generously accepting a large number of Syrian refugees,” he said, commending the Kingdom’s role in seeking regional peace and stability, and its efforts in restoring the momentum to the peace process between Palestinians and Israelis.

“We will continue to support His Majesty’s efforts in this regard,” he said, adding that Japan has been working with Jordan to help push the peace process between Israel and Palestine forward in line with the two-state solution that allows for peaceful coexistence and regional stability.

Also Tuesday, a memorandum of understanding was signed with the Japanese government to provide the Municipal Affairs Ministry with a grant to improve waste management devices and equipment in northern governorates.

The $15.3-million grant, signed by Planning and International Cooperation Minister Imad Fakhoury and Japanese Ambassador to Jordan Hidenao Yanagi, aims at alleviating the Kingdom’s burdens in hosting Syrian refugees under the 2018-2022 Jordan Response Plan, Petra reported.