Seminar explores roles of gov’t, small enterprises in facing coronavirus

AMMAN — As part of the “Jordan’s Innovative Challenge” programme, a seminar titled "The role of small enterprises” was conducted on small enterprises’ part in supporting the government to mitigate the economic effects of the coronavirus on Wednesday.

The seminar, held via videoconference, also dealt with the role of the government, specifically the Ministry of Youth, in supporting small enterprises, the Jordan News Agency, Petra, reported.

The programme is being organised by the Ministry of Youth in partnership with the Jordan River Foundation and UNICEF, and the seminar was held as part of the "Haki Business" (Business Talk) event. 

Minister of Youth Fares Braizat launched the seminar, which is considered the programme’s first activity, noting that it coincided with the occasion of World Creativity and Innovation Day.

Braizat said that the expected economic impact of the coronavirus crisis constitutes a “major challenge” for Jordan, one that requires a presentation of all possible solutions to these problems that may contribute to resuming economic and developmental growth.

“The doors of partnership with the Ministry of Youth are open to all, and that the goal today is to find and integrate ideas that contribute to solving the problems and effects of the pandemic on all sectors, specifically the sectors of tourism, health and agriculture and food security,” he said.

He highlighted the National Forum for Young Entrepreneurs 2020, which targets the same three sectors and has put forth more than 332 enterprises and initiatives, noting that 23 enterprises presented by 60 young men and women were chosen.

For her part, Director of the Jordan River Foundation Inaam Barrishi said that, in the current stage with the coronavirus pandemic, the foundation is focusing on supporting daily wage workers and micro and small enterprises.