PM, US business delegation talk development support

AMMAN — Prime Minister Bisher Khasawneh on Tuesday received a delegation from the Business Executives for American National Security Group (BENS).

BENS is a nonprofit and nonpartisan US-based network of business and industry executives who apply best business practices to address security challenges facing the US.

During the meeting, Khasawneh stressed the “deep” nature of the “strategic relations” between Jordan and the US, and noted the Kingdom’s keenness to enhance cooperation in various fields.

Khasawneh also expressed Jordan’s appreciation of US assistance to the Kingdom, which contributes to supporting Jordan’s development process, the Jordan News Agency, Petra, reported.

The prime minister stressed the importance of the free trade agreement between Jordan and the US, which allows the free entry of many Jordanian goods and products into the US market.

Khasawneh acquainted the delegation with Jordan's comprehensive modernisation efforts, led by His Majesty King Abdullah, and the reform programme’s three political, economic and administrative tracks.

The prime minister pointed out that many sectors have began their economic recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic, including the tourism sector, which is experiencing “remarkable growth” due to increased attention placed upon archaeological and religious tourism sites in Jordan. Khasawneh also noted the rise in the volume of national exports.

The premier said that meeting the targets set by the Economic Modernisation Vision, including the plan to create one million jobs and achieving a growth rate of about 5.5 per cent over a 10-year period, heavily depends on attracting more Arab and foreign investments and empowering domestic investment.

Khasawneh pointed out that the Investment Environment Regulation Law, which is scheduled to go into force at the beginning of next week, is envisioned to enhance the investment environment, facilitate investment processes and provide tax incentives and legislative stability.

The prime minister also reviewed several major projects in the pipeline, including the National Water Carrier Project, which provides drinking water for citizens, and the Aqaba-Madouneh Railway Project, which could serve as a hub for regional connectivity. Other projects are underway in the fields of renewable energy, copper mining, magnesium, phosphate, hydrogen and green ammonia, the prime minister said.

The visiting delegates stressed the “distinguished relations” between Jordan and the US, referring to the importance of the Kingdom’s role as an important element of security and stability in the region.

The delegation also remarked on Jordan’s status as an important partner for the US, noting that in return, the US is biggest supporter of the Kingdom’s development process.