Saqqaf meets Australian ambassador over investment relations

AMMAN — Investment Minister Kholoud Saqqaf on Thursday stressed the “deep-rooted” nature of Jordanian-Australian relations and the Kingdom’s endeavours to continue developing bilateral ties at all levels, mainly in the economic, commercial and investment fields.

Saqqaf’s remarks came as she received Australian Ambassador Bernard Lynch at the ministry on Thursday as the two discussed means to develop investment ties between the two countries, according to a ministry statement. 

During the meeting, Saqqaf reviewed the current state of investment, economic and trade relations between Jordan and Australia, and discussed ways they can be better supported. 

She also reviewed Jordan's improvement in several economic indicators from the previous period, especially the “remarkable and positive” improvement in the recent Moody’s credit rating received by Jordan.

Saqqaf also went over top legislative amendments and the government’s efforts to improve the investment climate and business environment. 

The minister also reviewed the main advantages of the new Investment Environment Law, and the reasons behind establishing the Investment Ministry as an institution concerned with all aspects of the investment process.

The minister also stressed the ministry’s aspiration to attract more Australian investments to Jordan, considering the Kingdom's “highly competitive” opportunities for investors in a broad array of sectors.

She also said that Jordan enjoys various advantages that make it a hub for investors, such as favourable regulatory investment laws, and various free trade agreements and subsequent investment relations which allow Jordanian products to reach more than 1.5 billion people around the world.

Jordan also enjoys peace and stability, in addition to a “qualified workforce” and opportunities for a “distinguished university education”, she noted.

Jordan and Australia have enjoyed over 100 years of “friendship and partnership”, Lynch said, adding that relations between the two nations are based on joint interests. The ambassador also stressed his aspiration to increase the commercial and investment exchange volume between the two countries.

Australian investments in the Kingdom stand at $3.87 million in various economic sectors, according to the statement.