Important guidelines for investment

His Majesty King Abdullah’s Sunday meeting with representatives of several investment sectors both highlighted the important role they play in boosting the economy and aimed to encourage them, and others, to invest in Jordan, benefiting from the advantages offered by the Kingdom, this “oasis of stability”, in the region.

Top executives of companies working in transport, industry tourism, energy, real estate and insurance attended the meeting in which the King drew attention to the need to extend all necessary support to investors to help them execute projects in different governorates in the country, in the process also generating much-needed jobs for Jordanians.

To be sure, investing in Jordan would be tantamount to investing in peace in the area.

As long as Jordan is strong economically, it can contribute more to the stability and security of the entire region.

The Kingdom is already doing so by hosting thousands of Syrian refugees on behalf of the international community.

It is also part of the international coalition waging war against Daesh in Syria and Iraq.

Making Jordan stronger by investing in it, therefore, is equivalent to promoting regional peace and security.

But as the King told his guests, who no doubt know it very well, it is important that the government remove all obstacles that could impede investment projects in a manner that serves both the public and private sectors’ interests.

Much has been done to promote and create a favourable environment for investment, but a great deal more can, and should, be done.

As mentioned by the sectors’ representatives, the country’s high taxation system poses a real obstacle to potential investors.

As such, there is need to streamline national legislation on investment with a view to making it clearer and more coherent.

The frank exchange of views witnessed Sunday is one important step on the way to making Jordan an attractive investment hub.