Towards regional peace and prosperity

The World Economic Forum, which starts today under the patronage of His Majesty King Abdullah on the Dead Sea shores, is conducted under the theme “Creating regional framework for prosperity and peace through public-private cooperation”.

In view of the security and macro-economic challenges facing the region, as the senior director and head of the Middle East and North Africa at WEF, Miroslav Dusek, put it, the topic could not have been better chosen.

The goal, as formulated by the meeting, is ambitious, yet with enough political will, it is attainable.

But first and foremost, the meeting will also serve as a platform to shed light on Jordan’s economic development and available investment opportunities, and as a venue for concluding several investment opportunities, according to Minister of Planning and International Cooperation, and Chairperson of the King Abdullah II Fund for Development Imad Fakhoury.

The fact that the meeting is hosted by Jordan is testimony to the political and economic stability of the country and to the maturity and seriousness of its progression towards achieving full democratic reform and economic development.

“It will also be an opportunity for further economic momentum, particularly as Jordan has recently launched the 2025 economic vision,” the blueprint for economic and social development, said Fakhoury.

The some 1,000 political and business leaders and representatives of civil society, international organisations and media from about 58 countries have many issues to discuss, considering the extensive agenda of the meeting.

In view of the widespread regional tension and turmoil, it is important, and telling, that such an important gathering should take place to consider creating a regional framework for peace and prosperity, the only way to ensure progress for the area, away from unrest and destructive wars.

Jordan, this oasis of tranquility that is also a safe haven for peoples from the neighbourhood fleeing mayhem in their countries, offers many investment opportunities that should be considered with a heightened sense of urgency particularly because of the circumstances around it and the Kingdom’s principled stand vis-à-vis Arab brethren.

Much hope is being pinned on the success of WEF in the Kingdom, which could help the entire region to register progress.

The vision for a prosperous and stable Middle East cannot be allowed to be thwarted by the current violence, and this is what WEF in Jordan no doubt will work on.