Astana’s Future Energy EXPO-2017 a good opportunity for Jordan — investment commission

AMMAN — Jordan said Monday it was keen on participating in the Future Energy EXPO-2017 to be held in Kazakhstan and exchange expertise with international companies.

“Taking part in this reputable international energy exhibition is of high importance for Jordan, which is embarking on a series of mega-projects in the field of renewable energy,” Montaser Oklah, chairman of the Jordan Investment Commission, said at a meeting with a delegation from Kazakhstan headed by EXPO-2017 Commissioner and First Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of Kazakhstan Rapil Zhoshybayev.

“Jordan is moving ahead with several solar and wind power plants and taking part in the exhibition will help [it] build partnerships [and] share its expertise in this regard,” Oklah added.

At the meeting, the two sides signed an agreement on Jordan’s participation in the expo, to be held in Astana, the capital of Kazakhstan.

Oklah expressed hope that many Jordanian companies will take part in the exhibition, which will run from June 10 to September 10, 2017.

Highlighting the strategic ties between Kazakhstan and Jordan, Zhoshybayev said around 400 square metres in the exhibition area has been allocated for Jordan.

“The exhibition provides an opportunity for Jordanian companies to build partnerships and explore opportunities with international companies working in the field,” Zhoshybayev said at the meeting, where Kazakh official reviewed progress in building the venue and the latest developments pertaining to the expo.

So far, 51 countries and 11 international organisations have confirmed their participation in the event. 

Also on Monday, Energy Ministry Secretary General Ghaleb Maabreh met with Zhoshybayev and discussed investment opportunities in Jordan’s energy sector, the Jordan News Agency, Petra, reported.

Maabreh said Jordan is moving ahead with renewable energy projects in parallel with the nuclear programme under the national strategy, aimed at diversifying energy resources.

He also encouraged Kazakh companies to benefit from investment opportunities in the Kingdom.

The secretary general stressed the importance of signing a memorandum of understanding to boost cooperation in the energy field in the interest of both countries.

The Kazakh official said his country is keen on enhancing cooperation with Jordan through benefiting from opportunities available in the energy and investment fields, Petra reported.