Jordan, Bahrain review cooperation, investment prospects

AMMAN — Prime Minister Bisher Khasawneh on Thursday participated in a panel discussion organised by the Bahraini Economic Development Board, the entity responsible for investments in Bahrain, in the presence of Deputy Prime Minister Sheikh Khalid Bin Abdullah Al Khalifa, and other ministers, as well as leaders from the private sector, chambers of industry and commerce, and businesspeople from both countries.

In the session, Khasawneh stressed the importance of utilising the available opportunities for cooperation between Jordan and Bahrain, mainly at the investment level, the Jordan News Agency, Petra, reported.

The premier stressed that the two countries enjoy many advantages, opportunities and potential that can be built upon to serve mutual interests in implementation of the directives of both countries' leadership.

Khasawneh underlined the importance of the private sectors of both countries in dialogues and discussions that can lead to "real partnerships and fruitful cooperation".

He also reviewed governmental measures to regulate the investment environment in Jordan and remove obstacles and challenges facing investment. Such measures include the establishment of the Ministry of Investment and the endorsement of the new law regulating investment environment, which unified investment references and removed many bureaucratic obstacles.

The premier commended Bahrain's expertise in enhancing the investment environment and the follow-up and action mechanism the country uses in this sector, expressing Jordan's welcome to Bahraini investors and any partnerships between sovereign funds and the relevant authorities in the public and private sectors.

Meanwhile, Bahraini Minister of Finance and National Economy Sheikh Salman Bin Khalifa Al Khalifa highlighted the Economic Development Board’s experience in attracting and supporting investment, key strategies, work mechanisms and practices.

An extensive discussion took place during the session in which the attending ministers and private sector leaders from both countries covered mechanisms for developing the investment environment and the best investment practices.