Jordan hosts inaugural Jordanian-Gulf investment conference to boost economic ties

AMMAN — Deputising for His Majesty King Abdullah, Minister of Investment Mothanna Gharaibeh on Wednesday opened the inaugural Jordanian-Gulf Investment Conference at the King Hussein Bin Talal Convention Center in the Dead Sea.

The conference, organised by the Jordan Chamber of Commerce and the Federation of Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) chambers, carries the theme "Partnerships, Investment, Economic Integration." 

It aims to explore investment opportunities in the Kingdom’s promising strategic sectors, the Jordan News Agency, Petra, reported.

The event features participation from GCC Secretary-General Jasem Mohamed AlBudaiwi, as well as leaders and board members of Gulf chambers of commerce, Gulf investors in Jordan, Jordanian business leaders, and public and private sector institutions. 

Sessions delve into Jordan's key economic strengths, including tourism, information technology, mining, creative industries, and energy.  

In a separate meeting, Prime Minister Jafar Hassan welcomed the delegations, led by Secretary-General of the GCC Jassem Budaiwi, alongside Gulf and Arab business leaders.

The discussions centred on boosting economic and investment cooperation, with particular emphasis on leveraging Jordan’s free trade agreements to expand access to international markets.

Hassan underscored the Kingdom's strong, brotherly ties with the Gulf states and the close relations between His Majesty King Abdullah and Gulf leaders

He also highlighted the significance of increasing private-sector cooperation and commended the successful joint projects across multiple sectors.

Budaiwi extended his thanks to Jordan for its hospitality, praising the country’s reliability and strengths in industries such as pharmaceuticals and energy. 

He also reiterated the GCC’s commitment to enhancing economic cooperation and stimulating investment in Jordan.

The conference coincides with the 65th meeting of the GCC Chambers Board of Directors, which is being held in Jordan for the first time outside the GCC, further cementing the "deep-rooted" ties between Jordan and the GCC states.