Investment guide showcases opportunities in Jordan to Irish companies

AMMAN — Minister of Investment Kholoud Saqqaf on Wednesday attended the launch of a business guide to showcase Jordan’s investment opportunities to Irish companies.

During the launch ceremony of the guide, prepared by the Irish embassy, Saqqaf highlighted the competitive advantages that make the Kingdom an attractive investment environment, according to a ministry statement. 

Jordan has investment opportunities in competitive sectors, most notably the ICT, tourism, medical tourism, healthcare and pharmaceutical fields, as well as a range of investment opportunities based on partnership between the public and private sectors, she said.

Despite the fact that the Kingdom accounts for no more than 3 per cent of the MENA region’s population, it has become home to 27 per cent of the top 100 emerging Arab enterprises that have constituted the Fourth Industrial Revolution, she said.

She added that the Kingdom is ranked first in the Arab world in terms of its contribution to the production of Arabic content on the Internet, with a participation rate of about 75 per cent of total Arabic online content.

Besides of being member of the World Trade Organization (WTO), Jordan has signed numerous free trade agreements with the US, Canada, the EU, Singapore and the Greater Arab Free Trade Area (GAFTA) to help local exports enter foreign markets, she said, adding that these agreements allow Jordanian products to reach over 1.5 billion consumers worldwide.

She also highlighted the key reforms implemented by the government to boost Jordan's investment status, such as the approval of a new investment environment law and system, the establishment of the Ministry of Investment, and plans to attract and empower investments and promote cooperation between the public and private sectors.

Irish State Minister for Justice and Youth, James Browne, emphasised the importance of developing bilateral relations between the two countries, stating: "It is truly encouraging to see the growth of bilateral trade relations between Jordan and Ireland, and the future opportunities available to expand Irish investment in this part of the region."

Irish Ambassador to Amman Marianne Bolger lauded the positive aspects of doing business in Jordan. 

"I believe Jordan can offer a unique set of advantages that we want to share with Irish investors through this guide,” she said.

The Business Guide includes the advantages offered to investors and focuses on five sectors: ICT, Pharmaceuticals, Food and Beverages, Tourism and Mega Projects.