‹‹ Reigniting Investments into the Second Centennial ››
The conference aims to discuss the future trends and outlook for the investment environment globally and in the Kingdom. The sessions will focus on promoting opportunities and investment enabling measures undertaken by the Jordan Investment Commission and other governmental actions. It will also address entrepreneurship and the transition from a traditional economy to a knowledge economy, while keeping pace with modern global trends. Furthermore, tools for Access to Finance availability, Development and Industrial Zones features, making Jordan a launching hub for world markets, while focusing on Jordanian expatriates. All topics will be further discussed by local, regional and international experts.
Conference Agenda
12 July 2021
Going Live
10:00 -10:05 AM
10:05 – 10:15 AM
H.E. Dr. Bisher Al Khasawneh
The Prime Minister of Jordan
10:20 – 11:20 AM
Investments are considered one of the main pillars in building a strong economy through its direct impact on increasing capital investment, job creation, exports, improving economic diversification, and increasing productivity, which in return contribute to the transition to a comprehensive and sustainable economic model.
This session shall review the features of the investment environment in the Kingdom and the developments it witnessed during the pandemic period, in addition to the investment plans and the path Jordan is taking as we step into the second centennial, focusing on increasing FDI inflows. Experts will share their views and outlooks on investment trends regionally and globally, focusing on the competitive advantage and the location of the country to attract foreign investments.
Speakers:
H.E Maha Ali, Minister of Industry, Trade and Supplies
H.E Fareedon Hartoqa, Acting Chairman of the Jordan Investment Commission
Mr. Philip Ter Woort, Director for Eastern Mediterranean Region, European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) TBC
Ms. Ana Novik, Head of Investment Division, Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD)
Mr. James Zhan, Director of Investment and Enterprise, United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD)
Moderator:
Dr. Adli Kandah, Financial and Economic Advisor
11:25 – 12:30 PM
Jordan is the destination for businesses to set up and expand, with an excellent investment environment, logistic facilities, infrastructure, interconnectivity, access to talent, a package of value-added investment opportunities and rewarding investment returns.
This session shall launch and market a number of investment opportunities varying in terms of area, location, size of investment and sectors ensuring Jordan’s competitiveness and achieving our desired sustainable development goals.
Investment projects proposed by the Public-Private Partnership Unit will also be discussed, in addition to highlighting the government's commitment and initiatives to encourage the private sector in taking a greater part in general economic activities.
Speakers:
H.E. Fareedon Hartoqa, Acting Chairman of the Jordan Investment Commission
H.E Khaled Abu Hassan, Chairman of the Lower House Economy and Investment Committee in the Jordanian Parliament
H.E. Nayef Bakhit, Chief Commissioner of Aqaba Special Economic Zone Authority (ASEZA)
H.E. Zaid Tarawneh, Head of Public Private Partnership Unit at the Prime Ministry
H.E Eng. Hamza Haj Hasan, CEO of Amman Vision Investment and Development
Moderator:
Eng. Musa Al Saket, CEO of Alia Management Group
12:35 – 13:35 PM
The vision and high-level regulatory support have been evident in Jordan in recent years with innovative initiatives related to youth empowerment, entrepreneurship, technology and digital transformation.
This session will highlight the initiatives and measures undertaken by the government and the private sector towards the digital transformation of the economy, instilling the culture of leadership and innovation among youth and support their creative projects.
Speakers:
H.E Ahmad Al Hanandeh, Minster of Digital Economy and Entrepreneurship
Dr. Bashar Hawamdeh, Chairman of the Information and Communications Technology Association (INTAJ)
Mr. Nayef Stetieh, CEO of Business Development Center
Ms. Luma Fawaz, CEO of Oasis 500
Moderator:
Mr. Faisal Hakki, Managing Director of AB Venture
13:40 – 14:40 PM
The ability for companies to grow highly depends on their ability to access capital and finance their activities for the development of their products and expanding to new markets and consumers.
The session will discuss the up-to-date strategies to improve access to finance in Jordan, and the financial tools available in the market for all types of investments from startups to large companies.
Furthermore, the session will reflect on specific policies and regulatory responses taken by the government to support SME’s and discuss the role of regional organizations in supporting investors to access needed finance.
Speakers:
H.E. Kholoud Saqqaf, CEO of Social Security Investment Fund
H.E Dr.Khair Abu Sa'alik, Member of the Jordanian Parliament
H.E Mr. Abdullah Jefri, Manager – Levant Countries, IFC
H.E Mr. Mohamed F. Chatti, Director of Operations Department, Arab Investment and Export Credit Guarantee Corporation “DHAMAN” in Kuwait
H.E Mr. Laith Al-Qasim, CEO of Innovative Startups & SMEs fund (ISSF)
Moderator:
H.E Dr. Maher Al-Mahrouq, Director General of Association of Banks in Jordan
13 July 2021
Going Live
10:00 -10:10 AM
10:10 – 11:10 AM
Development zones and industrial cities are among the main tools for creating a stimulating environment for investment, by providing appropriate and advanced infrastructure and additional incentives and facilities for the various investment sectors that contribute to accelerating recovery and economic diversification and promoting sustainable growth.
Jordan is characterized by the spread of seventeen development zones and industrial cities in the various governorates of the Kingdom, supervised by development companies responsible for the establishment and development of its infrastructure, in addition to providing all the facilities needed for the investor.
This session will focus on the objectives of establishing development zones in distributing economic development gains, creating job opportunities in various governorates, and creating a competitive advantage for each investment sector, in addition to providing an integrated system of services to investors that supports the growth and development of investments.
This session will also discuss the advantages enjoyed by these areas and the various investment opportunities they provide in the sectors that attract them.
Speakers:
H.E. Ms. Zoë Harries, Senior FDI and Economic Zones Advisor
H.E. Dr. Mohammad Obaidat, Former Vice Chairman of the Board of Directors of Al Daman for Development Zones Company
H.E. Salim Khazaleh, Chairman of the Board of Directors of King Hussein Bin Talal Development Zone - Al-Mafraq
H.E. Dr. Loay Sehwail, Chairman of the Board of Directors for Jordan Industrial Estates Company
Moderator:
Dr. Khaled Momani, Director of Urban planning for development and free zones at JIC
11:15 – 12:15 PM
This session will focus on the objectives of establishing development zones in distributing economic development gains, creating job opportunities in various governorates, and creating a competitive advantage for each investment sector, in addition to providing an integrated system of services to investors that supports the growth and development of investments.
This session will also discuss the advantages enjoyed by these areas and the various investment opportunities they provide in the sectors that attract them.
Speakers:
H.E.Mr. Alin Horj, Policy Analyst, Middle East and Africa Division, Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development OECD
H.E LT General (R) Mansour Al-Jobour, Chairman of Board of Directors for King Hussein Business Park
H.E .Dr. Khalaf Hmaisat,Chairman of Board of Directors for Jordan Free and Development Zones Co.
H.E Mohannad Tarawneh, COO of Ma’an Development Zone
Moderator:
H.E Dr. Ali Al Madadhah, Previous Chairman of Board of Directors for Jordan Industrial Estates Co.
12:20- 13:20 PM
Jordan's strategic location is distinguished by its presence in the heart of the global map, in addition to an extensive network of Free Trade Agreements and Investment Protection Agreements, providing access to a 1.5 billion consumer market. Simultaneously, the investment commission’s strategic partners from chambers and associations play a vital role in introducing foreign investors to investment opportunities and encourage them to use Jordan as their launching hub for regional and international markets.
Speakers:
H.E. Hamdi Tabaa, Chairman of the Jordan Businessmen Association
H.E Fathi Al-Jagbeer, Chairman of the Jordan Chamber of Industry
H.E Eng. Mohammed Bataineh, Chairman of the American Chamber of Commerce in Jordan
Mr. Nadim Abaouat, President of French Foreign Trade Advisors
Mr. Jamal Badran, Director of the Jordan Europe Business Association
Mr. Firas Abu-Wishah, Member of the Board of Directors at Petra Engineering Industries
Moderator:
H.E Mr. Mohammad El-Shanti , CEO of Jordan Exports
13:25- 14:30 PM
Jordanian expatriates play an important role in the advancement of the national economy, with their practical and technical experiences, through which they have proven their presence and distinction in their host countries. In this session, the role of expatriates in establishing investment projects in the Kingdom along with investment linkages they can provide at host countries will be discussed.
Additionally, the Government’s efforts and plans to reach out to Jordanian expatriates will be highlighted and types of collaboration needed to achieve the investment objectives.
Speakers:
H.E Mrs. Raghad Al-Saqqa, Acting Director of Expatriate Affairs at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Expatriates
Mr. Hassan Barmawi, President of the Jordanian Expatriate Association Abroad
Mr. Fadi Al-Majali, President of the Jordanian Expatriate Businessmen and Women Association
Mr. Sami Al Mufleh, CEO of Hills Advertising Co
Mr. Bilal Hammouri, Director of Investment Promotion at JIC
Moderator:
Mr. Fadi Al- Daoud, Secretary General of Sindyan Entrepreneurship and Development