JSF hosts EU delegation, private sector for roundtable on economic reform

AMMAN — The Jordan Strategy Forum (JSF), in cooperation with the EU on Wednesday organised a roundtable for private-sector representatives. 

The discussions brought together EU Commissioner for European Neighbourhood Policy and Enlargement Negotiations Johannes Hahn and representatives from international European financial organisations, according to a statement from the JSF. 

Hahn said that his visit aimed to reaffirm and coordinate international support for Jordan, and to discuss support to the government’s reform efforts presented during the London initiative in February. 

The EU commissioner also stressed the importance of the JSF roundtable in pinpointing key challenges and business opportunities, and hearing the private sector’s opinions on the Kingdom’s reform plans.  

During the meeting, JSF CEO Ibrahim Saif highlighted the session’s role in providing the EU with the private sector’s viewpoint on the status quo of Jordan’s business environment. 

The session was held as part of JSF efforts to establish dialogue between the public and private sectors, as well as visiting international institutions, Saif explained. 

Priority sectors have the potential to spur economic growth, given the implementation of vital projects and initiatives in cooperation with the private sector, noted Saif.

He underscored that factors such as sustainable financial and IT services, a stable legislative environment, adequate infrastructure and a “flexible” capital of human resources are essential to the performance of the sectors in question. 

During the session, the EU delegation stressed the need to translate policies into practical action, pointing to a number of studies that have already diagnosed the status quo and the requirements of transitioning into the implementation phase.