Ninth Middle East and North Africa ICT Forum commences in Jordan

AMMAN — Deputising for His Majesty King Abdullah, Prime Minister Bisher Khasawneh on Wednesday attended the launch of the ninth Middle East and North Africa ICT Forum at the King Hussein Bin Talal Convention Centre at the Dead Sea, which will be attended by some 2,000 participants from 40 countries, including officials and experts in the public and private sectors. 

The forum was attended by HRH Princess Sumaya, president of the Royal Scientific Society (RSS), Minister of Digital Economy and Entrepreneurship Ahmed Al Hanandeh , Minister of Youth Mohammad Al Nabulsi and a number of officials.

The forum was organised by the Information and Communications Technology Association of Jordan (Int@j) in partnership with Ministry of Digital Economy and Entrepreneurship, Central Bank of Jordan (CBJ) and the Ministry of Investment with the participation of 77 representatives from 50 regional investment funds.

The two-day event will feature panel discussions and presentations by some 145 speakers, as well as 154 exhibitors showcasing their products and business solutions, 63 of which are companies within the startup village. 

Hanandeh said that ICT is among the fastest-growing industries in Jordan, voicing pride in the sector's achievements and expressing confidence that the sector will accelerate economic growth and generate more jobs. 

Aided by a skilled labour force, existing infrastructure, and support from both Royal directives and the government, Jordan is seeking to become a regional hub for the ICT sector, the minister said. 

The premier toured the exhibition and was briefed by a number of exhibiting companies on their products and business solutions for various sectors.