Inside Perspective

HM King Abdullah II, ,

Under the leadership of His Majesty King Abdullah II, Jordan has stood strong in the face of regional and global challenges. With a forward-looking strategy, the country refocuses on its competitive advantages, chief among them its geostrategic position and high-value human capital.

Inside Perspective

Omar Razzaz , Prime Minister , Jordan

Jordan's immediate focus is to stimulate economic growth and propel productivity and job creation, for which the government continues to work on its priority action plan and undertake scores of reforms.

Focus: Remittances

Homeward Bound

For many countries, the remittances of their diasporas and migrant worker populations provide a vital contribution to GDP.

Guest Speaker

Theresa May, former prime Minister, United Kingdom

The UK is at the center of coordinating the assistance that will help lay the foundations for a strong and prosperous future for Jordan.

Guest Speaker

Rodrigo Roa Duterte , President, Republic of the Philippines

Similar histories make Jordan and the Philippines compelling business partners. Both countries are now discussing ways to further expand cooperation in multiple areas of governance.

Interview

Hala Zawati, Minister , Energy and Mineral Resources

Given the importance of the energy sector in Jordan, the priority of the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources is to bring down costs to enable growth and competitiveness.

Interview

Kholoud Al-Mahasneh , General Manager, Jordan Oil Terminals Company (JOTC)

Established as part of Jordan's oil sector reform, JOTC manages the operating and strategic storage capacities for petroleum products in the Kingdom.

Interview

Jason Pok Hooi Loong , CEO, Attarat Power Company (APCO)

APCO's oil-shale power plant, the biggest energy sector investment in Jordan, will boost investments, create jobs, and kick start the oil-shale industry once completed.

Focus: Diversification of energy matrix

A Highly Charged Issue

To liberate itself from the crushing economic weight of imported energy, Jordan has set in motion a wide-reaching program of multi-source generation thanks to legislation aimed at supporting commercial initiatives.

Interview

Dr. Khaled Toukan , Chairman, Jordan Atomic Energy Commission (JAEC)

In addition to building reactors, JAEC is also focusing on training a new generation of Jordanians to lead atomic energy developments.

Interview

Amjad Al Rawashdeh , Managing Director, National Electric Power Company (NEPCO)

TBY talks to Amjad Al Rawashdeh, Managing Director of National Electric Power Company (NEPCO) and to Mohammad Khasawneh, Director General of National Petroleum Company (NPC) on the Energy sector.

Interview

Dr. Jamal Al Sarayrah , Chairman, Arab Potash Company (APC)

With Jordan ranked the seventh-largest producer of potash globally in 2018, APC is exploring options to maximize and increase production.

Interview

Talal Al-Saadi , General Manager, Arab Mining Company (ARMICO)

Both Jordan and the greater Arab world are rich in resources, which ARMICO strives to put to the best possible use.

Interview

Dr. Dureid Mahasneh, Chairman, EDAMA

EDAMA works with the government, multi-lateral organizations, and educational institutions to raise awareness regarding environmental concerns and increase the share of renewable energy in Jordan's energy mix.

Interview

Ennis Rimawi , Managing Director, Catalyst Investment Management

Interview

Dr. Dureid Mahasneh , Chairman, EDAMA

EDAMA works with the government, multi-lateral organizations, and educational institutions to raise awareness regarding environmental concerns and increase the share of renewable energy in Jordan's energy mix.

Interview

Ennis Rimawi , Managing Director, Catalyst Investment Management

TBY talks to Ennis Rimawi, Managing Director, Catalyst Investment Management, on Green Economy sector.

Focus: Solar Exports

On the Road to Solar Power Exports

Jordan is pushing strongly for the development of its power generation industry based on solar power projects.

B2B

Solar Energy

Jordan developed solar energy to overcome rising fuel prices years ago and is now exporting its expertise across the region.

Interview

Muhannad Shehadeh, former minister of State for Investment Affairs & former President, Jordan Investment Commission (JIC)

Economic reforms have put Jordan on the radar of international investors, and the government is utilizing the World Bank's global expertise to further improve its investment climate.

Interview

Fareedon Hartoqa , Acting Chairman, Jordan Investment Commission (JIC)

JIC is tasked with attracting foreign investment into Jordan by highlighting the competitive characteristics of the different governorates and the latest investor-friendly developments.

Interview

HM Queen Noor Chairperson, , King Hussein Foundation

The King Hussein Foundation is Jordan's most prominent philanthropic organization, seeking a level playing field for all Jordanians.

Interview

Dr. Talal Abu-Ghazaleh, Chairman, Talal Abu-Ghazaleh Global

Talal Abu-Ghazaleh Global aims to apply Finland's economic and education model to Jordan and is doing so by enabling the power of digital economy and spearheading changes in the education and ICT sectors.

Interview

Ghassan Nuqul Vice , Chairman, Nuqul Group

Nuqul exports to more than 70 countries and is at the forefront of technology, spearheading both disruption and expansion.

Interview

Karim Kawar , President, Kawar Group

The closure of Syrian and Iraqi borders hit the Jordanian economy hard, but Kawar Group continues to leverage its expertise in disruptive technologies to streamline global assistance to refugees and enhance Jordan's exports.

Communiqué

Family Business: ACRoss Generations

KPMG provides a comprehensive account of the family business landscape in Jordan.

Forum

Why Jordan?

Stability in a region marred by instability, a well-educated and modern workforce, and a focus on technological adoption are the prime reasons why regional and international organizations choose to set up shop in the Hashemite Kingdom.

Interview

Dr. AbdelMajid A. Al-Rahamneh, Chairman, Jordan Free and Development Zones Group (JFDZ)

By offering streamlined business solutions for investors and business owners, not to mention fiscal and financial incentives and top-notch free zone facilities, the airport free zone at Queen Alia Int'l has something for everyone.

Interview

Hussein Krishan, CEO, Ma’an Development Area (MDA)

Huge investments in renewables and infrastructure catering to Hajj pilgrims are helping the Kingdom meet its economic and spiritual needs.

Interview

Omar Jwaid, President CEO, Jordan Industrial Estates Company (JIEC)

Interview

Soud H. Soror , CEO, King Hussein Business Park (KHBP)

Focus: Tax reforms

What do you Owe?

Following public protests in 2018, the Jordanian government has moved forward by implementing IMF-backed tax reforms to lower record public debt and stimulate growth in the economy.

Interview

Hatem Kawasmy , Managing Partner, KPMG Jordan

From 15 staff to 200 in less than a decade, KPMG Jordan is building on its presence in the Kingdom to launch into Palestine, Iraq, and elsewhere.

B2B

Economic Thought Leaders

Attracting foreign investment is a priority for Jordan's government, and the private sector is key to leading the effort.

B2B

Investment Funds

These sizeable investment firms see many opportunities across Jordan, from bonds, equity, and real estate to tourism, infrastructure, and SMEs.

Focus: London conference

Economic Lifeline

Jordan is turning a new page after years of setbacks. As international partners rally to offer more support for its beleaguered economy than ever before, the stakes have never been higher.

Interview

Major General (Rtd) Mohammad Farghal , Director General, King Abdullah II Design and Development Bureau (KADDB)

Already a leading producer of the country's most sophisticated weaponry, KADDB is pushing ahead into AI, cybersecurity, encryption, unmanned systems, 3D printing, and jamming devices.

B2B

Retail

Much is changing within the retail sector globally, and retail companies are concentrating on their differentiation in order to succeed in this market.

Spotlight Feature

Let's Do This Together

Public-private cooperation could help boost investment in key areas going forward.

Interview

Tariq Hammouri , Minister , Industry, Trade, and Supply

Jordan has proven its resilience by continuing to boost exports despite regional turmoil, and its trade ties are only strengthening.

Voices from the Sector

Modern Arab Distribution

TBY talks to Khaldoun Hallak, Managing Director of Modern Arab Distribution Ltd. (MADL) and Dr. Jamal Al Sarayrah, Chairman of KEMAPCO Arab Fertilizers and Chemicals Industrieson the Industry sector.

Focus: Boosting exports

Ship it

After a few tough years, Jordan's exports are bouncing back, with new potential on the horizon.

Interview

Samuel Choi , Chairman CEO & President, Jerash Holdings

Not merely a landmark firm for listing on the NASDAQ, Jerash is launching factories in areas with high unemployment and gaining duty-free access to European markets.

Interview

Sanal Kumar , Chairman & Managing Director, Classic Fashion Apparel Industry Ltd. Co.

Working in tandem with the government to establish productive, skill-building factories for underemployed youth across the country, Classic Fashion is driving the country's modernization efforts.

Interview

Mothanna Gharaibeh, Minister , Digital Economy & Entrepreneurship

The Ministry of Digital Economy & Entrepreneurship sees the sector as a key enabler for wider economic growth and is also pioneering support for its female staff.

Interview

Ziad Shatara, CEO, Umniah

Hugely ambitious, Umniah is fighting to bring ultra-high-speed broadband to 70% of households in Jordan within the next three years.

Focus: Exporting services

Putting Byte in the Economy

Jordan is today a Middle East technology start-up hub, where highly skilled tech firms look outward to the Gulf Region given the limited scale of the domestic market.

Interview

Walid Tahabsem , President & CEO, Integrated Technology Group (ITG)

ITG is a strong example of a local firm that has spread its wings and made its mark internationally. That is not to say it has outgrown Jordan; it views the country as a key hub in its network.

Interview

Rula Ammuri , President & CEO, Professionals for Smart Technology (PST)

PST stands out as a key enabler of the banking sector's digital transformation by establishing the backbone of the program.

Interview

Falah Abdullah Al-Amoush, Minister , Public Works and Housing

Jordan needs to house more people than ever before, and it is looking to turn its construction sector to the task of rebuilding neighboring countries in need as well.

Interview

Bater M.S. Kardan, Group CEO, Abdali Investment & Development PSC

Abdali Investment & Development continually seeks the best way to add value and bring in developers and investors.

Voices from the Sector

Voices from the Sector: Real Estate and Construction

Tby talks to Samir S. Kattan, Managing Director of Associated Transtech Contracting (ASTRACO), Basil Marji, Managing Director of Izzat Marji Group (IMG) and Tarek Zuriekat, CEO of Engicon Group on real estate sector.

Focus

The Waiting Game

Jordan occupies the perfect position to aid in the reconstruction of Iraq and Syria, but investors must exercise caution and patience.

Interview

Dr. Walid Maani , Minister of Higher Education & Scientific Research and Minister, Education

Jordan is trying to transform its education sector in order to spur the development of the Kingdom's knowledge-based economy.

Voices from the Sector

Voices from the Sector: Education

TBY talks to Dr. Muhyieddeen Touq, General Manager of ChangeAgent for Arab Development and Education Reform (CADER), Prof. Dr. Zeidan Kafafi, President, of Yarmouk University and Shireen Yacoub, CEO of Edraak on education sector.

Focus: Boosting vocational and technical training

Aiming for As

Jordan is facing a rough road ahead toward pragmatism in the education system; however, the nation's educational decision-makers are determined that vocational training is the right way to go.

Interview

Dr. Ghazi Mansour Al Zaben , Former Minister, of Health

The Jordanian Ministry of Health is focusing on developing the country as a destination for medical tourism and making sure Jordanians live healthier, happier, and longer lives.

Interview

Dr. Fawzi Al-Hammouri C, Chairman & General Manager, The Specialty Hospital

An award-winning medical center, The Specialty Hospital has received numerous recognitions for its contributions to medicine in Jordan.

Interview

Nisreen Qatamish Kharabsheh , Director General, King Hussein Cancer Foundation (KHCF)

The KHCF is putting charitable partnerships to good use and expanding access to cancer care across the region.

Focus: Medical tourism

The Doctor Will See You Now

A decade after being acknowledged as a top destination for medical tourism by the World Bank, Jordan is trying to retain its status as the leading provider of healthcare services in the Middle East and North Africa.

Interview

Dr. Hassib Sahyoun , Founder, Chairman & CEO, MedLabs Consultancy Group

MedLabs Consultancy is bringing world-class medical testing services to Jordan and the region, reinventing what used to be a “one-man show."

Interview

Anmar Al Khasawneh, Minister , Transport

By normalizing relations with important neighbors in addition to boosting critical infrastructural links, Jordan's Ministry of Transport is sowing the seeds of long-term future growth.

Interview

Stefan Pichler , President & CEO, Royal Jordanian

As the largest employer in Jordan and to a large extent the commercial face of the Kingdom, Royal Jordanian's turnaround since 2017 bodes well for the country.

Interview

Kjeld Binger , CEO, Airport International Group (AIG)

Through its dogged dedication, AIG's push to get every stakeholder pursuing a common goal did much to help Queen Alia International cross the crucial 8 million-passenger mark in 2018.

Focus: Aviation infrastructure

Taking the Sky Road

Despite the damaging effect of the dire security situation in neighboring Syria and Yemen, tourism still represents around 14% of Jordan's GDP, and central to that industry is the country's aviation infrastructure.

Interview

Jeff Wilkinson , CEO, Jordan Aircraft Maintenance Company (JORAMCO)

The company's transformation has been about more than new facilities and investing in infrastructure, but about changing mindsets, driving change, and guiding coalitions.

Interview

Khaled Saleem , Country Manager, DHL Jordan

DHL, a worldwide package delivery and logistics service, is taking advantage of Jordan's location and the boom in e-commerce to deliver results for customers across the value chain.

Interview

Dr. Abed Al Razzaq Arabiyat , Managing Director, Jordan Tourism Board (JTB),

The Jordan Tourism Board is keen to tell the world about the country's trove of natural wonders and historic sites.

Interview

Yehya Khaled , Director General, Royal Society for the Conservation of Nature (RSCN)

Jordan boasts numerous ecosystems, and conserving this biodiversity is key to developing jobs in the tourism sector.

Focus: Adventure tourism

Trailblazer

Jordan Trail is marking the path for the Kingdom's adventure tourism segment.

Interview

Sheldon Fink, Chairman & CEO, PBI Aqaba Industrial Estate

With support from HM King Abdullah II, PBI Aqaba Industrial Estate has fast become a base for a wide range of industries, including multiple high-tech businesses.

Focus: Gateway to the Levant

Through the Door

The Red Sea port of Aqaba is facilitating the transit of goods to Jordan and beyond.

Forum

Logistics

With an increasing number of logistics companies based in Aqaba, Jordan is promoting itself as an alternative to other regional trading hubs and setting its eyes on serving Syria, Iraq, and the wider region.

Interview

Sahl Dudin , Managing Director, Ayla Oasis Development Company (Ayla)

Undeterred by a slew of economic challenges, Ayla has kept its growth trajectory and purpose alive by investing in IT, sustainability, and world-class recreation facilities.

Interview

Marwan Shennara , COO, Jordan Projects for Tourism Development (JPTD)

TBY talks to Marwan Shennara, COO of Jordan Projects for Tourism Development (JPTD).