Ammon News - AMMAN His Majesty King Abdullah II said on Saturday that Jordan's economy is one of the most diverse and dynamic in the region due to the Kingdom's unique geostrategic location and the positive links that make it a suitable regional and international trading hub.

He said in remarks at the opening of the First Jordan-U.S. Business Forum that the gathering underscored the basic role of the private sector in Jordan and across the world, stressing that economic sectors function together and that macro business had unique potentials for excellence and creativity, opening new markets, unleashing talent and maximizing opportunity.

Outlining key sectors in the Kingdom where companies can start businesses and privileges the local economy offers to foreign investors, the King referred to the many resources and a skilled manpower that meet market demand in the manufacturing, tourism, IT, business and other sectors.

He said alternative energy is a promising sector, noting that latest explorations indicated that Jordan is number 11 in world uranium reserves, adding: "It's time to discuss how to make use of wind, solar and nuclear energy regarding Jordan's future."

The inaugural speech to over 150 leaders representing global organisations in both private and public sectors also tackled popular uprisings in the region, which the King described as historic.

"The youth's voice is a basic issue as they account for over three quarters of the population here in Jordan. They expect, but rather deserve, the opportunity to build a positive and prosperous future," he told the opening ceremony, attended by Prime Minister Marouf Bakhit, the King's advisers and other officials.

King Abdullah emphasised that translating the young generation's aspirations into a reality required tremendous efforts, noting it all depends on "what you do at this gathering." However, His Majesty warned that regional turmoil should not deter us from looking for opportunities in a region of 350 million consumers, key strategic resources, tremendous potentials and unprecedented growth.

He said sustaining growth, creating jobs and achieving prosperity require working with an effective private sector in the region and going further through partnerships and investments at international level.

King Abdullah told the business leaders that as it works hard to jobs, raise productivity and achieve better growth, Jordan, through stimulus programmes, is open to investors from across the globe, noting that updated legislations provide more protection to foreign companies on equal footing with local firms.

* Petra