Ammon News - AMMAN (Petra) - British Ambassador to Jordan Peter Millett has said economic growth and reform are the essential elements of stability in Jordan, adding that entrepreneurship and innovation are key to reform.

At a meeting organized yesterday by the Jordanian Exporters Association (JEA), Millett stressed the importance of cooperation between public and private sectors for drawing up the strategy for future economic growth, adding that the problems of unemployment, rising energy prices and the declining investor confidence call for full support for innovation.

"Jordan has a lot of strengths that should be built upon," he said, noting that stability in a turbulent region, direct connection with Gulf Arab states, quality of education and qualified human resources are areas where Jordan should excel.

As for supporting Jordanian exports to the UK, the envoy said his duty as an ambassador is to encourage British companies to export to Jordan, while it is the Jordanian Embassy's task to encourage Jordanian companies to increase their exports by facilitating their mission.

JEA chairman Omar Abu Wishah said trade volume between Jordan and UK reached JD153 million, of which only JD12 million are exports. "Such export figures are so weak," he added.

Abu Wishah stressed the importance of creating new lines for exporting to the UK and enhancing bilateral trade. He called on British companies to invest in Jordan in the industry and services sectors and make Jordan the gateway to the region, especially for Iraq and the Palestinian National Authority.