Ammon News - The American Chamber of Commerce in Jordan (AmCham-Jordan) hosted a high-level panel discussion titled "Public-Private Synergy: Aligning Government Trade and Investment Policies with Private Sector Priorities." The event featured guest speakers, H.E. Engineer Yarub Al-Qudah, Minister of Industry, Trade, and Supply; H.E. Mr. Muhannad Shehadeh, Minister of State for Economic Affairs; H.E. Engineer Mothanna Gharaibeh, Minister of Investment, H.E. Ms. Yael Lempert, U.S. Ambassador to the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan and Mr. Khawaja Aftab Ahmad, IFC Regional Director for the Middle East, Pakistan, and Afghanistan. The session, moderated by Mr. Samer Judeh, Chairman of the Board at AmCham-Jordan, was attended by representatives from AmCham member companies. The executive lunch event was sponsored by Abu Khader Group.

In his opening remarks, Mr. Judeh emphasized the critical role of public-private collaboration in driving economic development and expressed gratitude to the attendees for their contributions to Jordan’s economic growth. He highlighted His Majesty King Abdullah’s Economic Modernization Vision as a key driver of sustainable growth, innovation, and global competitiveness. He reaffirmed AmCham-Jordan's commitment to strengthening economic ties between Jordan and the United States and fostering dialogue between the public and private sectors.

Ambassador Yael Lempert underscored that commercial ties between the United States and Jordan are a cornerstone of the two countries’ 75 years of partnership, and highlighted the importance of the bilateral Free Trade Agreement in bringing the two economies closer together. She said, “The United States is one of Jordan’s largest trading partners, and we continue to work with government leaders, the private sector, and organizations like AmCham to help strengthen Jordan’s economic future.”

The panel discussion, focusing on enhancing public-private collaboration, centered on aligning policies with the private sector’s needs, improving the investment climate, and strengthening trade relations, particularly with the United States. The speakers shared valuable insights into initiatives supporting Jordan's Economic Modernization Vision and emphasized the active involvement of the private sector in these efforts.

During his address, H.E. Engineer Yarub Al-Qudah, Minister of Industry, Trade, and Supply, highlighted the importance of aligning policies with the private sector’s needs and enhancing Jordan's competitiveness, stating: “The government is committed to cooperating and partnering with the private sector, constantly seeking its development through various regulatory and empowerment instruments such as the Industrial Policy (2024-2028), the National Export Strategy (2023-2025), the National E-Commerce Strategy (2023-2025), the Industrial development Fund, and high value industrial sectors strategies. This takes place in parallel with the Ministry’s lead role in regulating internal and external trade, sustaining a conducive business environment and protecting consumer rights.”

On his remarks, H.E. Mr. Muhannad Shehadeh, Minister of State for Economic Affairs, expressed: “[quote].”

"H.E. Engineer Mothanna Gharaibeh, Minister of Investment, outlined key strategies for fostering private sector participation and driving economic growth through investments, adding: "We would like to be seen by our American friends as a resilient partner for diversification and growth.

American investors are – rightfully – diversifying their manufacturing locations, and Jordan is the right partner because of our talent, cost-competitiveness, intellectual property protection, and supply chain resilience. Jordan avails itself as a resilient partner, and we look forward to further collaboration in this sector. We have achieved significant advancements in technology, and we aim to expand our partnerships in high-value manufacturing and other high-value sectors."

Mr. Khawaja Aftab Ahmad emphasized the IFC’s role in supporting Jordan’s private sector growth, addressing challenges such as high unemployment and regional instability, and promoting investment in key sectors crucial for economic transformation.

AmCham-Jordan is a non-profit, member-based organization with over 250 members, including leading Jordanian companies and U.S. companies operating in Jordan. For 25 years, AmCham-Jordan has contributed to Jordan’s sustainable economic development by promoting Jordan-U.S. trade and investment relations, policy advocacy, and human resources development. AmCham-Jordan is affiliated with the United States Chamber of Commerce in Washington, D.C., and is a member of the AmCham MENA Regional Council.