Jordan Times
Sunday, January 11, 2004

Future Jordanian society will be characterised by achievement, merit and excellence — Awadallah
Conference on entrepreneurship launched by the Dead Sea

By Sahar Aloul

The three-day event, seeking to address key elements needed for bolstering entrepreneurial spirit in the country, will tackle legislative and regulatory reforms, incentive-based programmes for entrepreneurs, public awareness, education and research and development; tools needed for bringing about change and progress for entrepreneurship.

Speaking at the launching ceremony, local and international specialists made a strong case for utilising entrepreneurial talents and channeling them to boost the economic cycle as a whole.

The minister emphasised the need for instilling an entrepreneurial culture and mindset ahead of all other factors in enacting real change.

Awadallah also underlined macro-economic stability, institutional capacity, openness and education as Jordan's main areas required to achieve sustainable growth.

"Openness is a fundamental factor," he stressed, pinpointing the rule of law, freedom of expression, independence and efficiency of the court system and the inclusion of civil society based on merit as the main pillars of openness and thus sustainable growth.

In his welcoming address, Young Entrepreneurs Association (YEA) President Laith Qasem highlighted the role of entrepreneurship in economic development and growth and encouraged policymakers, academics, private businesses, NGOs and entrepreneurs to be fully engaged in the forum, held under the banner "Orchestrating Talents — Celebrating Success."

"The YEA works with the private and public sectors for enhancing entrepreneurship and leadership culture in Jordan and for making entrepreneurship a driving force in national economic development," he added. "By holding this forum, we aim to identify the role and responsibilities of the public and private sectors."

Established in 1998, the YEA is a nonprofit organisation that has a mission of creating young entrepreneurs thorough idea exchange, fellowship, education, training and advocacy to enhance entrepreneurs, skill level, allowing them to compete in the global economy.

Two Jordanian entrepreneurs, Cherif Mzayek, managing director of Alissar and Zein Khasawneh, owner of Zein K., shared their experience in starting up new ventures. They told the attendants gathered for the ceremony that with good planning and business acumen, Jordanian start-ups can compete globally and contribute to the national economy and employment.

Earlier in the day, Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) Entrepreneurship Centre Managing Director Kenneth Morse addressed critical success factors for entrepreneurship nudging participants to start up new ventures since the public sector has reached its limit in creating new businesses and it is up to the private sector to take on the torch.

During the coming two days, seminars will tackle various entrepreneurial needs, concerns and aspirations through a two-way dialogue among policy makers and the entrepreneurs themselves.

The forum, organised by the YEA and held under Royal patronage, also plans to foster an entrepreneurial culture of creativity and risk paving the way for a more dynamic and progressive economy.

Several sessions will focus on the role of women and youth in economic development and how to best enhance their talents as future entrepreneurs.

An action plan will be presented at the conclusion of the event detailing the mindset, environment and responsibilities required to jump-start entrepreneurship in Jordan.

According to organisors, the adopted action plan will be presented to the public sector.

The event, lasting until Jan. 12, will see business and academic experts from world-renowned universities and firms take the podium and share their know-how with the attendance.

Key speakers include experts from London Business School, Georgetown University as well as the World Bank and other private companies.

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