Jordan Times
Monday, February 5, 2007
‘US ready to give more technical assistance to Jordan’
AMMAN (JT) — US Deputy Secretary of Commerce
David Sampson on Saturday expressed US readiness to present more technical
assistance to Jordan to help it foster economic reforms.
Speaking during a meeting with Industry and Trade Minister Salem Khazaaleh, the
US official indicated that Jordan has become the US first commercial partner as
Jordanian exports to the US are on the rise, reaching around JD1 billion last
year.
Khazaaleh briefed Sampson on the economic developments and investment
opportunities available in the country.
Sampson is visiting Amman as part of a five-nation tour of the Middle East to
promote trade and investment.
The goal of his trip is to encourage economic reform and promote stronger
commercial relationships between the United States, Jordan and throughout the
Middle East.
“I’m in the Jordan this week for two reasons: First, to promote US trade and
investment, and second, to encourage nations throughout the Middle East to trade
more with each other,” Sampson said in remarks to a meeting of Jordanian
business leaders.
Jordan’s economy has expanded steadily since Jordan joined the World Trade
Organisation in 2000 and signed a Free Trade Agreement with the US a year later.
The expansion has also created jobs.
“Wisely, Jordan has invested in health and education, strengthened Intellectual
Property Rights, reduced regulatory burdens, advanced the rights of women, and
welcomed foreign investors. These are the things that any modern nation needs to
compete successfully in today’s global economy,” Sampson said.
He added that Jordan is realising the gains to be had by liberalising its
economy. A free trade area for the entire Middle East could extend such gains, a
measure called for by President Bush.