Jordan Times
Wednesday, May 5, 2004
Planning minister outlines WEF
agenda
Awadallah urges Arab private sector to participate in force to convey their
messages to the world
By Rami Abdelrahman
AMMAN — Planning and International Cooperation Minister Bassem Awadallah on
Tuesday urged the Arab private sector to participate in force at the forthcoming
World Economic Forum (WEF) to be held for the second time at the Dead Sea.
“This is an opportunity for Arabs to convey their messages to the world and to
show the world what was achieved and what is planned,” Awadallah told a press
conference.
“His Majesty King Abdullah is keen on providing leeway to Arab private sector
businessmen to participate in the meetings,” stressed Awadallah, also the head
of the WEF-Jordan Coordination Committee. “The King believes that the private
sector is a key component in achieving development goals.” He said the WEF
plenary and parallel meetings, due to take place between May 15-18 on the
eastern shore of the Dead Sea, are going to put under the spotlight Arab
reforms, the Arab- Israeli conflict, security and other major challenges
hampering development in the Arab region.
He added that the forum will look into Iraq's rebuilding, as the meetings are
held weeks ahead of transferring sovereignty to an interim government in
Baghdad.
The minister announced more than 450 businessmen, 450 officials and 350 media
persons from most parts of the world are going to participate in the meetings to
be held under the slogan “Facing the Real Challenges: Partnering for a
Renaissance.” “More than 1,000 participants, including leaders, ministers, top
executives and academics are going to discuss the role of economy in reinforcing
world stability,” he indicated noting that the leaders of major world
corporations in the energy, pharmaceuticals, tourism and information
communication technology fields will hold talks in this regard. He pointed out
that “high level” delegations are expected to participate from the US, EU,
Syria, United Arab Emarites, Egypt, Libya, Bahrain, Tunis, the occupied
Palestinian territories among other delegations.
Success story
Awadallah told reporters the meetings highlight “Jordan as a success story” of
reforms, economic growth, and community participation.
“Despite all difficulties and regional challenges, the Kingdom was a leader in
social, political, and economic reforms and development,” the minister said,
adding that Jordan “has a lot to teach and much to learn.”
“We want the international community to know what we have been doing, and we
want to promote our plans to the world... Jordan has a lot to give and achieve,”
Awdallah emphasised.
Awadallah indicated that the King, Prime Minister Faisal Fayez, ministers,
central bank governor, Aqaba Special Economic Zone commissioners and other
senior officials in addition to private sector representatives are going to be
involved in the proceedings.
The minister added that the government has been studying introducing different
initiatives such as investment, trade, finance and tourism in the coming WEF
meetings like last year's Education Initiative,” he elaborated.
According to Awadallah, the Arab Business Council, which was established in
Jordan during last year's WEF meetings, will be responsible in the follow-up of
initiatives on the regional level.
He also announced that the Kingdom will sign a Free Trade Agreement with
Singapore.