Petra News Agency
Saturday, June 12, 2004
The Joint Jordanian- US Committee Concludes Deliberations
Washington, June 12(Petra)-- The Joint Jordanian- US Committee discussed in its second session means to enhance economic cooperation between Jordan and the US as well as steps being carried out to implement the Free Trade Agreement between Jordan and the US.
The Committee, which concluded its deliberations in Washington on Wednesday, discussed a number of issues of common concern related to developing and implementing agreements between the two sides. Minister of Industry and Trade/ Deputy Prime Minister, Muhammad Halaiqa headed the Jordanian side to the meeting whereas Assistant of the Assistant US trade representative ,Catherine Novelli, headed the US side.
During the meeting, the two sides also outlined means to benefit from the Jordanian private sector and opportunities of increasing the Jordanian exports to the US markets.
On the intellectual property, Halaiqa reviewed the Jordanian government's procedures to enhance the rights of intellectual property in Jordan. He also pointed to efforts being exerted to develop the Jordanian legislations in line with the international agreements in the Intellectual property sphere.
In addition, the committee raised in its meeting the environmental developments in Jordan as well as the process of updating legislations with a view to ensure a grater participation for the private sector and the non-government organization in protecting the environment. On the other hand, the two sides outlined means to enhance the flow of the US investments to Jordan as well as Jordan's efforts to promote the investment climate in the Kingdom. Halaiqa also met with the ,Donald L. Evans, and discussed with him means to increase the volume of trade exchange between the two countries within the frame of the Free trade Agreement. The two sides also highlighted opportunities to expand cooperation between the Jordanian and US businessmen in implementing joint projects in the region, particularly in Iraq.
Halaiqa also met with a number of US senior officials and discussed with them bilateral economic relations and means to enhance them in all fields.