Jordan Times
Wednesday, September 1, 1999
Minister stresses importance of Jordanian-European Partnership
AMMAN (Petra) — Minister of Industry and Trade Mohammad Asfour on Tuesday stressed the importance of the Jordanian- European Partnership Agreement to the Kingdom at an era characterised by globalisation and giant economic blocs in Europe, America and Asia.
Addressing representatives of companies, factories and private sector at a meeting organised by the ministry, Asfour said the European partnership focuses on three major areas: the political and security aspect, the economic and financial aspect, and the social aspect.
The minister underlined the need for genuine participation by the private sector in the Jordanian-European Partnership and called on the private sector to contribute to the discussion about this agreement, which will be discussed by the financial committee of the Lower House.
Ministry of Planning Secretary General Abdul Razzaq Bani Hani said the Jordanian-European Partnership dates back to 1977, when Jordan signed a protocol with the European Community.
Bani Hani said the agreement is a strategic option for Jordan in view of its pivotal role in the region, noting that it poses great challenges to the economic sectors, in terms of quality control and infrastructure.
He added that the Jordanian government has amended several laws in force to make them responsive to the requirements of the agreement. Those laws included the customs law, the companies and financial portfolios law, the anti-monopoly law, and encouragement of investments and intellectual property property.
Ministry of Industry and Trade Secretary General Mohammad Halaika said Jordan is currently implementing two programmes, one with the U.S. at a total cost of $15 million to improve quality and upgrade human resources technical skills, and the second with Japan to improve productivity. The programmes aim to rehabilitate the economic sectors to comply with the conditions and requirements of the agreement.