Jordan Times
Thursday, September 21, 2006
Mideast challenges
hinder development — King
NEW YORK (Petra) — King Abdullah on Wednesday reviewed investment opportunities
in Jordan at a meeting with CEOs of 15 top US financial firms.
At a Wall Street meeting, the King highlighted the private sector’s role in
supporting national economy and development.
He said Jordan places great importance on investment in youth, who constitute
more than half of the population in the Middle East. The Monarch cited the
Jordan Education Initiative, which was launched a few years ago to improve
quality of education and modernise the educational system.
He noted that other Arab countries like Egypt and Bahrain, in addition to the
Palestinian Authority have embraced the plan.
Meanwhile, the King said the challenge posed by the Palestinian issue and other
security and political problems in the region hinder development and economic
growth. But despite the regional tension, he told the top executives, Jordan
accomplished a lot in economic fields, thanks to modern policies and an
attractive investment environment.
Participants in the meeting contributed ideas that could help develop Jordan’s
economy and improve living conditions.
Earlier Wednesday, King Abdullah presided over a ceremony marking the creation
of the Red Sea Institute of Cinematic Arts in Aqaba. The institute, which is a
joint effort of Jordan’s Royal Film Commission (RFC) and the University of South
California’s School of Cinema-Television, will enrol men and women from the
Middle East to study all disciplines of the cinematic arts. An agreement was
signed by RFC Commissioner Samer Muasher and Elizabeth Daley, the school’s dean.
Last night, King Abdullah and US Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice discussed
means to revive the peace process in the Middle East and find a just and
comprehensive solution to the Palestinian issue.
The King stressed the need for US efforts to put the peace process back on track
after a series of acute crises. He reiterated support for Palestinian President
Mahmoud Abbas, which, he said, should be empowered to be an effective partner in
the peace process.
Rice said her country was committed to help achieve security and stability in
the Middle East and push forward the peace process.
Also Tuesday, the King discussed bilateral ties with Croatian President Stjepan
Mesic.