Jordan Times
Tuesday, October 12, 2004
King underlines role of
private sector in message to Arab businessmen forum
AMMAN (Petra) — Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Industry and Trade
Mohammad Halaiqa told Arab businessmen on Monday that His Majesty King Abdullah
considers their 8th forum in Amman as a significant qualitative addition to the
tools of Arab joint action.
Deputising for the King in opening the forum, Halaiqa said that the Royal
message stresses Arab integration which may not be achieved without the
participation of the Arab private sector in drawing up the framework of joint
cooperation and implementing Arab economic policies.
Organised by the Jordan Businessmen Association (JBA) under the slogan “Towards
a Conducive and Competitive Investment Environment in the Arab Countries,” the
forum was attended by Arab League Secretary General Amr Musa, Senate President
Zeid Rifai, Lower House Speaker Abdul Hadi Majali as well as several ministers
and other senior government officials.
“Arab governments have no choice but to support the private sector in assuming
its natural role in the socioeconomic development,” the King said in the message
delivered by the deputy premier.
According to Halaiqa, the King expects the private sector to determine the
weaknesses and shortcomings in economic policies in order to overcome them and
to provide an investment conducive environment, enabling the private sector to
participate in economy-related decision making.
The deputy premier indicated that although there is no clear and specific
picture of the drive towards Arab economic integration, there are few positive
signals along the way, including the Arab Free Trade Agreement which will take
effect from the beginning of the next year with the participation of 17 Arab
states. He also cited joint Arab projects, including transport, electricity and
gas projects as examples of further Arab economic integration.
Addressing the gathering, Musa said Arab countries need to lay down proper
framework for reform, development and modernisation in all fields in order to
upgrade their economies and achieve the desired economic integration.
Other speakers, including JBA President Hamdi Tabbaa and his Egyptian
counterpart Jamal Nather, highlighted the main factors deemed essential for the
establishment of a conducive investment environment, including modern
legislation and securing qualified human resources, efficient institutions and
modern management.
Gathering a broad participation from the public and private sectors, the forum
is scheduled to examine investment in the West Bank and the Gaza Strip as well
as the aspects of the Iraqi economy and reconstruction requirements.