Jordan Times
Tuesday, October 13, 1998
Jordan seeks development benefiting, involving public sectors — Regent
AMMAN (Petra) — Jordan seeks to create an environment conducive to a comprehensive and sustainable development involving and benefiting the country's various public sectors, His Royal Highness Crown Prince Hassan, the Regent, said Monday.
In an address delivered on his behalf by Planning Minister Nabil Ammari at a seminar on adjusting national legislation to the requirements of the European Union, the Regent said the country hopes to achieve its international aspirations by building a strong national economy.
Prince Hassan noted that the Jordan-EU association agreement signed a year ago will become effective at the beginning of next year. In addition, Jordan is preparing to accede to the World Trade Organisation by the middle of 1999 and is negotiating to join the European Free Trade Association group.
“Through an exchange of expertise at this seminar, which will review Austria's experience as a case study in adapting and adjusting its legislation to meet the requirements of joining the European Union, Jordan will benefit a great deal,” he said.
But the Regent added that “our aim should not be merely copying other countries' experiments, but rather benefiting from their experiences in a manner that is suitable for our needs and our economy.”
“We have started modernising our legislation... out of our belief in a free market economy. The national legislative framework is coherent and strong and has become... suitable for the investment environment,” he said.
Amman Chamber of Industry President Khaldoun Abu Hassan said the Jordan-EU association agreement, which was initialed in Brussels last year, will be formally signed in the coming year.