Amman, Feb 11 (Petra) - The Jordanian-American Business Council commenced its operations in Jordan on Wednesday, intending to enhance economic, investment, and cultural collaboration between Jordan and the United States.
The council represents an important step toward building new partnerships, empowering businessmen, supporting innovation, and creating a sustainable impact that serves both countries. Its focus spans healthcare and medical services, real estate and infrastructure, energy and the environment, transportation and logistics, tourism and hospitality, agriculture and food security, manufacturing and industrial advancement, education, arts and culture, finance and investment, technology and innovation, as well as construction and smart buildings.
JABC chairman Tarik Al-Hassan said during the launch ceremony, attended by Gretchen K. Evans, Country Manager for the Middle East and North Africa at the U.S. Trade and Development Agency (USTDA), and several Jordanian businessmen and academics across various sectors, that the council was established two years ago in the state of Michigan. Its goal was to enhance communication and cooperation between Jordan and the United States, covering multiple sectors.
He noted that the JABC aims to improve communication, making it more distinguished and flexible, while ensuring individuals’ success and access to what they need as part of the business council.
"We look forward to working with our partners and the community to launch a new phase of cooperation, leadership, and global openness," he added.
Al-Hassan said, "Now that free trade zones exist in the region, we may be able to create a trade area within the free trade zone to facilitate entry for manufacturers and all producers into the U.S. market, as many wish to link their products to major stores such as Costco and Walmart." He stressed that JABC's goal is to help Jordanian companies enter the U.S. market easily and smoothly without any issues. He explained that the council will allow its members to benefit from any trade missions it organizes worldwide, and Jordanian companies in the United States will receive discounts.
Meanwhile, Commercial Counselor at the U.S. Embassy Commercial Services Department in Jordan, Erick Kish, praised the attendance of many business leaders and chambers of commerce at the ceremony, thanking them for their efforts to strengthen the partnership between Jordan and the United States.
Kish said the U.S. Embassy supports the council to enhance the Jordan-U.S. partnership, focusing on helping businesses and investments grow between the two countries.
He noted that JABC's leadership possesses numerous ideas and energy to strengthen the partnership and take the necessary actions, which is impressive for developing partnerships and connections between Jordan and the United States.
He pointed out that the Expo exhibition is a great example of this effort, emphasizing its importance in opening new opportunities for companies in Jordan and the United States.
Kish also referred to the "US Global" conference organized by the council to promote investment in the United States, to be held in Michigan from September 17 to 19. The conference is an investment platform for Jordanian, Arab, regional, and international companies in the United States and aims to expand across all sectors.
Rawan Al-Hiyari, regional advisor to the council, emphasized that building sustainable strategic partnerships reflects the vision of His Majesty King Abdullah II in enhancing partnerships and opening new, sustainable business horizons.
At the end of the ceremony, Al-Hassan and Zarqa Chamber of Industry President Fares Hammoudeh signed a memorandum of understanding.
//Petra// AF
