Shahada reviews in London the financial and investment scene and promising opportunities in Jordan

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of State for Economic Affairs, Muhannad Shahada, accompanied by the Chairman of the Securities Commission, Imad Abu Hotam, participated in the J.P. Morgan Emerging and Frontier Markets Opportunities Conference, held in the British capital London from September 15 to 17, with the presence of the Jordanian Ambassador to the United Kingdom, Manar Al-Dabbas, and with the participation of a wide range of investors, financial institutions, and senior representatives of companies and the financial sector, to discuss investment opportunities in emerging and frontier markets.

Shahada's participation comes within the framework of Jordanian efforts to enhance communication with international investors and financial institutions, and to introduce the national economy's strengths and investment opportunities available in the Kingdom, alongside reviewing major economic and developmental projects being implemented by the government within the framework of the economic modernization vision, and the public sector modernization and government technological transformation map.

During his participation in the conference and his meetings with representatives of international investment and financial institutions, the Deputy Prime Minister emphasized Jordan's distinction as an investment destination, reviewing the national economy's strengths and its ability to deal with regional crises and challenges, alongside available investment opportunities, especially in infrastructure, water, energy, transportation, and logistics sectors, as well as promising productive sectors.

Shahada reviewed the strength and stability of the Jordanian banking system, and its legislative and regulatory frameworks and reserves that enhance its stability and support confidence in its future prospects, noting the expansion of Jordanian banks in several neighboring markets, including the Syrian market.

He also pointed to the growth of the fabrics and ready-made clothing sector and the increase in its exports to the American market, benefiting from the free trade agreement between Jordan and the United States, reflecting the ability of Jordanian industrial and export sectors to expand and reach global markets.

He also addressed the growth in transportation, handling, and loading activities at Aqaba Port, reflecting the expansion of commercial and logistical activity, and enhancing Jordan's role as a hub for regional trade movement.

Shahada confirmed that Jordan continues to implement economic reforms and improve the business and investment environment, alongside dealing with regional challenges, enhancing the competitiveness of the national economy, expanding the investment base, and supporting the Kingdom's ability to benefit from opportunities in regional and international markets.

He also reviewed the major economic and strategic projects being implemented by Jordan, and the opportunities they provide for international investors and financial institutions, foremost of which is the National Water Carrier project, the development of the Risha gas field, and the Aqaba City project, alongside high-value sectors such as phosphates and potash, railway and transportation projects, infrastructure, energy, and logistics projects, and the opportunities these projects provide for local and international investors, and will represent a connection point and supplier for neighboring countries with these services.

He pointed out that these projects are not limited to developing services and infrastructure, but represent drivers of economic growth, contribute to improving the efficiency of supply chains, enhancing the Kingdom's competitiveness, supporting productive sectors, creating job opportunities, and enhancing Jordan's ability to provide services and infrastructure to neighboring markets. He emphasized the importance of expanding partnerships between the public and private sectors and international investment and financial institutions, contributing to providing the necessary financing and expertise to implement priority economic and developmental projects and maximizing their impact on the national economy.

On the sidelines of the visit, the Deputy Prime Minister participated in several economic and investment meetings and discussions coordinated by the Jordanian Embassy in London, including a seminar hosted by Morgan Stanley with the participation of representatives from several major investment and global asset management institutions, including BlackRock, J.P. Morgan, Amundi, PineBridge, Insight, and Vincitory, where investment opportunities in Jordan and the introduction of the national economy's strengths and opportunities available to investors were discussed.

He also participated in another seminar organized by British Expertise International, a specialized British business network that supports its members in accessing international trade, investment, and markets, with the participation of representatives from British companies and institutions working in transportation, infrastructure, financial services, consulting, economic growth, technology, and risk management, including Maersk, KPMG, Crown Agents Bank, and Adam Smith International, alongside several specialized institutions and companies.

The meetings included a meeting with Innovate Finance, which represents the financial technology sector in the United Kingdom, with the presence of the CEO, Janine Hirt, and the Director of International Partnerships, Peter Conan, where the British financial technology system was reviewed, and Jordan's directions and objectives in developing and enhancing the sector's growth were discussed, and the benefits of British expertise in this field were explored.

The Deputy Prime Minister also participated in a high-level seminar in partnership with the Chartered Institute for Securities & Investment (CISI), within a series of meetings aimed at enhancing communication with British and international financial and investment institutions, and discussing areas of cooperation and exchanging expertise.