Amman - Mr. Fareedon Hartoqa, Secretary General of the Jordan Investment Commission, said that the investment cycle in Jordan, along with the exports’ rates, has been showing an increase this year, which indicates an expected boost in the economy when compared to last year's numbers.
During the seminar entitled “Investment: The Story of Our Economy”, which was organized by and held at the Jordan Media Institute (JMI), Hartoqa added that the London Initiative Conference has resulted in creating real opportunities for our economy. The conference helped in shedding the light on Jordan’s economy and its achievements during a period where tough circumstances were prevalent in the whole region, stressing that the government has initiated exploring new markets for Jordanian exports.
In order to achieve a better economic status, Hartoqa emphasized on the importance of supporting industries in the governorates in order to stimulate local businesses and to stop its immigration to the city of Amman.
Khaled Zubaidi, an economic analyst, said that part of the most important things that attract investments to Jordan is the fixed exchange-rate of the Jordanian Dinar and its tie to the US Dollar since 1995, in addition to the stability of the Jordanian Dinar as a currency used in all trades and industries.
Zubaidi considered the overturn of Jordan’s investment law, especially when it comes to the Income Tax Law, as a negative factor that affects the investment. He also added that the increase of production prices and the high interest rates in Jordan are part of these factors.
An open discussion between the lecturers and the attendees focused on the negative and positive indicators of investments, in addition to the most important stimulants that support this sector as well as the necessary role of media outlets in emphasizing the positive aspects of the investment sector.
The seminar came as part of the “Enhancing Social Understanding of Jordan’s Economy through Responsible Journalism and Effective Storytelling” project, which is implemented by JMI in cooperation with US Embassy in Jordan.