The “Investment, Renewable Energy and Finance Towards a Sustainable Digital Future” conference kicked off in Amman on Sunday. Organized by the Iraqi Business Council in partnership with the Jordan Chamber of Industry, Amman Chamber of Industry, the International Finance Corporation (IFC), and the Multilateral Investment Guarantee Agency (MIGA), the event brought together key regional and international stakeholders.
Among the attendees were representatives from the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development, the Association of Iraqi Private Banks, the Arab Businessmen Association, Iraqi business councils, local and international economic institutions, and a delegation of Libyan business leaders.
The one-day conference focused on investment opportunities, financing, and digital transformation, with particular attention to sectors such as banking and finance, industry and mining, renewable energy, and ICT.
Opening the conference on behalf of the prime minister, Minister of State for Economic Affairs, Muhannad Shehadeh, emphasized the alignment of the event with His Majesty King Abdullah’s vision to enhance economic integration and strengthen Jordan-Iraq cooperation, especially in investment, trade, and industry.
Shehadeh stressed the importance of strategic investments and partnerships in promoting sustainable economic development and creating a secure business environment. He highlighted the conference as a platform for dialogue between governments, private sector leaders, and international institutions to improve the investment climate and drive long-term growth.
He also pointed out Jordan’s critical role in regional economic cooperation, particularly in sectors such as infrastructure, renewable energy, industry, mining, financial services, telecommunications, and transport. Shehadeh called Jordan-Iraq economic integration a strategic necessity that could offer new pathways to prosperity for both nations.
Shehadeh also highlighted joint initiatives, including the Jordan-Iraq electricity interconnection project, set to launch in the second quarter of this year. He reiterated Jordan’s commitment to supporting Iraq with all available resources for a strong partnership that benefits both countries.
Iraqi Business Council Chairman, Majid Saadi, reiterated the conference’s goal of diversifying investment and promoting economic integration between Jordan and Iraq. He noted that Iraqi investors have successfully established businesses in Jordan serving both local and Iraqi markets and called for more joint investment projects.
Fathi Jaghbir, President of the Jordan Chamber of Industry, emphasized the need to capitalize on untapped investment opportunities, calling for reforms in investment mechanisms and leveraging digital transformation to enhance business efficiency.
Iraqi Ambassador to Jordan, Omar Barzanji, reaffirmed Iraq’s commitment to facilitating investment and economic reform, stressing that streamlined business regulations are crucial for progress. He also highlighted Iraq’s 2024-2028 Development Plan, which aims for over 4% economic growth, higher GDP per capita, increased foreign investment, and poverty reduction to 5%. The plan also includes goals for developing transport infrastructure, improving food security, and strengthening environmental protection and international partnerships.
