IBC Members’ Meeting with the Jordanian Minister of Industry, Trade & Supply Engineer Maha Ali

A delegation consisting of IBC members met Tuesday November 3rd 2015 with the Jordanian Minister of Industry, Trade & Supply Engineer Maha Ali at the Ministry Headquarters in Abdali.

At the beginning of the meeting the Minister welcomed the visiting delegation consisting of IBC Chairman Dr. Majid Sadi, IBC Vice President and Secretary-General Mr. Saad Naji, IBC Board members; Mr. Jalal Al-Qaod, Mr. Usama Al-Quraishi, Mr. Ali Ghalib and Mr. Fakhri Rishan, and IBC members; Dr. Ahmed Talib Al-Jubouri, Mr. Dhiya Al-Shakarchi, Mr. Ahmed Al-Amili, Mr. Aqeel Al-Hadi and IBC CEO.

The Minister of Industry, Trade & Supply Engineer Maha Ali said during the meeting that the Jordanian Government has adopted a package of decisions to motivate the economic sectors, enhance competitiveness and promote the business environment to confront challenges, particularly the consequences of regional conditions.

The Minister added during her meeting with IBC Chairman and members that the Jordanian Government is keen on supporting and eliminating all obstacles facing investors in Jordan.

In response to the interventions of IBC Chairman and members, the Minister said that Iraqi investments in Jordan are the focus of attention and appreciation of the Jordanian Government, who realizes the challenges it faces, along with other Jordanian industrial plants, due to the closure of Trebil Border Crossing with Iraq as many Jordanian industries are dependent on the Iraqi market to market their products.  She also emphasized that all competent Government Authorities work in coordination with the representation bodies of the Private Sector to address the obstacles facing investment projects in various fields.

She further elaborated that the Jordanian Government follows up with interest with its Iraqi counterparts reopening the boarders between the two countries as soon as possible to facilitate the flow of Jordanian exports that have severely suffered due to the closure of Trebil Boarder Crossing.

The Minister pointed out that the Jordanian Government works on diversifying the sources of energy and shifting to alternative energy, including the Industrial Sector and other sectors, to reduce production costs.

On his part, Dr. Sadi spoke about the volume of Iraqi investments in the Kingdom and reviewed a number of obstacles facing Iraqi investments such as sales tax and high electricity costs on tourist installations.

Also, IBC members discussed a number of other obstacles such as the income tax on imported services which were raised by Mr. Jalal Al-Qaod.

At the end of the meeting, Dr- Majid Sadi thanked the Minister of Industry, Trade & Supply for the warm reception and attention.