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AMMAN — Jordanian expatriate business leaders and investors have called for a more structured institutional framework to harness the diaspora's expertise and capital in support of the Kingdom's long-term economic development.
Speaking on the sidelines of the ninth Conference of Jordanian Businessmen and Investors Abroad, participants stressed the need to move beyond individual initiatives towards an institutional approach built on trust, transparency and strategic partnerships to attract high-value investments, create jobs and enhance Jordan's competitiveness.
They said that Jordan is well positioned to serve as a regional hub for innovation and investment, particularly in high-growth sectors such as financial technology, logistics, renewable energy and smart agriculture, according to the Jordan News Agency, Petra.
CEO of Raboa Alyarmouk Agricultural Company and head of the Jordanian Businessmen Association in Oman Ammar Obeidat said that the next phase requires viewing expatriates not merely as sources of remittances but as active partners in investment and production.
He proposed establishing business committees within Jordanian embassies to develop databases of investment opportunities and actively attract international investors.
Amal Daghlas, managing director of Adaa Sustainable Development Consultants and chair of the Business and Professional Women Association, said that Jordanian professionals are highly regarded across major regional economies, adding that countries that successfully integrate their diaspora into national development tend to achieve faster economic growth and technological advancement.
Zaid Darwazeh, a board member of the Jordan Business Council in Dubai, called for streamlining investment procedures through a one-stop investment window.
He also proposed introducing tax incentives and matching-fund programmes to encourage joint investments between expatriates and public or private sector partners.
Darwazeh added that Jordan's strategic location and free trade agreements with the United States, Europe and Arab countries position the Kingdom as an ideal gateway for exports.
Munawar Zoubi, CEO of Medical East and a leading pharmaceutical executive in Europe, highlighted the strong ties between Jordanian expatriates and their homeland.
She said the international standing of His Majesty King Abdullah and Her Majesty Queen Rania has strengthened Jordan's global image and provides expatriates with a solid platform to serve as economic and cultural ambassadors.
Zoubi also urged Jordanian embassies to establish specialised advisory councils in fields including medicine, engineering and technology to strengthen links between European companies and Jordanian institutions, expand export opportunities and facilitate technology transfer to the Kingdom, Petra reported.
