Upon the launch of METS 2011

June 15, 2011 Amman - HRH Princess Sumaya bint El Hassan, President of El Hassan Science City and the Royal Scientific Society, believes that networking is crucial to the growth of Jordan's Information and Communications Technology (ICT) sector. Speaking today at the opening of the Middle East Technology Show (METS), 2011 in Amman, which is being held under her patronage, HRH said the participants at this year's event, were the commercial innovators who would drive progress through their ability to communicate and respond to market needs.

 "It is of great benefit to you and to regional development, that METS 2011 provides a vital networking space for industry leaders to meet industry hopefuls - so that the stars of today can spot the talent that will build the economy of tomorrow," added the Princess.

In a speech entitled 'Networking for a Brighter ICT Future', Princess Sumaya said networking was a vital part of ICT development: "It is essential to spotting and championing new talent, to exchanging ideas and experiences, and to making connections for nurturing and financing new innovation."

HRH congratulated the Jordan Computer Society for organising the METS event which "has once again succeeded in collecting together a diverse range of technology domains, including: banking and finance, education, telecommunications, multi media, mobile phones & applications, and E-government."

HRH praised the organisers' efforts to facilitate communication at this year's METS - "communication between international and regional actors, between local enterprises and institutions, and between the wider business community and the end users of ICT innovation."

HRH added that it was a great affirmation of Jordan's dynamic role in regional innovation that METS 2011 was the region's largest and most varied ICT trade show. HRH also said that factoring equality into ICT development should not mean losing competitiveness on the global stage: "In fact, it should mean quite the opposite."

HRH believes that one of the main implications of Jordan's involvement in a globalised ICT market was that global competitiveness had become more immediate and increasingly challenging: "But our efforts to be inclusive are already reaping rewards as talented young people are given the chances that they deserve."

For his part, Engineer Azzam Shweihat, Jordan Computer Society chairman expressed his gratitude to HRH saying: "We thank your Royal Highness for your patronage of this important event year on year and we value your support to our organization. METS 2011 comes at a very special time for us as we are celebrating the 25 anniversary of establishing Jordan Computer Society and our active role in positively contributing to the ICT sector in the Kingdom."

"This year's show will be radically different, starting from the place and time to the products and solutions presented by the participating companies in the exhibition which grew to become the main station for showcasing the newest technologies in various sectors such as the banking, entertainment, education and ICT sectors." he added.

In addition to the latest home entertainment devices and computer accessories, METS's attendants will learn about the interactive cloud computing technologies, as well as the role of some Jordanian institutions in supporting ICT startups.

In her keynote, Dr. Ruba Jaradat, Officer of Economic Growth at USAID-Jordan said: "To-date, the impact of USAID's support through its Economic Development Program has been significant on the ICT sector, resulting in the creation of around 3,000 jobs, $10,877,287 in exports, $11,776,416 direct and $11,449,031 indirect revenues, and $6,000,000 direct investment and this is only the beginning.  Jordan's emergence as an ICT hub for all types of processes will allow it to access a market that is worth literally billions of dollars annually, thus providing high-impact jobs for the country's workforce."

Zain Group COO and Zain Jordan CEO Dr. AbdulMalek Al Jaber said that Zain tries to remain at the forefront of introducing the latest the world of information technology has to offer, in line with HM King Abdullah II's directives to place Jordan on the world map for information technology,  adding that mobile phones became more than just telephone handsets as the company deployed mobile phone technology for the benefit of people through many of its products and service, one of which is the latest E-Mal mobile wallet launched at the beginning of the year.

He further stressed on the importance of firmly placing Jordan on the regional and international maps as a center and a hub for telecommunications and information technology.

In his speech, Mostafa Salah, IBM Levant Manager said, "We are honoured to be a golden partner and a part of METS 2011 as IBM celebrates turning 100 years old today and prepares to enter the next century of great accomplishments and contributions to the sector."

Bashar Kilani, IBM Gulf Countries and Levant Manager said "We will continue to be fully committed to serving and contributing to the growth of the Jordanian market. We believe that METS 2011 is going to have a tremendous impact on ICT sector development in Jordan."

Moreover, Engineer Abdulrahim Milbas, GCE General Manager, praised METS 2011 for being  Jordan's only and the region's most prominent ICT show saying: "The exhibition is considered highly important since it stands as an annual meeting point for major CEO's, industry experts, job hunters, providing the right environment for concluding agreements, exchanging expertise and communicating with decision makers. The show aims at keeping pace with the accelerating changes in the sector and shedding light on the latest emerging innovations, assuring that the region is in alignment with the strategic directions of the global ICT industry."

"The show offers a unique chance to learn and get educated about the newest technologies and innovations in different areas such as gaming, multimedia, software and medical solutions, since it includes a wide range of leading participating companies." He added. 

In his comment, Jordan Computer Society CEO Mr. Rafeeq Da'as praised the logistic preparations and the outstanding participations witnessed this year in the show. "We appreciate the efforts made by the Ministry of Communications, USAID, Zain Telecommunications, GCE Electronics, BROTHER, FUJITSU, LEXMARK, Microsoft, Samsung, IBM, PST, COMPUTE, ARLON and the Business Park, in sponsoring the event. We also thank all the participating companies for their confidence in the show's ability to create the platform for communication between different segments of the Jordanian society and the neighbouring countries," he said.

METS 2011 is also sponsored by Crystal Call, Ad-TECH, Kharabesh, Yadonia, TP-Link, KINZ, Arab Advisors, Jordan Post, BKingdom, Jeeran, Spin Jordan, OfferAt, Al Ghad Newspaper, MenaITech and Al Fanar Printing Press.

-Ends-

About JCS
Jordan Computers Society was established in 1986 as a professional non-profit society representing both individuals and companies specialized in computer and information technology. It is the first such an organization in the Middle East and the Arab region to specialize in the field.

JCS seeks to develop the ICT sector in Jordan and serve and support companies operating in the field through upgrading the operation techniques at the concerned companies and the efficiency of employees hired by the industry.

The society also contributes to planning and developing educational programs and training in the various sub-fields in the ICT sphere, in addition to the extension of consultation for state agencies and private establishments, holding seminars, lectures and training courses aimed to take the sector to a new level. 

In addition, JCS builds and foster ties with peer organizations at the Arab and international levels. The society organizes METS on an annual basis and this year, it will hold the 20th edition of the show.

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© Press Release 2011