Amman - In its continued support for the enhancement of Jordan's private sector, the USAID-funded Sustainable Achievement of Business Expansion and Quality Program (SABEQ) signed Memoranda of Understanding (MoU) with four Jordanian business associations. The associations set to receive support from the program are the Young Entrepreneurs Association (YEA), Jordan Exporters Association (JEA), Jordan Intellectual Property Association (JIPA), and the Private Hospitals Association. Each association will receive support in various forms, however much of the support is based on technical assistance in implementing various initiatives determined by the associations. In his opening remarks, Mr. Jay Knott, USAID Mission Director said "USAID has always seen associations as critical building blocks for private sector development. During the past ten years, many of Jordan's key private sector associations were created with USAID assistance.
These associations have filled a critical role in organizing and representing their member firms and are poised to be the foundations of USAID's continued support to private sector development. And, these associations are the key to sustainability of full spectrum private sector representation in Jordan's continuing economic growth after USAID support."
Mr. Rodrigo Ortiz, Chief of Party for the SABEQ Program, also emphasized in his speech that "USAID's SABEQ program sees associations as the key instrument of advocacy and reform in promoting economic growth in Jordan. These groups raise awareness of economic activities, of the requirements to take advantage of these opportunities and of the constraints that must first be overcome." The support that will be provided the Young Entrepreneurs Association aims to create entrepreneurial mindsets in Jordan, support entrepreneurs and providing any needed technical assistance to ensure their success. Assistance to YEA will also include increased and effective public-private dialogue and partnership to create an accommodating legislative environment for entrepreneurs.
Upgrading Jordan's exporting firms, enhancing productivity and increasing economic opportunities for Jordanians in this sector are the main areas of focus of assistance to be provided to the Jordan Exporters Association (JEA). Such assistance will include direct capacity building and streamlining of procedures regarding strategy and policy formulation, legal and regulatory reform and training to JEA members and staff.
Noting the importance of Intellectual Property Rights (IPR) to Jordan's economy, USAID/SABEQ and the Jordan Intellectual Property Association (JIPA) will work together to enhance the public's awareness on the issue in order to communicate the benefits and positive impact that IPR can have on Jordan's economy; this will be done by demonstrating the competitive advantages of IPR protection. The joint efforts will also work towards the promotion of direct and indirect job generating investments in Jordan that often come as a result of a country's compliance and protection of IPR.
An active role is foreseen for the Private Hospitals Association in providing services to assist Jordanian private hospitals to enhance the quality of services provided, increase their market access, increase the number of incoming patients, develop medical professionals, and support personnel standards to be compliant with international standards and certification.
Accordingly, the PHA will receive assistance to be able to serve its members and provide value added services that aim to achieve these specific goals. Such services include direct capacity building and streamlining of procedures regarding strategy and policy formulation, legal and regulatory reform and training to PHA members and staff.
The next steps for these associations and SABEQ include beginning the capacity building and technical assistance activities which are slated to commence in the coming weeks.
The USAID-funded Sustainable Achievement of Business Expansion and Quality Program (SABEQ) is a five year broad economic development initiative implemented by BearingPoint, Inc. and a sizeable team of international and Jordanian partner firms. By both supporting improvements in the business environment and providing assistance to expand innovation and productivity in Jordanian businesses, to support the main objective of building up the private sector as a powerful engine of economic growth.
-Ends-
Sustainable Achievement of Business Expansion and Quality Program.
Salem Center
Suqeilah Street
Al Rabieh
Amman, Jordan
Telephone: 550-3050
Fax: 550-3069
© Press Release 2007
