Amman, April 8 (Petra) -- Minister of Investment Tariq Abu Ghazaleh and Minister of Tourism and Antiquities Imad Hijazeen on Wednesday highlighted the pivotal role of economic diplomacy by Jordanian embassies abroad in attracting foreign direct investment and promoting the Kingdom’s tourism sector.

Speaking during a session titled "Pillars of the Economic Modernization Vision System Towards Achieving Sustainable Economic Development," held on the sidelines of the Economic Forum for Diplomatic Missions in Jordan, Abu Ghazaleh said the Economic Modernization Vision constitutes a comprehensive roadmap guiding government action and defining national economic priorities.

He noted that the vision adopts a participatory framework that strengthens the private sector’s role as a primary engine of growth, adding that investment promotion represents a whole-of-government approach rather than the sole responsibility of the Ministry of Investment. This approach, he said, focuses on empowering both domestic and foreign investors, streamlining procedures, and expanding access to viable investment opportunities.

Abu Ghazaleh said the restructured investment model includes the provision of around 100 diversified, development-linked opportunities across the Kingdom, supported by transparent cost structures and feasibility assessments to enable informed investment decisions.

He highlighted ongoing efforts to simplify procedures, re-engineer administrative processes, and enhance sectoral integration, alongside building strategic partnerships with the private sector. He also pointed to the development of a unified, interactive digital platform offering comprehensive investment data, including incentives, legislation, and regional opportunities, with plans to fully automate services.

Abu Ghazaleh added that the Ministry has reviewed existing projects, revitalized stalled ventures, and reallocated underperforming assets into new investment pipelines to ensure optimal utilization of state resources.

He underscored the importance of coordination with the Ministry of Foreign and Expatriate Affairs, noting the activation of joint working groups with Jordanian ambassadors to promote priority sectors and attract international investors. He stressed the need for continuous engagement and the dissemination of accurate, transparent information through media and digital channels.

Abu Ghazaleh said the national investment strategy aims to enhance transparency, empower investors, and maximize the contribution of investments to sustainable economic growth.

For his part, Hijazeen said the tourism sector remains a key driver of economic growth under the modernization vision, noting its capacity to generate opportunities across all regions of the Kingdom and its adaptability as a marketable economic product.

He said the sector has demonstrated resilience despite successive regional and global challenges, pointing out that tourism revenues exceeded JD880 million during the first two months of 2026, compared with JD749 million during the same period in 2023, reflecting a strong recovery trajectory.

Hijazeen said the Ministry is working to bolster the sector’s resilience through tailored policy tools and financing mechanisms, including support from the Development and Employment Fund and the Central Bank of Jordan, as well as the establishment of a dedicated fund to support small and medium-sized enterprises in tourism.

He highlighted the role of diplomatic missions in promoting Jordan as a tourism destination and attracting investment, stressing that travel advisories issued by foreign entities should rely on accurate, official information to safeguard the Kingdom’s image and the sector’s credibility.

Hijazeen added that Jordan’s security, stability, moderate policies, and integrated tourism infrastructure position the Kingdom to further expand tourism investment and achieve sustainable sectoral growth.

//Petra// AJ

08/04/2026 14:19:31