His Majesty King Abdullah II began his working visit to Japan Tuesday by meeting chairmen and representatives of major Japanese economic and financing institutions.
The King reviewed with Japanese officials in two separate meetings, Jordan's investment environment, privileges offered by Jordan's economy and opportunities provided to investors as the Kingdom enjoys security and stability and has qualified human resources.
At a meeting with President of the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) Akihiko Tanaka, the King voiced his appreciation for the Agency's continued support to economic programs in Jordan, mainly in the water, tourism, health, education and construction fields.
His Majesty stressed the importance of boosting cooperation between JICA and Jordanian institutions through new projects in various domains, mainly those that would enhance sustainable development.
King Abdullah valued JICA's contribution in the fields of social affairs, and empowering women and youths by dispatching experts and volunteers from JICA to Jordan.
During the meeting, His Majesty also reviewed challenges facing the Kingdom due to the current situation in the region, mainly the crisis in Syria which resulted in the influx of Syrian refugees into the Kingdom.
The JICA president voiced the Agency's keenness to expand its economic and voluntary programs in Jordan and continue providing all forms of technical and financial support to Jordan.
He also said that JICA is interested in supporting Jordan to bear the burden of hosting the Syrian refugees.
In an interview with Petra, the president of JICA said the meeting with His Majesty was important for the Agency which works to enhance relations with the Kingdom.
He said he had discussed with His Majesty ways to implement projects in the Kingdom and boost future cooperation, noting that JICA is currently working on a project to improve water supply in communities hosting Syrian refugees in the Kingdom.
Separately, the King met with Chairman of NIPPON Export and Investment Insurance Agency (NEXI) Kazuhiko Bando, President of Japan External Trade Organization (JERCO) Satoshi Miyamoto and Executive Director of Japan Bank for International Development (JBIC) Koichi Yajima.
During the meeting, the King stressed the need to boost cooperation and partnership between Jordan and various Japanese institutions and build on cooperation agreements and memorandums of understanding signed between the two countries.
In this context, the King reviewed the privileges offered by Jordan's economy including legislation, facilities, the investment environment, and the qualified human resources in addition to Jordan's geographical location and the secure and stable environment.
His Majesty urged the representatives of Japanese companies to take advantage of the privileges offered by Jordan's economy in the sectors of renewable energy, waste treatment, railway, IT, water and environment.
He also highlighted the importance of a partnership between the private sectors of both countries, adding that Jordan views the private sector as a basic partner in the investment and development process as it implements joint projects that contribute to economic growth and creating job opportunities.
The heads of the three Japanese economic organizations praised Jordan's efforts in creating an attractive investment climate as well as incentives offered to investors in the Kingdom.
The meetings were attended by the Royal Court chief, the director of the King's Office, the minister of planning and international cooperation and Jordan's ambassador to Japan.