IRBID (July 3) ‒ The USAID Jordan Competitiveness Program (JCP), Irbid Chamber of Industry (ICI), and Jordan Industrial Estates Co. (JIEC) today signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) supporting the expansion of the clean energy sector in northern Jordan. Clean energy is energy produced by renewable, non-polluting resources such as sunlight or wind.
“I have been a staunch supporter of developing the clean energy sector in Jordan’s north,” U.S. Ambassador Stuart E. Jones said. “Today’s MOU signing will enhance linkages among private-sector players, clean-tech associations, universities and other parties.”
The MOU was signed by the USAID JCP Chief of Party Wissam Rabadi, ICI Chairman Hani Abu Hassan, and JIEC Chief Executive Officer Loay Sehweil. USAID JCP is funded by the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID).
The MOU will pave the way for industries in the El Hassan Industrial Estate in Irbid to enact strategies to lower energy costs, foster public and private investment in clean energy technologies, and create a new market for Jordanian energy companies and service providers.
“This MOU is a prime example of the partnerships that can exist between the public, private and academic sectors,” said ICI Chairman H.E. Hani Abu Hassan. “We are excited about working with USAID and JIEC to build linkages with the public and NGOs in clean energy technologies.”
Dr. Loay Sehweil, the CEO of JIEC, added, “The importance of cooperation with JCP and ICI cannot be stressed strongly enough. We need to actively find ways to mitigate the impact of rising electricity prices on Jordanian industries.”
The USAID Jordan Competitiveness Program is working to improve Jordan’s business climate and increase the competitiveness of its information and communication technologies, clean technologies, and healthcare and life sciences sectors. It aims to create 40,000 new jobs, attract $700 million in foreign direct investment, and increase exports by 25 percent by 2018.
