Amman: The Jordan Source program, under the Ministry of Digital Economy and Entrepreneurship (MoDEE), held a seminar on information and communications technology (ICT) in collaboration with the Jordanian Embassy in Canada, the Canadian Embassy in Jordan, and the Canadian Arab Business Council (CABC).
According to Jordan News Agency, the event aimed to present Jordan’s ICT sector to Canadian decision-makers, foster partnerships between Jordanian and Canadian companies, and promote opportunities for innovation, growth, and market expansion. The seminar also highlighted Jordan’s strategic advantages, including its young talent pool, favorable geographic location, and a supportive environment for entrepreneurship.
Minister of Digital Economy and Entrepreneurship Sami Smeirat underscored Jordan’s leadership in the ICT field, noting that the sector contributes 5 percent to the national GDP and employs more than 40,000 professionals. He added that over 7,000 students graduate annually from technology and engineering fields, reinforcing Jordan’s capacity to support a growing digital economy.
Smeirat outlined the incentives Jordan offers to investors, such as tax exemptions, financial support for training and market entry, and streamlined investment procedures. These initiatives, he noted, align with the Kingdom’s economic modernization vision to drive sustainable growth, enhance innovation, develop digital skills, and position Jordan as a leading regional technology hub.
Jordan’s Ambassador to Canada, Sabah Al Rafie, emphasized the significance of building on decades of cooperation to realize a forward-looking partnership grounded in innovation and shared prosperity. She pointed to the untapped potential for deepening bilateral collaboration in the technology sector.
Canada’s Regional Trade Consul, Louis Lacasse, affirmed his government’s commitment to promoting trade and investment in ICT between the two countries. He emphasized the mutual benefits of expanding cooperation in this fast-evolving sector.
The seminar featured a panel discussion titled “Scaling Beyond Borders – Innovation and Market Expansion,” which addressed the role of outsourcing in integrating communities into the global tech ecosystem. Panelists stressed the critical role of training and skill development in driving innovation and sustainable growth.
Amira Qarqash, Digital Skills Development Manager at MoDEE, highlighted ongoing efforts to enhance digital education. She pointed to partnerships with global technology providers to deliver university-based training programs designed to equip students with market-relevant skills.