Amman: Al-Balqa Applied University (BAU) President Ahmad Ajlouni on Monday met with a delegation from the Italian Agency for Development Cooperation to explore avenues for enhancing cooperation in infrastructure development, technical education support, and sustainable tourism promotion in alignment with national development priorities.
According to Jordan News Agency, the delegation featured financial management and public administration reform expert Roberto Talenti and cultural heritage and sustainable tourism expert Claudia Tedeschi. They assessed the university's needs and development plans, focusing on colleges in tourism-significant regions, such as Ajloun University College, to strengthen its role in advancing sustainable tourism and its connection with technical education.
Ajlouni highlighted the partnership with the Italian agency as a significant model of international cooperation that bolsters the development of technical education at BAU. He noted that projects funded by the Italian loan, including the modernization of infrastructure at Ajloun University College and the establishment of Jerash Technical College, have improved the university's capability to provide modern technical education.
Ajlouni further stated that BAU continues to evaluate its future requirements, especially in sustainable tourism, to reinforce its status as a national institution dedicated to preparing graduates who are equipped to support comprehensive development and contribute to priority sectors in the national economy.
Both parties reviewed projects financed by a loan from the Jordanian government via the Italian agency. A portion of the loan was utilized to upgrade infrastructure at Ajloun University College, enhancing the learning environment and academic facilities. Another part was used to establish Jerash Technical College.
Discussions also covered future cooperation possibilities in developing academic programs, enhancing faculty capacities, and expanding joint work in cultural heritage and sustainable tourism to bolster the university's role in preparing skilled professionals to serve local communities and foster sustainable economic development.