Irbid: Greater Irbid Municipality Committee Chairman Imad Azzam and Chinese Ambassador Guo Wei discussed on Monday prospects for closer cooperation, and explored potential development and investment projects for the city that align with Jordan's Economic Modernization Vision.
According to Jordan News Agency, Azzam highlighted Irbid's status as a major educational hub hosting several public and private universities, stressing the need for strategic projects that meet the northern city's rapid growth and development needs. He hailed Jordanian-Chinese relations, noting that cooperation between Irbid and China dates back to the 1980s through the establishment of Al Hassan Sports City and twinning agreements with several Chinese municipalities. He called for activating signed agreements to support local development.
Azzam said his municipality is working to create an attractive investment environment and facilitate procedures for investors, while continuing to develop infrastructure and sports facilities across the city. For his part, the Chinese envoy valued the municipality's service role and efforts in supporting local communities and refugees over recent years.
He noted Irbid's strategic location, economic potential, and agricultural resources, describing the city as well-positioned to become an integrated development hub. Guo said the embassy was ready to support Jordan's transition toward a digital economy in line with the Economic Modernization Vision and encourage Chinese investment in the sector. He also pointed to opportunities for broader cooperation in agriculture, transportation, infrastructure, tourism, and renewable energy.
Chinese investors are interested in industrial projects in Jordan, including vehicle spare-parts, he said, pledging that the embassy is prepared to carry out training programs for Greater Irbid Municipality staff to enhance municipal performance. Also during the meeting, Deputy Committee Chairman and Irbid Water Director Saleh Momani presented an overview of the water situation in Irbid and northern Jordan, stressing the importance of closer cooperation on projects to improve the water situation.
The ambassador and an accompanying delegation also toured the major Tell Irbid Development Project, a massive urban renewal initiative to preserve the city's historical identity and create a new focal point for tourism and recreation in the downtown area.