Amman, 2 December 2021 (TDI): The King of the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan, Abdullah II, met many young Jordanian entrepreneurs and international startups at the Al Husseiniya Palace. In addition, last Wednesday’s meeting also brought together Prime Minister Dr. Bishr Al-Khasawneh, and the Chief of Staff of King Abdullah II Ibn Al Hussein, Royal Hashemite Court, Dr. Jaafar Hassan.
On this third occasion of the meeting, the agenda was set on the debate on the importance of improving investment facilities for Jordanian entrepreneurs. In addition, how to increase the international influence of these startups. All through the Innovative Startups and SMEs Fund. Therefore, the King of Jordan highlighted the government’s efforts to provide accurate legislation for startups.
During the meeting, the startup owners presented their achievements and pointed out the need to support emerging companies. Thus, the executive director of the Innovative Startups and SMEs Fund, Laith Al-Qassem, indicated that more than 11 investment funds were attracted to the Hashemite Kingdom by around 7 countries in the region. These resources were invested in fast-growing Jordanian startups.
Is this the first King’s meeting with entrepreneurs?
King Abdullah II has met young entrepreneurs on two specific occasions before. The first time in April 2019 on the sidelines of the World Economic Forum. In the meeting, he expressed gratitude to the 27 startups that were selected from the 2019 World Economic Forum’s list of the top 100 Arab startups. This recognition enabled Jordan to be the pioneer state in the startup sector.
On the other hand, King Abdullah II requested suggestions from entrepreneurs to overcome challenges facing the sector. The King was accompanied by the Former Prime Minister Omar Razzaz, with whom they jointly agreed to create an investment Fund. This one is currently established as the Innovative Startups and SMEs Fund.
Finally, in the third meeting that took place yesterday, the King of the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan highlighted his pride in the young entrepreneurs who knew how to overcome the challenges of the covid-19 pandemic. Thereby, during a press interview, the Minister of Digital Economy and Entrepreneurship Ahmed Hanandeh reinforced the idea by mentioning that the initiative of a friendly business environment began in 2010 with the creation of the first incubator. Currently, there are 20 incubators, 350 start-ups, and 4,000 workers employed by them.
