Strengthening Tech Ties: Gateway to MENA -Jordan ICT Delegation to Canada

On June 19, the Canadian Chamber of Commerce and Jordan’s Ministry of Digital Economy and Entrepreneurship, through the Jordan Source program, hosted the “Gateway to MENA” event at Hotel X in Toronto.

This event aimed to enhance collaboration between the technology sectors of Canada and Jordan, emphasizing Jordan’s prominence as an ICT hub in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region. The event drew over 120 business attendees and notable speakers from various local, regional, and international ICT companies.

The delegation from Jordan, led by the Ministry of Digital Economy and Entrepreneurship’s Jordan Source program, showcased Jordan’s vibrant ICT sector through presentations, discussions, and panels. These sessions emphasized the strategic advantages of Jordan’s location, its skilled workforce, and its supportive regulatory environment that has attracted numerous multinational tech companies.

Event Highlights

The event kicked off with welcoming remarks from Catherine Fortin LeFaivre, Vice President of Strategic Policy & Global Partnerships at the Canadian Chamber of Commerce, where she highlighted the Chamber’s Gateway to the World program — which assists Canadian businesses in international trade and investment. Following her, Jordanian Ambassador in Canada, Sabah Al Rafie, underscored Jordan’s stability and its emergence as a key ICT hub in the MENA region, driven by strategic investments and a conducive business environment.

Jordan Technology Sector: Incentives & Opportunities

Dana Darwish, Jordan Source Program Manager, opened the first session with a presentation on the investment incentives offered by the Jordanian government. She showcased the opportunities available for the Jordanian technology delegates, providing valuable insights into the sector’s growth. Nidal Bitar, CEO of The Information and Communications Technology Association of Jordan (int@j), followed with a presentation titled “Jordan as a Hub for IT & Business Process Outsourcing,” highlighting Jordan’s strategic position in the ICT landscape.

Unlocking Opportunities: Canadian Tech Businesses & the Jordan Youth, Technology & Jobs Project 

This dynamic discussion featured leaders from the Youth, Technology & Jobs (YTJ) Project at the Ministry of Digital Economy and Entrepreneurship. They discussed initiatives aimed at cultivating a skilled digital workforce, unlocking market expansion opportunities, and fostering a collaborative digital future. The session provided insights into how Canadian tech businesses can leverage these opportunities for mutual benefit.

Success Stories in Action: Showcasing Successful Canadian Businesses Operating in Jordan

The panel discussion centered on the experiences of Canadian businesses operating in Jordan. Panelists shared their insights on market understanding, partnering with local entities, establishing a presence, lessons learned, and strategies for success in Jordan and the MENA region. These success stories provided valuable takeaways for attendees considering expansion into the region.

To close off the event, Mohamad Sawwaf, Chair of The Canada Arab Business Council, highlighted the Jordanian government’s investments in creating a conducive environment for ICT growth, including several incubators and accelerators supporting over 600 startups and small enterprises. Ziad Aboultaif, MP and Chair of the Canada-Jordan Inter-Parliamentary Friendship group, emphasiezed the opportunity for Canadian and Jordanian tech businesses to share capabilities, learn from each other, and forge lasting partnerships.

Networking Reception

The event concluded with a networking reception, providing participants from Jordan and Canada an opportunity to connect in a relaxed, informal setting. This facilitated deeper discussions and the exploration of potential collaborations.

Jordanian Delegation

The Jordanian delegation, led by the Jordan Source team, showcased a diverse spectrum of expertise in the ICT sector. Representatives from 99brightminds, Enjez, Ideal Innovation House, Mawdoo3, Jordan Ahli Bank, Progressive Generation, Safeer, SIS, True Markets, and int@j were present, highlighting Jordan’s strength in technology, innovation, and entrepreneurship.

The “Gateway to MENA” event successfully highlighted the growing potential of Jordan’s ICT sector, offering unparalleled opportunities for information technology outsourcing (ITO) and business process outsourcing (BPO). With significant investments, an impressive growth rate in foreign market ICT revenue, and attractive tax incentives, Jordan stands as a highly sought-after outsourcing hub. The event not only showcased Jordan’s capabilities but also opened new avenues for Canadian businesses to explore and capitalize on the opportunities in the MENA region.

For more information on future events and initiatives, visit our events page and stay connected with our Gateway to the World program.

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