usaid mission director officially opens usaid/sabeq regional office in irbid and unveils the economic development strategy for the governorate of irbid
The Mission Director for the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), Jay Knott, officially opened the Irbid regional office for the USAID-funded Sustainable Achievement of Business Expansion and Quality Program (SABEQ). The Mission Director then toured the office where he was presented with the 2008 Action Plan for the Local Economic Development initiative. To mark this occasion even further, the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), through the Sustainable Achievement of Business Expansion and Quality Program (SABEQ) announced the release of the Irbid Economic Development Strategy 2007-2012. The presentation of the strategy, which was created in partnership by representatives of the public and private sectors as well as leaders of the civil society organizations of the Governorate, was made to the Mission Director for the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), Jay Knott, and the Governor of Irbid H.E. Mr. Ali Al Fayiz
As the first economic development strategy for the governorate developed through such partnership, this strategy examines a unified vision and agreement within the governorate of economic priorities. This was achieved by identifying of the current economic strengths and weaknesses of Irbid’s economy. For example, many of the institutions in Irbid that provide support to the private sector have reached a high level of automation in terms of processing; however collaboration between such institutions remains weak. The document also outlines strategic directions the community and business leaders have determined would enhance the region’s economy while sustaining it for the long term. Such directions include increased awareness regarding the value of productivity and economic development to a community, and devising and implementing mechanisms that develop skill-sets of human resources that in turn support the economic environment of Irbid.
This official opening of the Irbid office followed the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the USAID-funded program, and each of the following organization: Jordanian National Forum for Women, Irbid Chamber of Commerce and the Yarmouk University, whereby USAID through SABEQ, will build on the expertise and resources available at these organizations to drive specific economic development and enhancement initiatives in the region. The initiatives include work in the Architecture and Engineering sector, Research and Development, packaging and design for products, tourism and increased community outreach. Moreover, 2 grant agreements were signed with Al Huson University College- Al Balqa’ Applied University and AIESEC Internship Program.
The USAID-funded Sustainable Achievement of Business Expansion and Quality Program (SABEQ) is a five-year broad economic development initiative implemented by BearingPoint, Inc. and a sizeable team of international and Jordanian partner firms. Its primary work is to support improvements in the business environment and providing assistance to expand innovation, productivity and job creation in Jordanian businesses, thus supporting the main objective of building up the private sector as a powerful engine of economic growth.
