Amidst the undulating political landscapes, my recent venture to Jordan with Gateway Jordan, my newest enterprise, was both a necessity and a privilege. This journey was more than just a series of meetings—it was about making tangible connections, understanding the nuances of Jordanian culture, and laying the groundwork for economic synergy.
Day 1: Academic Partnerships and Progress
The week commenced with insightful discussions at the German Jordanian University (GJU), where we delved into the potential of career fairs, internships, and dual studies programs. These interactions are crucial for Gateway Jordan as we seek to align educational excellence with industry demands, fostering a pipeline of talent ready to take on international challenges, be it in Jordan, or in any othere part of the world.
Day 2: Industrial Engagements and Investment Opportunities
A pivotal meeting at the Amman Chamber of Industry with esteemed colleagues, including the CEO and – quite surprisingly – also representatives from the Ministry of Investments, revealed the diverse tapestry of global business interests. It’s here that Gateway Jordan finds fertile ground for cultivating bilateral business relations and investment opportunities that resonate with our mission.
The main question was and still is: What do Jordanian industriall companies have to offer? How can they attract global players to get in touch with them?
While we were trying to find solutions for this challenge, we stumbled over the fact that even Jordanian companies are very reluctant to get in touch with possible partners in Germany, when they do not see immediate profit.
The Universal Dance of Banking
True to form, banking in Jordan mirrors that of its global counterparts — a necessary dance of taking numbers, waiting, and paperwork that underscores the financial parallels between our nations. Opening a bank account is the same everywhere.
Afternoon Highlight: Digital Economy Discourse
A session with the Ministry of Digital Economy and Entrepreneurship (MoDEE) proved to be the week’s highlight, where the discourse transcended into strategic alliances and innovative initiatives, such as Jordan Source, that align with Gateway Jordan’s vision for digital growth.
YTJ, Youth, Technology and Jobs is another project, MoDEE is currently promoting:
“The Youth, Technology and Jobs (YTJ) Project, which commenced in 2020, capitalizes on Jordan’s competitive advantages in the ICT sector, and through a combination of incentive packages, partnerships, and capacity building programs, supports in producing a highly enabled, competitive, and skilled ICT sector and workforce that will meet the needs of major regional and global ICT markets and enterprises.”
Day 3: Returning to the Roots of Education
The GJU’s old town campus in Jabal Amman was a maze of history and learning, providing the perfect backdrop for discussions on educational collaborations, which are the cornerstone of Gateway Jordan’s commitment to talent development.
Continuing on our ideass and impulses from the last discussion, we were brainstorming new concepts for career fairs, ways to upskill graduates and bring them that. piece of extra knowledge, that helps them into the fast paced world of ICT.
Day 4: Global Connectivity
The digital realm connected me with international offices, underscoring the borderless nature of modern business and the importance of staying on top of our collaborative ventures.
Meetings, calls and documenting what the week has brought so far.
Day 5: The Entrepreneurial Spirit in Action
At this day I was invited as a guest to an Open Circle event, a gathering of Jordanian entrepreneurs and advocates. Entrepreneurs that demonstrated the driving force of local innovators—precisely the kind of grassroots energy that I believe is needed in Germany and even Europe.
Each member of this circle seems to be willing to align with the others to reach a greater goal, to help local companies and to create awareness in Jordan for Jordanian products.
Day 6: Royal Encounters and Future Visions
The week reached a regal conclusion with a meeting with members of the Royal Court, where visions of future collaborations aligned with Gateway Jordan’s ethos of mutual growth and stability.
Closing Thoughts:
This journey through Jordan was more than a series of engagements—it was a testament to the potential for economic and cultural exchange that Gateway Jordan embodies. I, Oliver Gebert, left with a reinforced dedication to our mission of nurturing economic resilience in this culturally rich land.
Are you drawn to the untapped potential of Jordan? Do you envision business prospects that transcend borders? Connect with me, Oliver Gebert, and let’s explore the possibilities with Gateway Jordan!