Latest news with #Verweij
Jordan Times
03-05-2025
- Business
- Jordan Times
Dutch support for Jordan's water security highlighted during visit to Aqaba
Ambassador of the Netherlands to Jordan Harry Verweij concludes a two-day visit to Aqaba, underscoring the Netherlands' 'strong and growing' partnership with Jordan across key sectors (Photos courtesy of the Embassy of Netherlands) AMMAN — Ambassador of the Netherlands to Jordan Harry Verweij has concluded a two-day visit to Aqaba, underscoring the Netherlands' 'strong and growing' partnership with Jordan across key sectors. During his visit, Verweij held high-level meetings with Chief Commissioner of the Aqaba Special Economic Zone Authority (ASEZA) Nayef Fayez, and CEO of the Aqaba Development Corporation (ADC) Hussein Safadi, according to a statement for The Jordan Times. Discussions focused on Aqaba's strategic development plans, strengthening economic ties, and exploring opportunities to expand cooperation in a number of key areas. Joined by Director of the Project Management Unit at the Ministry of Water and Irrigation Saddam Khleifat, the ambassador visited the intake site of the Aqaba-Amman Water Desalination and Conveyance Project (AAWDCP). The Netherlands has recently committed 31 million euros in grant support to help advance the implementation of this critical infrastructure project, reflecting the Netherlands' 'long-standing' commitment to Jordan's water security and sustainable development. 'I was glad to visit the site in Aqaba personally to get a good sense of how the intake and desalination of the AAWDCP will be designed, as well as to underscore the Dutch commitment to this vital project for Jordan's future water security,' Verweij said. Verweij also toured the Aqaba Container Terminal (ACT) and Aqaba Port facilities, where Dutch expertise continues to contribute to the city's trade operations and development. ACT is managed by the Dutch company APM Terminals under a 25-year build-operate-transfer agreement signed in 2006 with the ADC. APM Terminals recently received approval to extend the current concession with 15 years reaching until 2046. CEO of ACT Harald Nijhof presented the terminal's latest achievements in operational performance, safety enhancements, and its plans to achieve full carbon neutrality by 2040, the statement said. At the Port of Aqaba, a joint Dutch-Jordanian venture, the Aqaba Port Marine Services Company (APMSCO) has been providing vital marine services such as towage, pilotage, mooring and related services since 2007. General Manager of APMSCO Frederik Rutgers briefed the ambassador on the company's operations, recent developments, and its role in ensuring safe and efficient maritime traffic at the Port of Aqaba. 'I am proud to see Dutch companies playing a key role in supporting Jordan's trade and maritime infrastructure in Aqaba. Their long-term partnerships with the government of Jordan not only reflect the strength of our bilateral relations but also contribute meaningfully to Aqaba's development as a regional logistics and trade hub,' added Verweij. The ambassador's visit reinforces the Netherlands' commitment to 'deepening' its partnership with Jordan, supporting key infrastructure projects vital to the Kingdom's future, while continually exploring possibilities for cooperation across various sectors.
Ammon
03-05-2025
- Business
- Ammon
Ambassador Verweij highlights Dutch support for Jordan's water security
Ammon News - The Ambassador of the Kingdom of the Netherlands to Jordan, Mr. Harry Verweij concluded a two-day visit to Aqaba, underscoring the Netherlands' strong and growing partnership with Jordan across key his visit, Ambassador Verweij held high-level meetings with H.E. Nayef Al Fayez, Chief Commissioner of the Aqaba Special Economic Zone Authority (ASEZA), and H.E. Hussein Safadi, CEO of the Aqaba Development Corporation (ADC). Discussions focused on Aqaba's Strategic development plans, strengthening economic ties, and exploring opportunities to expand cooperation in a number of key by the Director of the Project Management Unit (PMU) at the Ministry of Water and Irrigation, Mr. Saddam Khleifat, the Ambassador visited the intake site of the Aqaba-Amman Water Desalination and Conveyance Project (AAWDCP). The Netherlands recently committed €31 million in grant support to help advance the implementation of this critical infrastructure project, reflecting the Netherlands' long-standing commitment to Jordan's water security and sustainable development.'I was glad to visit the site in Aqaba personally to get a good sense of how the intake and desalination of the AAWDCP will be designed, as well as to underscore the Dutch commitment to this vital project for Jordan's future water security', said Ambassador addition, Ambassador Verweij toured the Aqaba Container Terminal (ACT) and Aqaba Port facilities, where Dutch expertise continues to contribute to the city's trade operations and development. ACT is managed by the Dutch company APM Terminals under a 25-year build-operate-transfer agreement signed in 2006 with the ADC. APM Terminals recently received approval to extend the current concession with 15 years reaching until 2046. Mr. Harald Nijhof, CEO of ACT, presented the terminal's latest achievements in operational performance, safety enhancements, and its plans to achieve full carbon neutrality by the Port of Aqaba, a joint Dutch-Jordanian venture, the Aqaba Port Marine Services Company (APMSCO) has been providing vital marine services such as towage, pilotage, mooring and related services since 2007. The General Manager of APMSCO, Mr. Frederik Rutgers, briefed the Ambassador on the company's operations, recent developments, and its role in ensuring safe and efficient maritime traffic at the Port of Aqaba.'I am proud to see Dutch companies playing a key role in supporting Jordan's trade and maritime infrastructure in Aqaba. Their long-term partnerships with the Government of Jordan not only reflect the strength of our bilateral relations but also contribute meaningfully to Aqaba's development as a regional logistics and trade hub,' added Ambassador Ambassador Verweij visited the Aqaba Digital Hub, where CEO Eyad Abu Khurma presented the company's strategic vision, and led a tour of its newly completed high-tech Ambassador's visit reinforces the Netherlands' commitment to deepening its partnership with Jordan, supporting key infrastructure projects vital to the Kingdom's future, while continually exploring possibilities for cooperation across various sectors.
Jordan Times
25-02-2025
- Business
- Jordan Times
Inaugural Jordan diversity trailblazers awards celebrate efforts to empower women in workforce
The inaugural Jordan Diversity Trailblazers Awards ceremony was held on Tuesday in Amman, recognising private sector employers for their efforts in promoting gender equality and empowering women in the workplace (Photos by Heba Elayyan) AMMAN — The inaugural Jordan Diversity Trailblazers Awards ceremony was held on Tuesday in Amman, recognising private sector employers for their efforts in promoting gender equality and empowering women in the workplace. Launched by the International Finance Corporation (IFC) in cooperation with the Amman Stock Exchange (ASE) and in partnership with the Netherlands, the awards aim to boost women's participation in Jordan's workforce—one of the lowest globally. The ceremony was attended by Netherlands Ambassador to Jordan Harry Verweij, IFC Regional Director Khawaja Aftab Ahmed, ASE CEO Mazen Wathaifi, and representatives from 60 private sector companies. In his opening remarks, Verweij stressed that gender equality is not just about recognition but a strategic necessity for Jordanian businesses striving for sustainable growth in a rapidly evolving global economy. He also highlighted Jordan's alarmingly low female workforce participation, citing World Bank data from 2023, which showed that only 14 per cent of women were employed, compared to 63 per cent of men. 'Despite high levels of education and professional qualifications, women in Jordan continue to face socio-cultural barriers, workplace discrimination, inadequate childcare support and weak gender-inclusive policies,' Verweij said. He emphasised that increasing women's participation in the workforce leads to greater social stability, better education and improved well-being, adding that companies that prioritise women's empowerment enhance resilience, innovation and long-term economic prosperity. In an interview with The Jordan Times, Khawaja Aftab Ahmed reaffirmed IFC's commitment to bridging the gender gap in employment. 'A lot of people think that hiring women means lower performance. That mindset has to change,' he said. He also pointed to studies showing that companies with greater female representation at board, executive and management levels perform significantly better in terms of profitability and stock market performance. Ahmed also noted that if Jordan's female employment rate were to approach that of men, the country's GDP could grow by 20 per cent—an estimated $8 billion boost. 'With an average growth rate of 4 per cent, Jordan could achieve in five years what would otherwise take much longer,' he added. Director of Planning and Institutional Development at ASE Rasha Dayyat explained the evaluation process for the awards. "Applications were assessed by representatives from IFC, ASE, and UN Women based on evidence of gender diversity incentives, inclusive policies, female workforce representation, and measures to reduce obstacles to career advancement. The evaluation also considered the presence of women in management ranks." PwC was named the winner of Jordan's inaugural Diversity Trailblazers Award for its commitment to supporting female employees and setting a precedent for workplace inclusion. Bank al Etihad and Estarta Solutions took second and third place, respectively. Raana Junaidi, Bank al Etihad representative, highlighted part of the bank's approach to diversity and inclusion. She mentioned various policies to support women in the workplace, including extended maternity leave, flexible working hours, anti-discrimination and anti-harassment policies, and a zero-pay-gap commitment. The bank also offers childcare support, career development programmes for women and initiatives to ensure equal access to leadership roles. Junaidi noted that these efforts have had measurable impacts. Women now make up 46 per cent of the bank's workforce, with 51 per cent in leadership positions, including 27 per cent representation on the board.
