The Palestinian Information Technology Association “PITA”, represented by its Chairman Mr. Ala’a Aladdin and Mr. Laith Kassis, jointly with their counterparts from the Jordanian Information Technology Association (int@j), Mr. Aiman Mazahreh and Mr. Abdelmajeed Shamlawi have announced both cooperation and the signing of the Memorandum of Understanding at the MENA ICT Forum 2010.
Mr. Aladdin and Mr. Mazahreh highlighted how the MoU will strengthen the partnership between technological and technical fields to support the Information Technology and Communications sectors through public and private companies within both Jordan and Palestine.
Widely considered one of the Region’s foremost Information and Communications Technology (ICT) and Information and Communications Technology Enabled Services (ICTES) industry events, the biennial MENA ICT Forum 2010 will be held in Amman-Jordan under the Patronage of His Majesty King Abdullah II, on October 10 and 11, 2010 at the Business Park. The Forum will present several keynote and panel speakers, and will be focused around a number of carefully planned and specialized sessions, which will address the MENA Region’s most pertinent and pressing ICT concerns of today.
The Jordanian Minister of Information and Communications Technology, HE Mr. Marwan Juma, who was present during the signing said: “. As Jordan strives forward within this industry, it continues to develop its core capabilities to become a world-class center for IT and Communications. The signing of this MoU translates into reaping a competitive advantage which both countries will enjoy through their joint cooperation.”
The Palestinian Minister of Information and Communications Technology, HE Dr. Masshour Abu Dakka said: “Partnering with Jordan in this initiative will give us more avenues for growth, and this MoU signing will support our objectives to continue identifying and driving areas for development and growth within the industry.”
Mr. Aladdin commented on the signing: "Such partnerships allow companies in Palestine to benefit from Jordan's experience and expertise and enhance Palestinian companies’ own experience within this sector."
Mr. Mazahreh, Chairman of int@j in turn said: "This partnership resulted through a great deal of mutual effort and will open opportunities to promote our companies through one of the most important events of this year - the MENA ICT Forum 2010 – which is organized and supported by int@j, and gathers member associations like PITA. int@j and its member organizations will also take an active role in Information Technology Week “Expotech” 2010 which will be held in early November in Ramallah and Gaza, with the aim of marketing and encouraging cooperation between them.”
Mr. Kassis added: “The Information Technology and Communications sector is a major income generator for national GPD. These companies play a major role in the development and growth of the sector through the exchange of their expertise and experience in this promising field by way of involvement in large projects and new development programs which are expected to contribute to the advancement of the economy through joint investments between the pioneers of this sector, and will create unique job opportunities for new graduates and existing professionals within the sector. "
Mr. Shamlawi, int@j’s CEO further added: “The signing of such a significant memorandum of understanding underpins the unique professionalism and expertise our associations encompass. Their diligent efforts to strengthen their presence on both a local and international level reinforce the leading roles of both int@j and PITA and their experiences have become success stories in attracting major investments. Furthermore, the MoU has also incorporated opening prospects and cooperation in other areas such as including participation in trade missions and delegations, and the announcement of training to leverage the proficiency of workers in this sector, as well as to build networking bridges among the members of the two associations in both countries.”
It should be noted that the success of partnership will enhance and attract considerable investments which will in turn support and develop the Information Technology and Communications sectors in both countries. This will directly and positively affect Jordan and Palestine’s technological and economic development.