Events /
Gateway to MENA: Jordan ICT Delegation to Canada
Gateway to MENA: Jordan ICT Delegation to Canada
June 19, 2024 | Join us as we bring together leading ICT businesses from Jordan and Canada, as part of the Canadian Chamber’s Gateway to the World Program. In collaboration with Jordan Source.
Since the 1990s, Jordan has positioned itself as a key hub for Information and Communication Technology (ICT) in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region, driven by strategic investments, a skilled workforce and a supportive regulatory environment.
The country’s strategic location and pro-business policies have attracted several multinational tech companies, further solidifying its status as an ICT center in the MENA region. Jordan’s government has shown commitment to advancing ICT through initiatives and incentives, including competitive tax incentives, employment subsidies, and market expansion and training grants, as well as trade agreements offering access to 161 countries, all contributing to the growth and success of the ICT sector.
Jordan ICT Delegation to Canada
The Jordan ICT delegation to Canada aims to facilitate collaboration between ICT government officials, businesses, investors, and entrepreneurs from both countries. The primary objective is to identify partnership opportunities that can drive mutual economic growth and innovation through leveraging the expertise, resources, and market potential of both countries.
Expanding Opportunities for Canadian Businesses
The event represents a significant opportunity for Canadian businesses interested in entering or serving not only the Jordanian market but also other markets in the region, such as the Emirati and Saudi markets. With many Jordanian ICT companies having a strong presence and partnerships in the GCC region, Canadian businesses can explore potential synergies and collaboration opportunities.
A Platform for Insightful Exchange and Networking
The event will bring together influential speakers and business participants from Jordan and Canada to explore collaboration opportunities and potential synergies within the ICT sector between the two countries. The agenda will include discussions on investment incentives, success stories, and current and future industry trends, providing a comprehensive overview of the opportunities within the ICT sector.
Agenda
*All times are in ET
Hotel X Toronto by Library Hotel Collection
111 Princes’ Boulevard Toronto, ON M6K 3C3
Small Group Engagement with Canadian Sector Leaders (for Jordanian delegates only)
1:30 p.m. – 3:00 p.m. | 3 sessions to be delivered by Canadian ICT sector leaders (15 mins presentation followed by 10 min Q&A session) Presentation by The Dias: Canada ICT Sector: Understanding the Landscape Karim Bardeesy, Executive Director, The Dias Presentation by Microsoft Marlene Floyd, Senior National Director, Corporate Affairs, Microsoft Presentation by Google: Unlocking the promise of AI Abed Ibrahim, Principal Architect, Google Cloud |
Gateway to MENA: Jordan ICT Delegation to Canada
3:30 p.m.- 3:40 p.m. | Introductory Remarks Catherine Fortin LeFaivre, Vice President, Strategic Policy & Global Partnerships, ÍÃ×ÓÏÈÉú Sabah Al Rafie, Ambassador of Jordan to Canada |
3:45 p.m. – 4:10 p.m. | Jordan Technology Sector: Incentives & Opportunities ICT Investment Incentives Dana Darwish, Jordan Source Program Manager Jordan as a Hub for IT & Business Process Outsourcing Nidal Bitar, CEO of The Information and Communications Technology Association of Jordan (int@j) |
4:10 p.m. – 4:20 p.m. | Coffee Break |
4:20 p.m. – 4:50 p.m. | Featured Group Discussion: Unlocking Opportunities – Canadian Tech Businesses & the Jordan Youth, Technology & Jobs Project A dynamic group discussion featuring project leaders from the Youth, Technology & Jobs (YTJ) Project on the way they are empowering digital growth in Jordan. This session will delve into the initiatives that cultivate a skilled digital workforce, unlock opportunities for market expansion, and create a more collaborative and digitally enabled future. Speakers: Dana Telegraph, PMU Director, YTJ at Ministry of Digital Economy & Entrepreneurship (MoDEE). Sarah Fanous, Investment & Entrepreneurship Director at MoDEE Amira Qarqash, Digital Skills Development Manager at MoDEE Odeh Haddadin, Digital Business Sector Manager at MoDEE Moderator: Mustafa Mustafa, PropTech Entrepreneur |
4:50 p.m. – 5:00 p.m. | Coffee Break |
5:00 p.m. – 5:40 p.m. | Panel – Success Stories in Action: Showcasing Successful Canadian Businesses Operating in Jordan The panel will focus on the journey of these Canadian businesses, their investments, and their experiences in IT or business process outsourcing in Jordan. The panel will also reflect the success stories, the challenges faced, and the strategies employed by these businesses. Speakers: Olga Fragis, Founder & CEO, Live Assets Casey Pruden, Chief Digital Solutions Officer, Community Living Toronto Mohammad Sharaf, Founder & CEO, Ideal Innovation House Moderator: Nidal Bitar, CEO of The Information and Communications Technology Association of Jordan (int@j) |
5:40 p.m. – 5:48 p.m. | Closing Remarks Mohamad Sawwaf, Chair, The Canada Arab Business Council Ziad Aboultaif, MP and Chair of the Canda-Jordan Inter-Parliamentary Friendship group. |
5:50 p.m. – 7:30 p.m. | Networking Reception |