Today, the Ministry of Digital Economy and Entrepreneurship signed a joint cooperation agreement with the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) to launch a new technical cooperation project in the field of artificial intelligence (AI) and enhance collaboration in building and developing the AI ecosystem in Jordan.

The agreement, signed by Minister Ahmed Hanandeh on behalf of the Jordanian government and Mr. Wakui Junji, Chief Representative of JICA Jordan office, aims to implement and strengthen cooperation in building and developing the AI ecosystem in Jordan. The project intends to leverage Japanese experiences to promote the use of emerging and modern technologies, particularly AI, to enhance public services in vital economic sectors. The plan includes implementing AI use-cases in priority economic sectors and applying them in real-world scenarios.

This agreement follows previous discussions between the two parties in January of this year regarding the main technical aspects of the "Promotion of Artificial Intelligence Ecosystem" project. The parties agreed on the general framework of the project, a draft record of discussions, and the structure of the initial implementation.

During the signing ceremony, Hanandeh emphasized Jordan's commitment to staying abreast of the latest developments and benefiting from global best practices and opportunities related to artificial intelligence. He highlighted the contributions of AI techniques in reducing costs, creating job opportunities, automating operations, and enhancing efficiency, productivity, and innovation across all sectors. These efforts align with the objectives of the Jordanian Artificial Intelligence Policy approved in 2020, emphasizing the importance of adapting and harnessing these technologies to serve the Jordanian economy.

Mr. Wakui, the Chief Representative of the JICA Jordan Office, expressed his happiness with the project's launch, emphasizing the importance of using AI technologies to develop various vital sectors in Jordan.

A team from the Ministry of Digital Economy and Entrepreneurship, along with a delegation from the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), previously visited relevant institutions, companies, and universities in the AI sector. Discussions highlighted the importance of implementing such projects in Jordan due to their impact on enhancing entrepreneurial potential and creating job opportunities for youth.