AMMAN, Aug. 21 (Xinhua) -- Representatives from various sectors in Jordan have expressed expectations for expanded cooperation with China in investment, manufacturing, technology, education and scientific research.
The expectations come as Jordanian King Abdullah II is on a state visit to China from Aug. 18 to 24, which includes high-level talks with Chinese leaders as well as meetings with representatives of major Chinese companies.
Jamal Al-Dmour, president of the Jordanian-Chinese Friendship Association, told state-owned Al Mamlaka TV that bilateral relations have expanded into a strategic partnership covering economic, cultural, social and educational fields.
Al-Dmour said Jordan could benefit from Chinese expertise and technology, particularly in artificial intelligence. He said King Abdullah II was among the first Arab leaders to endorse the Belt and Road Initiative, noting that Jordan's strategic location positions it to benefit from the initiative.
Jordanian economic expert Nader Shahrouri told Addustour newspaper that Jordan should seek to attract Chinese investments and factories rather than focus solely on increasing imports and exports.
He said Jordan's strategic location, skilled human capital, stable business environment and trade agreements could make it a platform for Chinese manufacturing, warehousing, distribution and re-export to regional markets.
Shahrouri identified renewable energy as one area with significant potential for cooperation. He also highlighted technology, the digital economy and artificial intelligence as areas where future cooperation could focus on knowledge transfer, specialized training and integrating Jordanian firms into Chinese supply chains.
The Jordan Strategy Forum, in a paper published ahead of the king's visit, put forward a similar vision, calling for Chinese investment in advanced manufacturing, renewable energy, mining, information and communications technology, among others.
The forum also urged greater emphasis on technology transfer, joint research and development, vocational training and innovation centers, as well as a permanent mechanism to follow up on agreements and turn them into commercially viable projects.
In education and scientific research, Jordanian experts see opportunities to deepen cooperation with Chinese institutions.
Ali Taani, an associate professor of space science and astronomy at Al-Balqa Applied University and a graduate of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, wrote on Ammon News that future cooperation should focus on joint projects in postgraduate studies, artificial intelligence, energy, telecommunications and space science.
Taani said priorities should include establishing joint laboratories, expanding specialized training programs and continuing faculty exchanges. ■
