Minister of Planning and International Cooperation, Dr. Jafar Hassan, met with the President of the Canadian Treasury Board, the Hon. Vic Toews, and the accompanying delegation as part of Mr. Toews’ regional visit to the Middle East. The Canadian Ambassador to Jordan, Ms. Margret Huber, also attended the meeting.

Hassan expressed appreciation to the Canadian side for their continued support extended to Jordan over the past years, highlighting the importance of Canada as a key partner in Jordan's development process. Moreover, the Planning Minister expressed particular appreciation to the Canadian International Development Agency efforts and support, which has enabled Jordan to embark on and accelerate the path of development and reform, indicating also the positive impact witnessed through the implementation of reforms and projects in the areas of education, vocational training as well as gender and social development.

The Canadian International Development Agency (CIDA) is considered one of the major contributors to the financing of the education reform project for the knowledge-based economy. In addition, the Agency is currently contributing to the development of the vocational education system in Jordan through the provision of training and preparation for various professional centres in the country. CIDA also helps in providing funds for a number of social development programmes, particularly those relating to the promotion of economic opportunities with a focus on women's issues.

The Minister briefed the visiting delegation on the social, economic and fiscal challenges and constraints facing the Kingdom, calling on Canada's further support to Jordan in the future to move forward with the implementation of the reform efforts to realize Jordan's developmental goals in accordance to the new Executive Development Program 2010-2012 that will be finalized in February.

Hassan also touched upon the importance of advancing Jordan's economic transformative process particularly in the areas of water and energy with the implementation of a number of strategic projects, noting that this would  strengthen  Jordan's economic position in the region and enhance overall regional stability.

The Minister also stressed the importance of conducting impact assessments in the future for various development projects undertaken, to ensure corrective action when necessary and efficient utilization of resources.

Hassan also underlined the importance of the Free Trade Agreement recently signed by the Kingdom and Canada in opening new horizons for economic cooperation of commercial exchange and expand economic cooperation between the two countries. "The signed FTA is the fruit of  His majesty the King’s efforts and His visit to Canada in July 2007, when the two countries announced the beginning of negotiations in this regard" according to Minister of Planning and International Cooperation.

On his part, the Hon. Mr. Toews reiterated Canada's commitment to support Jordan, in terms of developmental efforts and mega projects, also highlighting the strong role that Jordan has been playing in the overall stability of the region.