Green energy, sustainable water management and tourism on Dutch ambassador’s agenda during visit to Aqaba | News Article
News Article | Jul 13, 2023 | 13:16
Aqaba, Jordan – Wednesday, July 12, 2023 – Royal Ambassador to Jordan Harry Felway has completed a two-day visit to Aqaba to meet with local representatives, stakeholders and businesses. The visit focused on the latest developments in green hydrogen, logistics and tourism and exploring opportunities to strengthen cooperation between the Netherlands and Jordan in these areas.
On the first day, Ambassador Ferweiz met with the newly-appointed Chairman of the Aqaba Special Economic Zone Authority (ASEZA), His Excellency Nayef Al Faiz. During the meeting, Ambassador Felway congratulated Faiz on his new appointment and discussed future cooperation opportunities on green growth and sustainable tourism.
In addition, Mr. Ferweij met with H.E. Mr. Hussein Safadi, CEO of Aqaba Development Corporation (ADC). The meeting touched on Dutch support for green hydrogen development in Aqaba and Dutch efforts to support young budding entrepreneurs in Aqaba.
The Netherlands has initiated and supported several projects in Aqaba in the areas of water, tourism, green energy and entrepreneurship. The Center for the Promotion of Imports in the Netherlands for Developing Countries (CBI) is now focused on expanding the capacity of the Directorate General for Tourism to implement sustainable destination management practices, in line with ASEZA’s green growth strategy. In addition, the Netherlands committed €30 million to the Aqaba-Amman water desalination and diversion project in an effort to provide a sustainable solution to Jordan’s water challenges.
Later this month, the Netherlands will host a Green Hydrogen Masterclass on ‘Strategy and Policy’ in partnership with ADC. The class is funded by the Dutch Business Administration (RVO) and delivered by De Oude Bibliotheek – Academy (DOB-Academy). The initiative is part of Dutch support to strengthen the capacity of local stakeholders in implementing the Green Hydrogen Strategy. RVO also provided a grant to Delft Offshore Technologies (DOT) to install a new and innovative wind turbine in Aqaba. This windmill will produce demineralized water and electricity on demand. This project is also being carried out in collaboration with the ADC.
Ambassador Felway also visited Sumit Ramnarko, the longest-running Dutch company in Aqaba. Sumit Ramnarko started working in Aqaba in 2007 and has since become Aqaba Port Marine Services Company (APMSCO), responsible for all towing, pilotage and related services at the Port of Aqaba.
In addition, the Ambassador visited the University of Jordan in Aqaba to underscore cooperation in entrepreneurship and private sector development and to better understand the challenges facing young people in Aqaba. Holland runs an Orange Her Corner program in Jordan through her local partner her iPark. This is a Dutch-funded initiative that aims to provide young entrepreneurs with a range of opportunities, helping them develop their business and create employment opportunities.
Ambassador Felway’s two-day visit highlighted the great progress the Dutch Development Agency in Jordan has made in meeting the needs of refugees and young people in particular. Furthermore, the visit highlighted the Netherlands’ continued efforts to support Jordan towards a greener and more sustainable future.
https://www.netherlandsandyou.nl/latest-news/news/2023/07/13/green-energy-sustainable-water-management-tourism-visit-to-aqaba Green energy, sustainable water management and tourism on Dutch ambassador’s agenda during visit to Aqaba | News Article