Amman, 26-29 January 2009

 

The training programme on investment promotion and media, jointly organised by the Jordanian Investment Board with the support of the MENA-OECD's Iraq project, took place in Amman on 26-29 January 2009 with the participation of nine officials from the Iraqi National Investment Commission (NIC). The participants represented a number of departments of the NIC involved in investment promotion, namely: OSS, Media, Administration, Financing, Economic Studies, Legal, Chairman’s Office and Translation.

 

H.E. Dr. Ma'en Nsour, CEO of the Jordan Investment Board

 

The training was the second in a series of training activities organised by the MENA-OECD programme in the framework of the Iraq project. The focus was on issues identified as relevant for the NIC to develop knowledge and build institutional capacity for attracting investment in Iraq, with particular regard paid to promotional practices and the use of media. 

The experience of the Jordanian Investment Board was used to share lessons on the role of an investment agency in developing a sound investment climate as well as designing strategies for investment promotion. Representatives and specialists from the Jordanian Investment Board, OECD and partner companies shared their experiences in:

• communication and marketing strategies such as branding and advertising, focusing on tools used in Jordan and other countries to create a national brand to build the country’s image for investment attraction at both the general and sectoral levels
• creation of an efficient website to play an institutional role as information provider and investor services facilitator
• functions of investment agencies in MENA and OECD countries - relevant for promotion and policy advocacy in investment policy-making
• elements of designing a national investment strategy and mapping
• use of print, radio and TV media for communicating investment policies and disseminating information on investment opportunities in the country
• role of special economic zones in attracting investment: Aqaba’s experience  in promotion and institution building as a special autonomous authority
  

In each session concrete examples and experiences were presented, followed by vivid discussions on application in the specific context of Iraq. The participants were given the opportunity to ask questions and discuss issues in detail, identifying the needs for building the appropriate capacity in the NIC.

The programme concluded with a graduation ceremony, where the participants received a training certificate by the chair of the JIB on behalf of both the JIB and the MENA-OECD Investment Programme.