Turkish President Receives Talal Abu-Ghazaleh
(MENAFN Press) – His Excellency Mr. Abdullah Gül, President of The Republic of Turkey received Dr. Talal Abu-Ghazaleh, Chairman and CEO of Talal Abu-Ghazaleh Organization (TAG-Org) and Chairman of the United Nations Global Alliance for ICT and Development (UN-GAID) in Serail, Tarabya- Istanbul.
The meeting addressed the means of bolstering economic and cultural relations at the private sector level to achieve more economic integration and support the official approach of the Turkish and Arab leaderships under approved policies and valid agreements.
The President provided his guest with the necessary directives assuring the full support to establish Turkish Arab institutions between the two private sectors in Turkey and the Arab countries with a view to boosting inter-trade. His Excellency the President also commended the steps and procedures to promote the cultural integration by teaching Turkish and Arabic languages and participating in the establishment of Turkish-Arab academic institutions.
As for GAID, he instructed to hold a Turkish national conference to accelerate the development process by utilizing information and communications technology, and by making use of MDG eNABLER developed by GAID to achieve the millennium goals with the support of the UN Secretary-General after being approved by the high level meeting held on the sidelines of the Millennium Summit in the United Nations late last September.
http://www.menafn.com/pr/pr_news_story_s.asp?StoryId=1093372039
17 अक्तूबर 2010
TAG-Knowledge and Akhtaboot Promise A Unique Career Opportunity at 1st Job Fair
Set for October 19-20th, the job fair promises a unique experience for job seekers who are looking for a "genuine" opportunity to find a job and start their career.
"There is a definite demand right now for new ways to research and secure genuine job opportunities as well as gain leading industry insight on career tips and advice," TAG-Knowledge Executive Director Mr. Tareq Hammad said:
"Our goal is to create an environment that offers face-to-face networking opportunities with reputable companies that are currently hiring in the local market. The job fair is a great opportunity to look for a job or maybe a better job in various fields and industries," he added.
Attendees will also benefit from the various lectures provided by professional staff of both Akhtaboot and TAG-Knowledge which will cover skills of writing a resume, how to sit for a job interview and strategies adopted in finding a job in addition to others.
The job fair runs October 19th and 20th from 10 am till 7 pm at TAG-Knowledge Headquarters.
-Ends-
About TAG-Knowledge
TAG-Knowledge is the latest initiative taken by Talal Abu-Ghazaleh Organization (TAG-Org), the Arab organization for global professional services and the regional professional leader with 73 offices in 29 countries & over 2000 professionals.
About Akhtaboot Cares Initiative
The Akhtaboot Cares Initiative (ACI) is a comprehensive CSR program that was developed through partnerships with a number of second parties and educational institutions in the Middle East and GCC region. Through the ACI Akhtaboot maintains an ongoing presence in the region's educational institutions and career-related events by developing and executing specific training programs that are tailor-made to educate graduates-to-be and job seekers on how to approach the job market and to smoothen their transition into the professional world.
© Press Release 2010
http://www.zawya.com/story.cfm/sidZAWYA20101014064347
14 अक्तूबर 2010
TAG-Knowledge and Akhtaboot promise unique career opportunity at 1st Job Fair
Under the Patronage of H.E. Mr. Samir Al Rifai, Prime Minister of the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan, with the presence of Dr. Talal Abu-Ghazaleh, chairman and CEO of Talal Abu-Ghazaleh Organization (TAG-Org), the first job fair organized by Talal Abu-Ghazaleh Knowledge Society (TAG-Knowledge) and Akhtaboot kicks off October 19 at TAG-Knowledge headquarters opposite the University of Jordan.
Set for October 19-20th, the job fair promises a unique experience for job seekers who are looking for a "genuine" opportunity to find a job and start their career.
"There is a definite demand right now for new ways to research and secure genuine job opportunities as well as gain leading industry insight on career tips and advice," TAG-Knowledge Executive Director Mr. Tareq Hammad said:
"Our goal is to create an environment that offers face-to-face networking opportunities with reputable companies that are currently hiring in the local market. The job fair is a great opportunity to look for a job or maybe a better job in various fields and industries," he added.
Meanwhile, the Co-founder of Akhtaboot Eng. Yousef Shamoun said: "The Akhtaboot - TAG job fair will bring together both employers of choice and qualified job seekers from across Jordan. Employers will get the chance to physically interact with potential hires and conduct on the spot interviews, considerably improving their recruitment cycles. Job seekers, on the other hand, will also benefit from one of the largest gatherings of top notch companies, as well as career related workshops conducted periodically during the job fair."The easy-to-navigate floor plan at TAG-Knowledge just opposite the University of Jordan will feature pavilions dedicated to recruiting, career services, youth employment, education and training and entrepreneurship.
Attendees will also benefit from the various lectures provided by professional staff of both Akhtaboot and TAG-Knowledge which will cover skills of writing a resume, how to sit for a job interview and strategies adopted in finding a job in addition to others.
The job fair runs October 19th and 20th from 10 am till 7 pm at TAG-Knowledge Headquarters.
http://www.ameinfo.com/245199.html
14 अक्तूबर 2010
TAG-Knowledge and Akhtaboot Promise A Unique Career Opportunity at 1st Job Fair
AMMAN (Teletechwire): Under the Patronage of H.E. Mr. Samir Al Rifai, Prime Minister of the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan, with the presence of Dr. Talal Abu-Ghazaleh, chairman and CEO of Talal Abu-Ghazaleh Organization (TAG-Org), the first job fair organized by Talal Abu-Ghazaleh Knowledge Society (TAG-Knowledge) and Akhtaboot (http://www.akhtaboot.com) kicks off October 19 at TAG-Knowledge headquarters opposite the University of Jordan.
Set for October 19-20th, the job fair promises a unique experience for job seekers who are looking for a “genuine” opportunity to find a job and start their career.
“There is a definite demand right now for new ways to research and secure genuine job opportunities as well as gain leading industry insight on career tips and advice,” TAG-Knowledge Executive Director Mr. Tareq Hammad said:
“Our goal is to create an environment that offers face-to-face networking opportunities with reputable companies that are currently hiring in the local market. The job fair is a great opportunity to look for a job or maybe a better job in various fields and industries,” he added.
Meanwhile, the Co-founder of Akhtaboot (http://www.akhtaboot.com) Eng. Yousef Shamoun said: “The Akhtaboot – TAG job fair will bring together both employers of choice and qualified job seekers from across Jordan. Employers will get the chance to physically interact with potential hires and conduct on the spot interviews, considerably improving their recruitment cycles. Job seekers, on the other hand, will also benefit from one of the largest gatherings of top notch companies, as well as career related workshops conducted periodically during the job fair.”The easy-to-navigate floor plan at TAG-Knowledge just opposite the University of Jordan will feature pavilions dedicated to recruiting, career services, youth employment, education and training and entrepreneurship.
Attendees will also benefit from the various lectures provided by professional staff of both Akhtaboot and TAG-Knowledge which will cover skills of writing a resume, how to sit for a job interview and strategies adopted in finding a job in addition to others.
The job fair runs October 19th and 20th from 10 am till 7 pm at TAG-Knowledge Headquarters.
About TAG-Knowledge
TAG-Knowledge is the latest initiative taken by Talal Abu-Ghazaleh Organization (TAG-Org), the Arab organization for global professional services and the regional professional leader with 73 offices in 29 countries & over 2000 professionals.
About Akhtaboot Cares Initiative
The Akhtaboot Cares Initiative (ACI) is a comprehensive CSR program that was developed through partnerships with a number of second parties and educational institutions in the Middle East and GCC region. Through the ACI Akhtaboot maintains an ongoing presence in the region’s educational institutions and career-related events by developing and executing specific training programs that are tailor-made to educate graduates-to-be and job seekers on how to approach the job market and to smoothen their transition into the professional world.
http://teletechwire.com/20101014/1439.php
14 अक्तूबर 2010
TAG-Knowledge and Akhtaboot Promise A Unique Career Opportunity at 1st Job Fair
(MENAFN Press)-Under the Patronage of H.E. Mr. Samir Al Rifai, Prime Minister of the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan, with the presence of Dr. Talal Abu-Ghazaleh, chairman and CEO of Talal Abu-Ghazaleh Organization (TAG-Org), the first job fair organized by Talal Abu-Ghazaleh Knowledge Society (TAG-Knowledge) and Akhtaboot (http://www.akhtaboot.com) kicks off October 19 at TAG-Knowledge headquarters opposite the University of Jordan.
Set for October 19-20th, the job fair promises a unique experience for job seekers who are looking for a "genuine" opportunity to find a job and start their career.
"There is a definite demand right now for new ways to research and secure genuine job opportunities as well as gain leading industry insight on career tips and advice," TAG-Knowledge Executive Director Mr. Tareq Hammad said:
"Our goal is to create an environment that offers face-to-face networking opportunities with reputable companies that are currently hiring in the local market. The job fair is a great opportunity to look for a job or maybe a better job in various fields and industries," he added.
Meanwhile, the Co-founder of Akhtaboot (http://www.akhtaboot.com) Eng. Yousef Shamoun said: "The Akhtaboot - TAG job fair will bring together both employers of choice and qualified job seekers from across Jordan. Employers will get the chance to physically interact with potential hires and conduct on the spot interviews, considerably improving their recruitment cycles. Job seekers, on the other hand, will also benefit from one of the largest gatherings of top notch companies, as well as career related workshops conducted periodically during the job fair.”The easy-to-navigate floor plan at TAG-Knowledge just opposite the University of Jordan will feature pavilions dedicated to recruiting, career services, youth employment, education and training and entrepreneurship.
Attendees will also benefit from the various lectures provided by professional staff of both Akhtaboot and TAG-Knowledge which will cover skills of writing a resume, how to sit for a job interview and strategies adopted in finding a job in addition to others. The job fair runs October 19th and 20th from 10 am till 7 pm at TAG-Knowledge Headquarters.
About TAG-Knowledge
TAG-Knowledge is the latest initiative taken by Talal Abu-Ghazaleh Organization (TAG-Org), the Arab organization for global professional services and the regional professional leader with 73 offices in 29 countries & over 2000 professionals.
About Akhtaboot Cares Initiative
The Akhtaboot Cares Initiative (ACI) is a comprehensive CSR program that was developed through partnerships with a number of second parties and educational institutions in the Middle East and GCC region. Through the ACI Akhtaboot maintains an ongoing presence in the region’s educational institutions and career-related events by developing and executing specific training programs that are tailor-made to educate graduates-to-be and job seekers on how to approach the job market and to smoothen their transition into the professional world.
http://www.menafn.com/pr/pr_news_story_s.asp?StoryId=1093371367
13 अक्तूबर 2010
An interview with Mr. Chairman during the Online Educa Berlin Conference by Harold Elletson
IN PROFILE: UN GAID Chairman Talal Abu-Ghazaleh
Talal Abu-Ghazaleh is an extraordinary man, who has built a career as one of the Arab World’s most successful entrepreneurs in the face of adversity and despite overwhelming odds. Since 2009, he has been Chairman of UN GAID (the UN Global Alliance on ICT for Development), and he is passionate about his role in helping the world to achieve the UN’s Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) by 2015. Talal Abu-Ghazaleh will be a keynote speaker at ONLINE EDUCA BERLIN 2010. He spoke to Harold Elletson about his life and ambitions.
By Harold Elletson
UN secretary General Ban Ki-Moon could not have found a better person than Abu-Ghazaleh to undertake this gargantuan task. Now 73, he has struggled for most of his life to achieve what would have seemed impossible to others. Forced to leave his home in Palestine in 1948, he settled in Lebanon, where he set his heart on winning a place to study at the prestigious American University in Beirut. It was an almost impossible task for a young Palestinian refugee.
“I owe my education to UNRWA (United Nations Relief and Works Agency),” he recalls. “I was a refugee in Lebanon. When I wanted to join the American University in Beirut in 1956, there was only one scholarship offered by UNRWA for the top Palestinian student. So, I had to be the top Palestinian student. I earned it, went to University and graduated with distinction.”
Since then, he has never looked back, building his Talal Abu-Ghazaleh Organisation (TAG) into a world-class company, which employs thousands of people in the Arab World and beyond. “I started in Kuwait in 1972, with a one-man office. Today we have 73 offices. The latest is in Kabul in Afghanistan. That shows how the organisation thinks. We always believe there is an advantage in being the first mover. At the moment, we are the only professional services organisation working in Afghanistan.”
TAG’s growth has been remarkable, and it has established itself as the leader in several different sectors. “We started as an accountancy firm in Kuwait. In five years, we became the biggest in the region. We became bigger than any of the big eight in the region. Then we became involved in intellectual property. Within twenty years, we had become the leading intellectual property firm in the world. Then we went into management consulting, IT, legal services and education. Now the group has 28 operating firms, including the largest translating firm in the world.”
Typically, Abu-Ghazaleh spotted the importance of intellectual property and the commercial opportunity associated with it fifty years ago - long before any of his competitors. “I was at a conference in San Francisco, organised by Time Warner when I first heard the expression. I was intrigued. At first we started advising governments on how to devise laws on intellectual property. Now we do a lot of portfolio management and show clients how to enhance the value of their brands and trademarks. The fact that we started as an accountancy firm was a great advantage. Having a financial background meant that we could appreciate the importance of intellectual property as a financial asset. We have been able to help our clients to understand its importance as an asset.”
Abu-Ghazaleh’s activity in the education sector has been no less ambitious and determined. As someone whose own life was transformed by access to knowledge, he is driven by a realisation of the opportunity technology brings to deliver the benefits of high-quality education to a wider audience. The TAG Organisation has recently launched a major new training initiative in the Arab World, the ‘TAG Knowledge Society,’ which aims to help young Arabs to develop new professional qualifications and upgrade their skills. TAG is creating a network of ‘one-stop shops,’ which are a combination of free internet cafe, business centre, stationery shop, classroom and digital library.
“We have tutors,” he says “who enhance students’ use of the internet and teach languages, for example, or how to sit for an interview. Because of limited resources or delays in introducing new technologies at their schools, the students can use our new technologies. We keep them updated. There are recruitment officers for job opportunities. The centres are a knowledge oasis. The students call them a ‘knowledge paradise.’ We get the top students in the region – those who know the value of knowledge.”
Talal Abu-Ghazaleh brings both his strong belief in the transforming power of education and his innovative management approach to his new role as Chairman of UN GAID. Originally a member of the United Nations taskforce on the use of ICT for Development, he succeeded Craig Barret, the CEO of Intel, as Chairman of UN GAID. “GAID is a multi-stakeholder agency, not just a UN agency,” he points out, “but it is under the umbrella of the UN and supported by them.”
Ban Ki-Moon had given GAID the task of focussing on issues relating to ICT for Development. From the outset, Abu-Ghazaleh was determined to use GAID to help achieve the Millennium Development Goals. Progress towards the MDGs had been mixed and he developed a “very ambitious programme”, which the Secretary General endorsed in April this year.
Abu-Ghazaleh has taken a typically innovative approach and GAID has created a new tool to help developing countries play their part in reaching the Millennium Development Goals. “Reports are useful. Studies are useful. But what we have is a hands-on implementation tool.”
The implementation tool is the ‘MDG Enabler,’ which GAID has developed with help from companies, including Microsoft, Intel and Ericsson and the enthusiastic support of academia and many governments. The response of developing countries has been very positive, with the UN representative of one African country describing it as “long overdue.”
Abu-Ghazaleh realised that, in focussing too much in the past on issues, such as ‘connectivity’ or ‘access,’ there had been some duplication of effort by UN GAID. There was no need to replicate the work of other organisations, such as the ITU. Instead of competing with other agencies, GAID had to focus on one thing, which was not being done by anyone else. He became convinced that what was urgently needed was a centre in cyber space, where countries could choose implementation tools and strategies and have access to virtual consultations from leading experts.
“It has been a beautiful exercise,” he says. “Developed and developing countries have been working together for the sake of the developing world in order to put resources into the engine.” He describes the end product – the MDG Enabler – as being “like a GPS in a car. You must have a car and a driver. But the GPS gets you there. The MDG Enabler gets you there.” Now the Kingdom of Bahrain has offered to host a virtual centre from which advice, help and consultancy can be provided to help countries to meet their Millennium Development targets.
Talal Abu-Ghazaleh’s efforts and enthusiasm have not gone without recognition. He was decorated by King Hussein of Jordan and by the President of Tunisia and has received a Gold Mercury International Award, as well as honorary degrees and doctorates. As a great admirer of France, however, he is proudest of the award of Chevalier de la Legion d’Honneur, which was presented to him in 1985.
Despite his success, there is still an air of regret about him, though. At its root lies his concern for the land that he was forced to leave back in 1948. He is understandably uncompromising in his attitude towards recent events in Palestine. “There is an occupation and the occupation has to end,” he says. “There is no peace process. It is a misnomer. There are UN resolutions and they have to be implemented. The occupiers have become more intransigent and more aggressive than ever. They are demolishing more homes and villages. They have killed 2,000 people in Gaza. The world comes up with polite and modest statements but nothing is done. There are two million people in gaol in Gaza and the whole world is watching. The whole world is silent.”
Talal Abu-Ghazaleh has never forgotten his origins and is immensely proud to be both an Arab and a Palestinian. He has long campaigned for the “Arabisation” of the Internet and, before the end of the year, he will launch TAGITOP, the Arab World’s first regionally based laptop. A state-of-the art product with a named account from Microsoft, it will adapt to the needs of the region and pre-load programmes for schools and the business community.
At the same time, he is actively involved in capacity building initiatives in Palestine. His organisation has played a part in helping to boost computer literacy and he is proud of what his people have achieved, despite their circumstances. “Basic literacy for people between the ages of 15 and 30 is 95 per cent. And Internet literacy is at the top of Internet literacy levels for the region. One of the highest Internet literacy standards in the world is in Palestine – in spite of the occupation and the unbearable life there.”
The TAG organisation has been working closely with UNRWA on projects in Palestinian refugee camps, involving the refurbishment of computers and the development of skills. It has not been easy but it is a part of what Abu-Ghazaleh sees as his duty towards the Palestinians and others in the Arab World. “I have learnt to work with agencies and international organisations,” he says. “You can get things done if you want to.”
It is a characteristically positive view of life, which belies the many difficulties he has had to overcome. “My life has always been a blessing of suffering,” he says. “I tell my grandchildren – don’t think of suffering as hardship. Think of it as a blessing.”
Only time will tell if the suffering of his homeland has been a blessing too. He remains optimistic. “Every occupation in history has ended,” he says.
Talal Abu-Ghazaleh will deliver his keynote speech in the opening plenary of ONLINE EDUCA BERLIN 2010 on Thursday, December 2, 09:00 – 11:00.
Dr Harold Elletson is the Chairman of the New Security Foundation and a former Member of the United Kingdom Parliament.
October 6, 2010
http://www.icwe.net/oeb_special/news181.php
06 अक्तूबर 2010
Chinese attracts more Jordanian learners
Jordanian students interact with a Chinese teacher during a lesson at TAG-Confucius Institute in Amman (Photo (Photo by Mohammad Ghazal)
By Mohammad Ghazal
AMMAN - Seen as up and coming superpower, China seems to elicit the attention of Jordanians in an assortment of fields.
Believing that language is the key to understanding a nation, Jordanians are showing more eagerness to learn Chinese at the several centers that have opened in the past few years. Each has his reasons, but business considerations seem to prevail.
"For me as a trader, speaking Chinese helps me get better deals. The trader who does not have business with China nowadays is not a successful trader," Khalid Ashi, general manager of Petra Textiles Establishment, said Sunday.
Cultural counsellor at the Chinese embassy in Amman, Lai Wan Zhu, seems to agree.
"Political and economic ties between China and the Arab world are growing and we have seen a rise in the number of people studying Chinese in this region and elsewhere,” Lai said in a recent interview with The Jordan Times.
According to Lai, there are 20,000 Arab traders who have set up commercial offices in China.
Interest in learning Chinese started almost 10 years ago, when trade relations with the Arab world started to boom, according to the diplomat.
The total trade volume between China and the 22 Arab states grew from $15.2 billion in 2000 to $108 billion in 2009 - an increase of 611 per cent over the decade or an average annual growth rate of 24.3 per cent. The total trade volume between China and Jordan amounted to $2.08 billion in 2009, an increase of 6.6 per cent over the previous year, according to statistics provided by Chinese customs.
With increased interest across the world in learning Chinese, the Chinese government started supporting the teaching of Chinese to non-native speakers both in China and abroad, said Lai, who added that there are currently more than 280 Confucius institutes - nonprofit institutions that teach Chinese language and culture - in the four corners of the globe.
The Arab world saw its first Confucius institutes open almost five years ago, and there are now two in Egypt, one in Lebanon, one in Morocco, one in Tunisia and one in Jordan.
In addition, Chinese is taught at several universities in Arab countries including Kuwait, Egypt and Jordan, said Lai.
Jiazhong You, professor of Chinese at the University of Jordan, said: “The majority of my students study Chinese because they say they want to have business with China. Some of them say they study Chinese as the Chinese civilisation is interesting and different to them. And many say they study it as their families are involved in trade with China. Most of those majoring in Chinese have family businesses.”
Mohammad Sami Al Kharouf, manager of the Talal Abu Ghazaleh Confucius Institute, said that for traders dealing with Chinese suppliers, “it is a must to learn the language”.
But not all study Chinese to serve their business interests. Some want to study Chinese as they say it opens a window to an ancient and deep-rooted culture. Others say learning Chinese is good exercise for their brains.
“Chinese is one of the most ancient languages in the whole world. China, its people and the language are very interesting to me. I study Chinese as I want to study their literature,” Nadiyya Al Zgheibi, a student at the TAG-Confucius Institute in Amman, said.
Zgheibi went to China to study the language from 1997-1999 after she obtained a scholarship from the Chinese higher education ministry, but did not complete the course for health reasons. She has had a second chance “to fulfil my life dream” at the Confucius Institute.
“I have an ambition to translate Chinese literature into Arabic as it holds many noble meanings,” said Zgheibi, who also believes that the language “stimulates the brain”.
For some others, learning Chinese could open a door for employment.
Mustafa Al Share, who currently studies Chinese language and literature at Shenyang Normal University, highlighted the “huge” potential for cultural exchange.
In addition to the strong chances of getting a job as a translator, the student said that “speaking the language can help me promote Jordan and better understanding between our and their civilisations”.
Farah Ismael, a junior at the Amman Private University majoring in translation, agreed that the opportunity opens doors career-wise.
“When I speak Chinese, I will make use of it in my work maybe as a translator. Finding a job will be easy, especially since there are several Chinese companies working in Jordan,” Ismael, who also studies at the TAG-Confucius Institute said.
“There is a huge potential for those who study Chinese to work, especially in the field of tourism and working as interpreters and guides. It is also important for conducting business,” said Lai.
Ismael’s relative Sali Bairuti is only in eighth grade but shares her dream. Both are encouraged by their families, like other youth enrolled in the institute.
Twelve-year-old Alexander Rabadi has been studying Chinese for the past eight months, encouraged by his mother, Reem, a linguist at the German-Jordanian University. She wants him to be “exposed to a great and different culture and learn the language of a country that is on track to becoming a superpower”, he said.
According to Kharouf, the TAG-Confucius Institute has so far graduated some 600-700 students with different levels of skill in Chinese and currently has 60 students.
Chinese, which has about 10,000 characters, is not easy to learn, says Ke Zhu, a Chinese language teacher at the military language institute in Jordan who is training military personnel of all ranks in speaking Chinese.
“I focus a lot on listening and speaking skills for my students as the language is not easy to learn,” she said.
Professor You agreed, saying that even native Chinese speakers do not know all the characters.
“Obtaining two to three thousand characters is enough to be able to have basic Chinese communication, and that takes one year of intensive study and exercise,” said the professor.
According to the embassy in Amman, there are about 1.3 billion people in China, while the language is also spoken by about 200 million people in Malaysia, Singapore, Indonesia, Vietnam and South Korea.
There are seven official dialects and dozens of sub-dialects, but among the official dialects, Mandarin is the most commonly understood and taught.
Lai added that there are plans to open a centre for teaching Chinese to guides in Amman to provide Chinese tourists with guides who speak their language will help promote tourism.
In addition to teaching the language, the Talal Abu Ghazaleh Group is planning to open a centre to educate Jordanians on the various aspects of Chinese culture, Kharouf said.
It will be open before the end of the year and will be open to the public at no charge, he said, adding that the centre will showcase Chinese culture, food and folklore, as well as Chinese discoveries, thinkers and writers.
http://www.jordantimes.com/?news=30474
29 September 2010
29 सितम्बर 2010
TAG-SB and KAS organize Jordan's new draft competition law workshop
The Talal Abu-Ghazaleh Graduate School of Business Administration (TAG-SB) and Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung (KAS) Amman held a workshop today entitled 'Jordan's New Draft Competition Law: Achievement Made, Improvement Required' at Talal Abu-Ghazaleh Business Forum (TAG-Forum) which was inaugurated by HE Minister of Industry and Trade Eng. Amer Al-Hadidi.
In his key note speech, Al-Hadidi stated that the Ministry has implemented a number of policies and programs which aim at enhancing the competitiveness of the economic sectors in the country in a mechanism to create a healthy economic environment which attracts national and foreign investments.
"The Jordanian Government has adopted a clear strategy for development in all sectors according to a set of goals and targets and all economic indicators show that we have achieved a huge part of our future vision despite the global financial crisis. Our GDP continued to grow reaching 7.8% in 2009; unemployment decreased to 12.4% and investment increased significantly to reach JD1.8bn of which 39% are foreign investments," he said.
Al-Hadidi noted that Jordan's competition law is in conformity with the international competition legislations adding that the Ministry has carried out several procedures to enhance and protect competition in the Kingdom one of which is the launch of the Competition Directorate.
"The Directorate has played a vital role in safeguarding competition regulations in the country. And through organizing awareness programs, workshops and conferences the Ministry was able to send a message to all that we are on the right track," he said.
According to the Minister, the third national competition conference will be held during the third quarter of this year with the participation of local, regional and international experts.
In his opening remarks on behalf of HE Dr. Talal Abu-Ghazaleh, chairman and CEO of Talal Abu-Ghazaleh Organization (TAG-Org), Mr. Mustafa Naserddin, Executive Director for International Affairs pointed out that the private and public sectors have a huge responsibility in spreading awareness regarding these laws.
"I believe that this unique partnership is a result of the rapid changes in the global economy and we have the sense of these changes thus we are working accordingly," he stressed.
From his part, Dr. Martin Beck, resident representative of KAS Amman office, said, "The joint workshop is the result of a long cooperation between the two organizations on improving the Jordanian competition law. The recently drafted competition law has been deeply influenced by the input of the two parties' working group."
He added, "The drafted competition law that will be assessed in the workshop is of utmost importance for the modernization process of Jordan for two main reasons. Firstly, it will help Jordan to meet international standards and to be perceived as a modern economy. Secondly, the new drafted law will improve the life of all Jordanians: It will increase fair competition between producers in Jordan by curtailing monopolies and oligopolies. Moreover, it is also good for consumers because they will benefit ultimately from competition by paying fair prices when they purchase products on the market."
During the one-day venue, various presentations were delivered covering various topics such as; Practical Needs for amending Competition Law; The Jordanian Experience in Comparison with other Countries in the Arab Region and the Draft Competition Law in addition to other key issues.
Attorneys from Germany, United Arab Emirates, Jordan and Lebanon and other concerned parties took part in the event.
http://www.ameinfo.com/243299.html
28 सितम्बर 2010
Ban Ki-moon Applauds Digital Initiative to boost Millennium Development Goals under Abu-Ghazaleh’s Leadership
NEW YORK (Teletechwire): United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon welcomed the launch today in New York of a global initiative to harness digital technologies to help achieve the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs). Known as the “MDGs eNabler”, the initiative comprises a set of online tools aimed at providing users around the world with resources and tools to accelerate progress on the MDGs at the national level.
The project was spearheaded by the UN Global Alliance for ICT and Development (UNGAID), with support from governments and private corporations, academia and civil society.
“I welcome the GAID membership, under the leadership of its Chairman, HE Dr. Talal Abu-Ghazaleh, to launch web-based knowledge tools and information resources, providing tangible and practical benefits to developing countries in their efforts to advance MDGs,” said Mr. Ban, in his message to a High-level Meeting of UNGAID. “ICT can empower farmers to have better access to market, increasing their opportunity to be part of the global supply change,” the Secretary-General said.
“ICT can enable students to get better education materials. Doctors use ICT to provide health care to those in need, including in remote areas,” he said, adding that such technologies can provide access to unlimited knowledge and opportunity for those who do not have it.
“I invite all stakeholders to join the GAID membership in this Endeavour,” he concluded. More than 80 government leaders, chief executives from technology companies from all around the world, and senior UN officials took part in today’s launch.
The “MDGs eNabler” brings together many innovative components, including an ICT solutions matrix, a strategic planner, a portal of ICT-for-development portals, simulation and game tools, and a so-called compendium of excellence. It serves as a “one-stop-shop” for policy-makers, planners, project managers and development practitioners, seeking to implement national development strategies and programs.
The Global Alliance for ICT and Development was established in 2006 as a multi-stakeholder platform to put in practice the spirit and vision of the World Summit on the Information Society and to promote the use of information and communication technologies (ICT) to achieve the internationally agreed development goals, including the MDGs.
http://teletechwire.com/20100926/1175.php
25 सितम्बर 2010
Ban Ki-moon Applauds Digital Initiative to boost Millennium Development Goals under Abu-Ghazaleh's Leadership
United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon welcomed the launch today in New York of a global initiative to harness digital technologies to help achieve the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs).
Known as the "MDGs eNabler", the initiative comprises a set of online tools aimed at providing users around the world with resources and tools to accelerate progress on the MDGs at the national level.
The project was spearheaded by the UN Global Alliance for ICT and Development (UNGAID), with support from governments and private corporations, academia and civil society.
"I welcome the GAID membership, under the leadership of its Chairman, HE Dr. Talal Abu-Ghazaleh, to launch web-based knowledge tools and information resources, providing tangible and practical benefits to developing countries in their efforts to advance MDGs," said Mr. Ban, in his message to a High-level Meeting of UNGAID.
"ICT can empower farmers to have better access to market, increasing their opportunity to be part of the global supply change," the Secretary-General said.
"ICT can enable students to get better education materials. Doctors use ICT to provide health care to those in need, including in remote areas," he said, adding that such technologies can provide access to unlimited knowledge and opportunity for those who do not have it.
"I invite all stakeholders to join the GAID membership in this Endeavour," he concluded.
More than 80 government leaders, chief executives from technology companies from all around the world, and senior UN officials took part in today's launch.
The "MDGs eNabler" brings together many innovative components, including an ICT solutions matrix, a strategic planner, a portal of ICT-for-development portals, simulation and game tools, and a so-called compendium of excellence. It serves as a "one-stop-shop" for policy-makers, planners, project managers and development practitioners, seeking to implement national development strategies and programs.
The Global Alliance for ICT and Development was established in 2006 as a multi-stakeholder platform to put in practice the spirit and vision of the World Summit on the Information Society and to promote the use of information and communication technologies (ICT) to achieve the internationally agreed development goals, including the MDGs.
© 2010 Al Bawaba (www.albawaba.com)
http://www1.albawaba.com/news/ban-ki-moon-applauds-digital-initiative-boost-millennium-development-goals-under-abu-ghazalehs-
25 सितम्बर 2010
Ban Ki-moon Applauds Digital Initiative to boost Millennium Development Goals under Abu-Ghazaleh's Leadership
(MENAFN Press) New York - United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon welcomed the launch today in New York of a global initiative to harness digital technologies to help achieve the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs).
Known as the "MDGs eNabler", the initiative comprises a set of online tools aimed at providing users around the world with resources and tools to accelerate progress on the MDGs at the national level.
The project was spearheaded by the UN Global Alliance for ICT and Development (UNGAID), with support from governments and private corporations, academia and civil society.
"I welcome the GAID membership, under the leadership of its Chairman, HE Dr. Talal Abu-Ghazaleh, to launch web-based knowledge tools and information resources, providing tangible and practical benefits to developing countries in their efforts to advance MDGs," said Mr. Ban, in his message to a High-level Meeting of UNGAID.
"ICT can empower farmers to have better access to market, increasing their opportunity to be part of the global supply change," the Secretary-General said.
"ICT can enable students to get better education materials. Doctors use ICT to provide health care to those in need, including in remote areas," he said, adding that such technologies can provide access to unlimited knowledge and opportunity for those who do not have it.
"I invite all stakeholders to join the GAID membership in this Endeavour," he concluded.
More than 80 government leaders, chief executives from technology companies from all around the world, and senior UN officials took part in today's launch.
The "MDGs eNabler" brings together many innovative components, including an ICT solutions matrix, a strategic planner, a portal of ICT-for-development portals, simulation and game tools, and a so-called compendium of excellence. It serves as a "one-stop-shop" for policy-makers, planners, project managers and development practitioners, seeking to implement national development strategies and programs.
The Global Alliance for ICT and Development was established in 2006 as a multi-stakeholder platform to put in practice the spirit and vision of the World Summit on the Information Society and to promote the use of information and communication technologies (ICT) to achieve the internationally agreed development goals, including the MDGs.
http://www.menafn.com/pr/pr_news_story_s.asp?StoryId=1093368025
25 सितम्बर 2010
ASCA-Jordan Issues the Arabic Version of the Handbook of International Quality Control, Auditing, Review, Other Assurance, and Related Services Pronouncements 2010
AMMAN: The Arab Society of Certified Accountants (ASCA -Jordan) issued the first Arabic 2010 edition of the International Standards on Auditing and Quality Control handbook after being updated to include the quality control standards.
The handbook consists of:
• The International Standard on Assurance Engagements (ISAE) 3402, "Assurance Reports on Controls at a Service Organization" issued by the IAASB in December 2009. This new standard addresses reports on the description, design, and operating effectiveness of controls relating to the broad range of services that today's service organizations provide. Such services can range from assisting with processing transactions to performing one or more business functions. ISAE 3402 is effective for service auditors' reports covering periods ending on or after June 15, 2011.
• Code of Ethics for Professional Accountants.
This handbook replaces Part I of the 2008 edition of the Handbook of International Auditing, Assurance and Ethics Pronouncements and the 2009 edition of the Handbook of International Standards on Auditing and Quality Control which featured the thirty six International Standards on Auditing (ISAs) and the International Standard on Quality Control (ISQC) that have been redrafted by the IAASB to improve their clarity.
ASCA -Jordan continuously seeks to develop both accounting and management sciences as well as all related principles applicable to all or some professional services. ASCA -Jordan also exerts effort to upgrade the competence, practice and code of ethics according to the highest professional levels through the issuance of accounting publications and following-up on the recent developments in accounting and auditing.
-Ends-
http://www.zawya.com/story.cfm/sidZAWYA20100922083327
22 सितम्बर 2010