Sydney: Jordan's Ambassador to Australia, Janti Kalajoqa, chaired the closing ceremony of the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) two-week technical cooperation programme for the Government of Jordan on Public Private Partnership Fiscal Management. The programme, titled "Strengthening Capacity for PPP Fiscal Management," took place in Sydney, Australia, on October 3, in collaboration with Georgetown University.
According to Jordan News Agency, the programme featured a training course and study tour to major PPP projects in New South Wales, Australia. The Jordanian participants included representatives from various ministries such as Finance, Investment, Public Works and Housing, Higher Education and Scientific Research, Education, Planning and International Cooperation, Energy and Mineral Resources, and the Aqaba Development Corporation.
In his speech, Ambassador Kalajoqa underscored the significance of this technical cooperation programme by JICA to the Government of Jordan, commending JICA for its presentation. He also lauded the leadership of His Majesty King Abdullah II, which has brought stability and prosperity to Jordan and highlighted the nation's role in fostering peace and stability both regionally and internationally.
Rabah Al-Shanti, Senior Programmes Officer from JICA Jordan Office, noted the enthusiastic participation of the Jordanian attendees during the programme in Australia. He expressed JICA's gratitude for the strategic partnership with Georgetown University, recognized as a leading global institution, and appreciated the choice of Australia and the expertise of the professors and instructors who executed the programme.
Al-Shanti also mentioned JICA's financial support to Jordan over the past 13 years, amounting to more than US$ 1 billion in budget-support loans, with a shift now towards capital financing for Jordan's priority projects aligned with the country's Economic Modernization Vision. He expressed anticipation for the Stakeholders' Workshop scheduled for the end of November 2025.
Rodolph Boughaba, Associate Dean for Executive and Professional Education from Georgetown University in Qatar, valued the partnership with JICA Jordan Office and commended the Jordanian participants for their engagement and interaction. He emphasized Georgetown University's enthusiasm to participate in the November 2025 Stakeholders' Workshop and to continue the partnership with JICA.