Border opening with Iraq, Syria to improve Jordan's economy - PM Razzaz

AMMAN, July 29 (KUNA) -- Jordanian Prime Minister Omar Razzaz said Sunday restoration of security and stability in Syria and Iraq would pave way for reopening of borders thus improve economy of Jordan.
Razzaz, in a meeting with chairman and members of Jordan Chamber of Industry and representatives of industrial sector, said "we will reopen the border crossings between Jordan and these two countries" in the wake of restoration of security and stability.
Official Petra news agency quoted him as saying Jordan, Syria and Iraq need to cement economic relations.
He expressed optimism of regional and global developments that would help Jordan improve its economy to be based on innovation rather than natural resources.
Razzaz underlined importance of innovation, which was a tool in modern economic development.
"I feel optimistic there will be global and regional changes that will help Jordan upgrade its economy to move away from the natural resources-based economy towards innovation-based economy," he said.
Razzaz said Jordan made great achievements in indicators of education, infrastructure, innovation, communications and information technology.
The Prime Minister said it was impossible to improve income and living standard of citizens without economic growth. "We have to address challenges and explore new markets like Europe, East Asia and Africa." Jordan has been witnessing unstable economic conditions since the Syrian conflict broke out in March 2011 as well as war on terrorism in Iraq, resulting in closure of border crossing. This is in addition to more than 1.3 million Syrian refugees in Jordan who were causing strain on infrastructure, education and health. (end) mjb.bs