In the framework of the EBSOMED project, a Business and Investment Forum is planned to take place on 22-23 May 2023, in Amman, Jordan. The Forum is organised jointly by the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO) in partnership with the Union of Mediterranean Confederations of Enterprises (BUSINESSMED) and the Ministry of Industry, Trade, and Supply (MoIT) of the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan.

The main rationale of the Business and Investment Forum is to promote trade and investment opportunities in export-oriented agro-value chains by fostering Business Networks to encourage new investment opportunities from the MENA region including Italy. In addition, the Forum will take advantage of having regional stakeholders present to promote other cross-cutting benefits for improved productivity and competitiveness along value chains specifically leading to increased energy and resource efficiency. The Business and Investment Forum is expected to draw on the participation of Jordan authorities, private sector companies, members of regional business networks and industry associations among others from the MENA region (Egypt, Iraq, Lebanon, Syria and Italy), Europe in particular, Italy.

The theme of the forum is “Promoting Inclusive, Competitive and Sustainable Agro-value Chains”. The growing trend to strengthen export-oriented value chains through capacity needs, financing, increasing energy and resource efficiency and support infrastructure requirements have gained substantial recognition amongst donors, governments, and private sector businesses. It brings a plethora of new opportunities for business development and can help in the transition to a circular economy with more sustainable production and consumption patterns.

The Forum will provide an opportunity for Business-to-Business (B2B) meeting sessions facilitated via the Business Country Desk Platform (BCD), an online B2B matchmaking platform powered by BUSINESSMED that combines a vibrant marketplace with a dedicated space for networking and brokerage between business operators (companies, SMEs/ start-ups, etc.) and institutional structures.