Amman: The head of the Water Authority, Eng. Mazen Ghoneim, participate in the conference of the European Investment Bank for the Mediterranean region, which includes the Vice President of the European Investment Bank, Dario Scanapico, and the Jordanian Minister of Planning and International Cooperation. Marie Kawar, and Deputy Secretary-General of the Union for the Mediterranean Miguel Garcia.
Minister Ghoneim began his speech by addressing political and economic challenges in the Mediterranean region, adding that the region is going through many geopolitical variables that affect the stability, security and prosperity of these countries and for the world, as they have a direct impact on the political and economic levels and social development In addition to the absence of political stability in the region was reflected on the security of citizens and civil peace and thus reduce opportunities for investment and economic development , thus weakening the ability of Governments to develop and create opportunities and strategic solutions that will advance the economic situation of these countries.
Where these variables led to the emergence of social phenomena and the impact of economic and security in many countries of the region, through what we have seen in cases of forced and illegal refugee situations and the concomitant risk the lives of the citizens of the Mediterranean States which resorted, and increase the migration Minds and capital which led to economic decline and reduces employment.
Eng.Ghoneim pointed out that despite the bitterness of the current situation, we must improve the lives of citizens through infrastructure projects that have a great impact on economic development and improve living conditions and create jobs. Here we must point out the relevance and effectiveness of the role played by development institutions and international financial institutions to improve the economic conditions of the Mediterranean.
As these projects are funded and implemented by these institutions in cooperation with central Governments in many countries of the basin, water, electricity, roads, and transportation, have had a significant role in building and developing the economic structure of these countries by creating many jobs, and improve the Infrastructure and its positive impacts on the environment and public health for citizens to achieve water and food security and energy sustainability, we must not forget here, the small and medium-sized enterprises that lead to stimulate the domestic market and encourage competitiveness and innovation and human potential in the basin The Mediterranean creativity and entrepreneurship in the labour market, in addition to attracting foreign investment.
In his speech, Minister Ghoneim praised the effective role of the European Investment Bank in the region and the joint cooperation with Palestine, pointing to the two strategic programs that reflect the cooperation between the State of Palestine and the European Investment Bank, which are Bahrain channel programme (between the Red Sea and the dead sea) In the first phase , which in addition to its main objective the preservation of the dead sea as an environmental and natural heritage will provide additional water quantities will alleviate the water deficit suffered by both Jordan and Palestine, creating new jobs and investments. The other program is the Central Desalination Plant for Gaza , considering the strategic solution to provide the water needed for 2 million Palestinians, And save the Gaza Strip from impending environmental disaster in the year 2020 , with the Palestinian water authority in preparing and developing this program with the support of the European Investment Bank and all international partners by providing the best technical and financial and administrative solutions to be implemented at the highest international standards to ensure its sustainability. We can say that this program serves as a model for regional and international cooperation and contribute to achieving water security.
Eng. Mazen Ghoneim concluded by stressing the importance of infrastructure projects to a chive growth and economic prosperity and job creation in the Mediterranean countries, as they have a significant role on strengthening relations and cooperation and achieving political stability and security, giving thanks to the European Investment Bank, represented by President of the Bank Dario skanabiiko as the Vice-President for convening this important Conference, the Jordanian planning and international cooperation Minister Mary Kawar, Jordanian Government representative to hold this Conference in this country which could provide a model featured in various fields not only of the Palestinian people but for all Arabic peoples, despite the considerable challenges facing the region.
