King Abdullah on Tuesday said economic reform plans adopted in the past years helped Jordan achieve a 7.5 per cent growth in 2004.


During a meeting with chairmen of multinational companies in the US, the King said Jordan has signed several key trade and association agreements with the US and the EU, while it expanded the qualifying industrial zones.


The King said there are big opportunities for foreign businessmen to invest
in infrastructure projects in Jordan and in industries that export to the US market.


His Majesty added that Jordan's strategic location qualifies it to be a gateway to the Middle East, especially neighboring countries.


King Abdullah noted that reform plans in educational, legislative, judicial and administrative sectors and the restructuring process in the public sector aim at increasing productivity.


His Majesty said Jordan focuses on investments in the field of education through linking schools and universities to an advanced data network under a true partnership between the public and private sectors.


King Abdullah called on the companies' top executives to participate in the World Economic Forum to be held in May at the Dead Sea.