In a significant move to strengthen the regional startup ecosystem, the Arab League’s Economic and Social Council has officially approved a proposal from Jordan to establish the Arab Network for Entrepreneurship and Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs). The initiative, supported by officials from Jordan’s Ministry of Industry and Trade, is designed to foster greater economic integration and enhance collaboration among innovators and businesses across the Arab world.
The approval marks a pivotal step towards creating a more unified and supportive environment for the region’s burgeoning entrepreneurial talent.
Strategic Approval at Arab League Council
The decision was made during the 117th session of the Economic and Social Council, held at the Arab League’s headquarters in Cairo. The Jordanian delegation, led by the Kingdom’s Permanent Representative to the Arab League, Ambassador Amjad Al-Adaileh, successfully presented the proposal, which received widespread appreciation from member states.
The Council acknowledged the network’s potential to significantly advance Arab economic cooperation, build a more robust communication framework for entrepreneurs, and drive regional integration.
Fostering Regional Integration and Collaboration
The core objective of the newly approved network is to serve as a central pillar for economic synergy among Arab nations. It aims to connect entrepreneurs and SMEs from different countries, facilitating knowledge exchange, cross-border partnerships, and access to new markets.
By creating a structured platform for communication, the network will help address common challenges and unlock collective opportunities, directly benefiting the growth and scalability of startups and SMEs throughout the MENA region.
Jordan’s Broader Vision for Economic Modernization
Beyond the SME network, Jordan also put forward another forward-thinking initiative for developing the first interactive Arabic dictionary of sustainability and circular economy terms. This proposal underscores a broader national strategy to align the region’s economic development with global sustainability trends and foster innovation in green technologies.
These efforts reflect a commitment to equipping the Arab economic landscape with modern tools and frameworks necessary for long-term, resilient growth.
A Wider Agenda for Arab Economic Advancement
The council’s meeting addressed a range of critical economic topics relevant to the region’s tech and business communities. Key discussions included the evolution of the Greater Arab Free Trade Area (GAFTA), the development of the Arab Customs Union, and strategies to boost investment across member states.
Notably, the agenda also featured the proposed establishment of an Arab Ministerial Council for Artificial Intelligence, signaling a high-level focus on harnessing AI for economic progress. Arab League Secretary-General Ahmed Aboul Gheit emphasized that AI represents a strategic opportunity that Arab nations must not miss, calling for effective mechanisms to exchange expertise and best practices in the field.
About The Arab Network for Entrepreneurship and SMEs
The Arab Network for Entrepreneurship and SMEs is a newly approved initiative by the Arab League’s Economic and Social Council, proposed by the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan. The network aims to bolster economic cooperation and integration among Arab nations by creating a robust platform for communication, collaboration, and knowledge-sharing among entrepreneurs and small to medium-sized enterprises across the region.
Source: Ad-Dustour
