Exploration of new business opportunities in the Middle East - Sec. of State Warren Christopher; Sec. of Commerce Ronald H. Brown; Jordanian Crown Price Prince Hassan - Transcript

US Department of State Dispatch, Nov 13, 1995

As I sat on the stage today and looked at those who had come to Amman, I found myself thinking of what Prime Minister Rabin had said at the White House as he and Chairman Arafat signed the interim agreement. He asked us to look around at those who were assembled there at the White House that day and consider what a remarkable scene it was. Today, I marveled at those who had been assembled here in Amman. This time it was the officials and the private sector representatives from around the region and from around the world. They came not to witness the signing of a peace agreement, but rather, they came to explore commercial opportunities. They came to talk projects and they came to do business. This evening, I heard that same message directly from the representatives of 125 American companies who were represented here. I want to pay tribute, as I did this morning, to the extraordinary cooperation from Secretary Brown and the Department of Commerce which I think was very instrumental and made possible the participation of so many American companies. Though we still have a long way to go to build a comprehensive peace, we should remember that we have come a long way. The landscape of this region is changed in ways that few could have imagined only four or five years ago. The changes set a pathway for the future, and there is simply no turning back.

Results of this summit and the specific projects that will emerge from this regional consultation, and from the new institutions that have been created such as the Tourist Association or the Business Council - these will connect the pathway to the future.

Let me just add this word: I will be leaving here somewhat earlier than I had anticipated to return to the United States via Damascus in order to open the conference in Dayton, Ohio, on the problems of the former Yugoslavia. I thought it was very significant that Prime Minister Silajdzic was here today. Many of us hope that one day before too long there might be a somewhat comparable conference, modeled on this one perhaps, to talk about the reconstruction of the former Yugoslavia. That would be a consummation for which to be devoutly wished. I hope it will happen and I think that Prime Minister Silajdzic's presence here today will cause us to redouble our efforts to achieve that result.

Now, I introduce my cabinet colleague, Secretary of Commerce Ron

Secretary Brown

Thank you very much, Secretary Christopher. I am indeed honored to be here with Secretary Christopher. I think our presence together demonstrates very clearly a whole new working relationship. I don't believe the relationship between the State Department and the Department of Commerce in the United States has ever been closer. I think that is reflective of the new world in which we live. We believe in commercial engagement. In fact, we believe that our commercial activities - the kinds of relationships that are formed - can be a foundation on which a long-standing peace and stability can be built.

I must say that His Majesty the King and His Royal Highness the Crown Prince and all the Jordanian people have much to be proud of. This summit meeting, even after its first day, can be declared a rousing success. We are exhilarated by the reception that we have received here, but more importantly by the hard and good work and results that have already been achieved. There is no question that much progress has been made in assuring economic growth and economic opportunity throughout the region. There were 1,600 people at the opening ceremony this morning, including 160 business leaders from the United States. We were over-solicited as a matter of fact. There were many more who wanted to be a part of the delegation whom we could not accommodate. There were 200 specific contacts and appointments made by o American Business Center. That is a joint enterprise by the State Department and the Commerce Department. It has just been open since Saturday, and already 200 appointments have been made for American business leaders seeking to do business in this region. We have published what we ca an opportunities book where we have identified 100 specific opportunities for American companies to be involved in joint ventures or investment or in other matters of commerce or trade. Some agreements that were announced today: Chris Rooney of Sprint International - the President of Sprint International, and his Jordanian joint venture partner, Habib Gawi - they are seated in the front. They ought to stand and be recognized for the agreement they entered into today.