Jordanian minister banks on Middle East stability in courting Chinese investment
- China’s ties with Middle East go beyond trade, say analysts on World Economic Forum panel who argue Beijing could bear greater responsibility
“Security and stability is the fuel of growth … which is something we think will be back one day,” he said, when asked whether economic prospects for the Arab nation had dampened.
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The crisis in Gaza – now in its ninth month and with no end in sight – is expected to dent economic growth in the Middle East. The International Monetary Fund has projected Jordan’s growth could slow to less than 2 per cent.
“To be honest, I’ll give you an answer not as a minister … I’ll just answer you as an Arab citizen. We’re worried [about] what’s happening in Gaza. It concerns us,” Hanandeh said.
“There is a pain in the heart of each and every Arab Muslim in the world. There is disappointment [in] what’s going on.”
China’s cautious approach towards the war – which has avoided condemning Hamas – has been criticised by Israel and some Western countries, but Jordan appreciated and valued Beijing’s position, Hanandeh said.
