Selected US Investments in Jordan

Intel Capital, the investment arm of the CPU maker, announced in May 2009 that it is to invest in digital content companies Jeeran and ShooFeeTV in Jordan.  Being their first investments in Jordan, the injection of capital – part of the US$50 million Intel Capital Middle East and Turkey Fund – will be used to help both companies pursue regional growth and expand their product offer. Gordon Graylish, vice president of Intel Europe Middle East and Africa said that “Our investments in Jeeran and ShooFeeTV are directly in line with our strategy to continue supporting local entrepreneurship and encouraging local content creation in the Middle East.”

http://www.intel.com/capital/news/releases/090519.htm

In 2004 Cisco launched its first Arabic speaking Technical Support Organization (TSO) in the Middle East, in partnership with Estarta Solutions, Jordan.  This TSO is the first of its kind in the region and marks the beginning of a strategic relationship between Cisco and Estarta that will deliver specialized Cisco technology support for organizations across the Middle East. Available via Web or telephone, TAC engineers offer advanced technical counsel and global customer support across a broad range of advanced technologies in both English and Arabic languages.

During the inauguration session attended by His Excellency Dr. Fawaz Zu'bi, Jordan Minister of ICT, and the President and CEO of Cisco Systems, John Chambers,  Dr Zu’bi commented that "Jordan's competitive investment climate coupled by the capabilities of its human resources is attracting leading IT companies to invest in our market. The joint effort of the public and private sectors in creating opportunities for the advancement of the ICT sector has driven Cisco to further strengthen its commitment to the Kingdom and invest in the Jordanian market”.

The TSO is part of Estarta's solution eco-system, which leverages Estarta's strong infrastructure, engineering excellence, and client centric culture. Estarta foresees that the Jordan TSO will continue to grow into supporting additional technologies and regions.

http://www.ameinfo.com/45531.html

In April 2007, AES expanded into Jordan, where it is constructing the country’s first independent power project, a 370 MW combined cycle gas-fired (CCGT) power plant located outside of Amman. The project, called AES Jordan PSC (also known as the Amman East Power Project), is expected to reach the first phase of commercial operations during 2008 or 2009.

During the past six years, Jordan has experienced good economic growth and macroeconomic stability, and AES’s new project in the country will continue to help fuel that progress. Amman East Power Project is expected to increase Jordan’s power generation capacity by approximately 20% and reduce the average cost of generation by approximately 10%. During the plant’s construction, more than 1,000 jobs will be created, over 800 of which will be for unskilled laborers. The Amman East CCGT will be designed to operate with a significant amount of automatic control but will require up to 40 50 staff. These jobs will be permanent, non-seasonal jobs lasting for the lifetime of the power station.

Through the project company, AES also will support the local community by investing in programs focused on healthcare and education.

http://www.aes.com/aes/index?page=country&cat=JORDAN

By establishing our GE corporate office in Amman in 2005, we've been able to collaborate with and contribute to local businesses more than ever before. From installing Jordan's first digital radiology workflow system to providing engines for Royal Jordanian's new Boeing 787 fleet, we are deeply dedicated to continuing Jordan's growth.

http://www.ge.com/jo/company/me.html

Aug 2009 – Yahoo Inc. announced the purchase of Jordan-based Maktoob.  This takeover marks the first major acquisition made by a U.S. technology company in a region where Internet penetration is still in its infancy, but growing at a fast rate amid strong economic growth.

Maktoub, a leading online community in the Arab world, was acquired by Yahoo for the value expected in the range of US$85-100 million. Yahoo! chief executive officer Carol Bartz said "This acquisition will accelerate Yahoo!’s strategy of expanding in high-growth emerging markets where we believe Yahoo! has unparalleled opportunity to become the destination of choice for consumers”.  On this subject Samih Toukan, Founder of Maktoob confirmed that “Yahoo! and Maktoob are natural partners and this combination should help energize the Internet market in the region as a whole.  We are excited about Yahoo! building a stronger presence in the Middle East and bringing its compelling suite of services to Arab users in Arabic.”

 http://business.maktoob.com/20090000395578/Yahoo_s_Maktoob_takeover_completed/Article.htm  

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