Press Clippings
Chinese attracts more Jordanian learners .
Jordanian students interact with a Chinese teacher during a lesson at TAG-Confucius Institute in Amman (Photo (Photo by Mohammad Ghazal)
By Mohammad Ghazal
AMMAN - Seen as up and coming superpower, China seems to elicit the attention of Jordanians in an assortment of fields.
Believing that language is the key to understanding a nation, Jordanians are showing more eagerness to learn Chinese at the several centers that have opened in the past few years. Each has his reasons, but business considerations seem to prevail.
"For me as a trader, speaking Chinese helps me get better deals. The trader who does not have business with China nowadays is not a successful trader," Khalid Ashi, general manager of Petra Textiles Establishment, said Sunday.
Cultural counsellor at the Chinese embassy in Amman, Lai Wan Zhu, seems to agree.
"Political and economic ties between China and the Arab world are growing and we have seen a rise in the number of people studying Chinese in this region and elsewhere,” Lai said in a recent interview with The Jordan Times.
According to Lai, there are 20,000 Arab traders who have set up commercial offices in China.
Interest in learning Chinese started almost 10 years ago, when trade relations with the Arab world started to boom, according to the diplomat.
The total trade volume between China and the 22 Arab states grew from $15.2 billion in 2000 to $108 billion in 2009 - an increase of 611 per cent over the decade or an average annual growth rate of 24.3 per cent. The total trade volume between China and Jordan amounted to $2.08 billion in 2009, an increase of 6.6 per cent over the previous year, according to statistics provided by Chinese customs.
With increased interest across the world in learning Chinese, the Chinese government started supporting the teaching of Chinese to non-native speakers both in China and abroad, said Lai, who added that there are currently more than 280 Confucius institutes - nonprofit institutions that teach Chinese language and culture - in the four corners of the globe.
The Arab world saw its first Confucius institutes open almost five years ago, and there are now two in Egypt, one in Lebanon, one in Morocco, one in Tunisia and one in Jordan.
In addition, Chinese is taught at several universities in Arab countries including Kuwait, Egypt and Jordan, said Lai.
Jiazhong You, professor of Chinese at the University of Jordan, said: “The majority of my students study Chinese because they say they want to have business with China. Some of them say they study Chinese as the Chinese civilisation is interesting and different to them. And many say they study it as their families are involved in trade with China. Most of those majoring in Chinese have family businesses.”
Mohammad Sami Al Kharouf, manager of the Talal Abu Ghazaleh Confucius Institute, said that for traders dealing with Chinese suppliers, “it is a must to learn the language”.
But not all study Chinese to serve their business interests. Some want to study Chinese as they say it opens a window to an ancient and deep-rooted culture. Others say learning Chinese is good exercise for their brains.
“Chinese is one of the most ancient languages in the whole world. China, its people and the language are very interesting to me. I study Chinese as I want to study their literature,” Nadiyya Al Zgheibi, a student at the TAG-Confucius Institute in Amman, said.
Zgheibi went to China to study the language from 1997-1999 after she obtained a scholarship from the Chinese higher education ministry, but did not complete the course for health reasons. She has had a second chance “to fulfil my life dream” at the Confucius Institute.
“I have an ambition to translate Chinese literature into Arabic as it holds many noble meanings,” said Zgheibi, who also believes that the language “stimulates the brain”.
For some others, learning Chinese could open a door for employment.
Mustafa Al Share, who currently studies Chinese language and literature at Shenyang Normal University, highlighted the “huge” potential for cultural exchange.
In addition to the strong chances of getting a job as a translator, the student said that “speaking the language can help me promote Jordan and better understanding between our and their civilisations”.
Farah Ismael, a junior at the Amman Private University majoring in translation, agreed that the opportunity opens doors career-wise.
“When I speak Chinese, I will make use of it in my work maybe as a translator. Finding a job will be easy, especially since there are several Chinese companies working in Jordan,” Ismael, who also studies at the TAG-Confucius Institute said.
“There is a huge potential for those who study Chinese to work, especially in the field of tourism and working as interpreters and guides. It is also important for conducting business,” said Lai.
Ismael’s relative Sali Bairuti is only in eighth grade but shares her dream. Both are encouraged by their families, like other youth enrolled in the institute.
Twelve-year-old Alexander Rabadi has been studying Chinese for the past eight months, encouraged by his mother, Reem, a linguist at the German-Jordanian University. She wants him to be “exposed to a great and different culture and learn the language of a country that is on track to becoming a superpower”, he said.
According to Kharouf, the TAG-Confucius Institute has so far graduated some 600-700 students with different levels of skill in Chinese and currently has 60 students.
Chinese, which has about 10,000 characters, is not easy to learn, says Ke Zhu, a Chinese language teacher at the military language institute in Jordan who is training military personnel of all ranks in speaking Chinese.
“I focus a lot on listening and speaking skills for my students as the language is not easy to learn,” she said.
Professor You agreed, saying that even native Chinese speakers do not know all the characters.
“Obtaining two to three thousand characters is enough to be able to have basic Chinese communication, and that takes one year of intensive study and exercise,” said the professor.
According to the embassy in Amman, there are about 1.3 billion people in China, while the language is also spoken by about 200 million people in Malaysia, Singapore, Indonesia, Vietnam and South Korea.
There are seven official dialects and dozens of sub-dialects, but among the official dialects, Mandarin is the most commonly understood and taught.
Lai added that there are plans to open a centre for teaching Chinese to guides in Amman to provide Chinese tourists with guides who speak their language will help promote tourism.
In addition to teaching the language, the Talal Abu Ghazaleh Group is planning to open a centre to educate Jordanians on the various aspects of Chinese culture, Kharouf said.
It will be open before the end of the year and will be open to the public at no charge, he said, adding that the centre will showcase Chinese culture, food and folklore, as well as Chinese discoveries, thinkers and writers.
http://www.jordantimes.com/?news=30474
29 September 2010
28 Sep 2010
TAG-SB and KAS organize Jordan's new draft competition law workshop.
The Talal Abu-Ghazaleh Graduate School of Business Administration (TAG-SB) and Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung (KAS) Amman held a workshop today entitled 'Jordan's New Draft Competition Law: Achievement Made, Improvement Required' at Talal Abu-Ghazaleh Business Forum (TAG-Forum) which was inaugurated by HE Minister of Industry and Trade Eng. Amer Al-Hadidi.
In his key note speech, Al-Hadidi stated that the Ministry has implemented a number of policies and programs which aim at enhancing the competitiveness of the economic sectors in the country in a mechanism to create a healthy economic environment which attracts national and foreign investments.
"The Jordanian Government has adopted a clear strategy for development in all sectors according to a set of goals and targets and all economic indicators show that we have achieved a huge part of our future vision despite the global financial crisis. Our GDP continued to grow reaching 7.8% in 2009; unemployment decreased to 12.4% and investment increased significantly to reach JD1.8bn of which 39% are foreign investments," he said.
Al-Hadidi noted that Jordan's competition law is in conformity with the international competition legislations adding that the Ministry has carried out several procedures to enhance and protect competition in the Kingdom one of which is the launch of the Competition Directorate.
"The Directorate has played a vital role in safeguarding competition regulations in the country. And through organizing awareness programs, workshops and conferences the Ministry was able to send a message to all that we are on the right track," he said.
According to the Minister, the third national competition conference will be held during the third quarter of this year with the participation of local, regional and international experts.
In his opening remarks on behalf of HE Dr. Talal Abu-Ghazaleh, chairman and CEO of Talal Abu-Ghazaleh Organization (TAG-Org), Mr. Mustafa Naserddin, Executive Director for International Affairs pointed out that the private and public sectors have a huge responsibility in spreading awareness regarding these laws.
"I believe that this unique partnership is a result of the rapid changes in the global economy and we have the sense of these changes thus we are working accordingly," he stressed.
From his part, Dr. Martin Beck, resident representative of KAS Amman office, said, "The joint workshop is the result of a long cooperation between the two organizations on improving the Jordanian competition law. The recently drafted competition law has been deeply influenced by the input of the two parties' working group."
He added, "The drafted competition law that will be assessed in the workshop is of utmost importance for the modernization process of Jordan for two main reasons. Firstly, it will help Jordan to meet international standards and to be perceived as a modern economy. Secondly, the new drafted law will improve the life of all Jordanians: It will increase fair competition between producers in Jordan by curtailing monopolies and oligopolies. Moreover, it is also good for consumers because they will benefit ultimately from competition by paying fair prices when they purchase products on the market."
During the one-day venue, various presentations were delivered covering various topics such as; Practical Needs for amending Competition Law; The Jordanian Experience in Comparison with other Countries in the Arab Region and the Draft Competition Law in addition to other key issues.
Attorneys from Germany, United Arab Emirates, Jordan and Lebanon and other concerned parties took part in the event.
http://www.ameinfo.com/243299.html
25 Sep 2010
Ban Ki-moon Applauds Digital Initiative to boost Millennium Development Goals under Abu-Ghazaleh’s Leadership.
NEW YORK (Teletechwire): United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon welcomed the launch today in New York of a global initiative to harness digital technologies to help achieve the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs). Known as the “MDGs eNabler”, the initiative comprises a set of online tools aimed at providing users around the world with resources and tools to accelerate progress on the MDGs at the national level.
The project was spearheaded by the UN Global Alliance for ICT and Development (UNGAID), with support from governments and private corporations, academia and civil society.
“I welcome the GAID membership, under the leadership of its Chairman, HE Dr. Talal Abu-Ghazaleh, to launch web-based knowledge tools and information resources, providing tangible and practical benefits to developing countries in their efforts to advance MDGs,” said Mr. Ban, in his message to a High-level Meeting of UNGAID. “ICT can empower farmers to have better access to market, increasing their opportunity to be part of the global supply change,” the Secretary-General said.
“ICT can enable students to get better education materials. Doctors use ICT to provide health care to those in need, including in remote areas,” he said, adding that such technologies can provide access to unlimited knowledge and opportunity for those who do not have it.
“I invite all stakeholders to join the GAID membership in this Endeavour,” he concluded. More than 80 government leaders, chief executives from technology companies from all around the world, and senior UN officials took part in today’s launch.
The “MDGs eNabler” brings together many innovative components, including an ICT solutions matrix, a strategic planner, a portal of ICT-for-development portals, simulation and game tools, and a so-called compendium of excellence. It serves as a “one-stop-shop” for policy-makers, planners, project managers and development practitioners, seeking to implement national development strategies and programs.
The Global Alliance for ICT and Development was established in 2006 as a multi-stakeholder platform to put in practice the spirit and vision of the World Summit on the Information Society and to promote the use of information and communication technologies (ICT) to achieve the internationally agreed development goals, including the MDGs.
http://teletechwire.com/20100926/1175.php
25 Sep 2010
Ban Ki-moon Applauds Digital Initiative to boost Millennium Development Goals under Abu-Ghazaleh's Leadership.
United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon welcomed the launch today in New York of a global initiative to harness digital technologies to help achieve the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs).
Known as the "MDGs eNabler", the initiative comprises a set of online tools aimed at providing users around the world with resources and tools to accelerate progress on the MDGs at the national level.
The project was spearheaded by the UN Global Alliance for ICT and Development (UNGAID), with support from governments and private corporations, academia and civil society.
"I welcome the GAID membership, under the leadership of its Chairman, HE Dr. Talal Abu-Ghazaleh, to launch web-based knowledge tools and information resources, providing tangible and practical benefits to developing countries in their efforts to advance MDGs," said Mr. Ban, in his message to a High-level Meeting of UNGAID.
"ICT can empower farmers to have better access to market, increasing their opportunity to be part of the global supply change," the Secretary-General said.
"ICT can enable students to get better education materials. Doctors use ICT to provide health care to those in need, including in remote areas," he said, adding that such technologies can provide access to unlimited knowledge and opportunity for those who do not have it.
"I invite all stakeholders to join the GAID membership in this Endeavour," he concluded.
More than 80 government leaders, chief executives from technology companies from all around the world, and senior UN officials took part in today's launch.
The "MDGs eNabler" brings together many innovative components, including an ICT solutions matrix, a strategic planner, a portal of ICT-for-development portals, simulation and game tools, and a so-called compendium of excellence. It serves as a "one-stop-shop" for policy-makers, planners, project managers and development practitioners, seeking to implement national development strategies and programs.
The Global Alliance for ICT and Development was established in 2006 as a multi-stakeholder platform to put in practice the spirit and vision of the World Summit on the Information Society and to promote the use of information and communication technologies (ICT) to achieve the internationally agreed development goals, including the MDGs.
© 2010 Al Bawaba (www.albawaba.com)
http://www1.albawaba.com/news/ban-ki-moon-applauds-digital-initiative-boost-millennium-development-goals-under-abu-ghazalehs-
25 Sep 2010
Ban Ki-moon Applauds Digital Initiative to boost Millennium Development Goals under Abu-Ghazaleh's Leadership.
(MENAFN Press) New York - United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon welcomed the launch today in New York of a global initiative to harness digital technologies to help achieve the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs).
Known as the "MDGs eNabler", the initiative comprises a set of online tools aimed at providing users around the world with resources and tools to accelerate progress on the MDGs at the national level.
The project was spearheaded by the UN Global Alliance for ICT and Development (UNGAID), with support from governments and private corporations, academia and civil society.
"I welcome the GAID membership, under the leadership of its Chairman, HE Dr. Talal Abu-Ghazaleh, to launch web-based knowledge tools and information resources, providing tangible and practical benefits to developing countries in their efforts to advance MDGs," said Mr. Ban, in his message to a High-level Meeting of UNGAID.
"ICT can empower farmers to have better access to market, increasing their opportunity to be part of the global supply change," the Secretary-General said.
"ICT can enable students to get better education materials. Doctors use ICT to provide health care to those in need, including in remote areas," he said, adding that such technologies can provide access to unlimited knowledge and opportunity for those who do not have it.
"I invite all stakeholders to join the GAID membership in this Endeavour," he concluded.
More than 80 government leaders, chief executives from technology companies from all around the world, and senior UN officials took part in today's launch.
The "MDGs eNabler" brings together many innovative components, including an ICT solutions matrix, a strategic planner, a portal of ICT-for-development portals, simulation and game tools, and a so-called compendium of excellence. It serves as a "one-stop-shop" for policy-makers, planners, project managers and development practitioners, seeking to implement national development strategies and programs.
The Global Alliance for ICT and Development was established in 2006 as a multi-stakeholder platform to put in practice the spirit and vision of the World Summit on the Information Society and to promote the use of information and communication technologies (ICT) to achieve the internationally agreed development goals, including the MDGs.
http://www.menafn.com/pr/pr_news_story_s.asp?StoryId=1093368025
22 Sep 2010
ASCA-Jordan Issues the Arabic Version of the Handbook of International Quality Control, Auditing, Review, Other Assurance, and Related Services Pronouncements 2010 .
AMMAN: The Arab Society of Certified Accountants (ASCA -Jordan) issued the first Arabic 2010 edition of the International Standards on Auditing and Quality Control handbook after being updated to include the quality control standards.
The handbook consists of:
• The International Standard on Assurance Engagements (ISAE) 3402, "Assurance Reports on Controls at a Service Organization" issued by the IAASB in December 2009. This new standard addresses reports on the description, design, and operating effectiveness of controls relating to the broad range of services that today's service organizations provide. Such services can range from assisting with processing transactions to performing one or more business functions. ISAE 3402 is effective for service auditors' reports covering periods ending on or after June 15, 2011.
• Code of Ethics for Professional Accountants.
This handbook replaces Part I of the 2008 edition of the Handbook of International Auditing, Assurance and Ethics Pronouncements and the 2009 edition of the Handbook of International Standards on Auditing and Quality Control which featured the thirty six International Standards on Auditing (ISAs) and the International Standard on Quality Control (ISQC) that have been redrafted by the IAASB to improve their clarity.
ASCA -Jordan continuously seeks to develop both accounting and management sciences as well as all related principles applicable to all or some professional services. ASCA -Jordan also exerts effort to upgrade the competence, practice and code of ethics according to the highest professional levels through the issuance of accounting publications and following-up on the recent developments in accounting and auditing.
-Ends-
http://www.zawya.com/story.cfm/sidZAWYA20100922083327
22 Sep 2010
ASCA-Jordan issues the Arabic version of the International Standards on Auditing and Quality Control handbook .
The Arab Society of Certified Accountants (ASCA -Jordan) issued the first Arabic 2010 edition of the International Standards on Auditing and Quality Control handbook after being updated to include the quality control standards.
The International Standard on Assurance Engagements (ISAE) 3402, "Assurance Reports on Controls at a Service Organization" issued by the IAASB in December 2009. This new standard addresses reports on the description, design, and operating effectiveness of controls relating to the broad range of services that today's service organizations provide.
Such services can range from assisting with processing transactions to performing one or more business functions. ISAE 3402 is effective for service auditors' reports covering periods ending on or after June 15, 2011.
This handbook replaces Part I of the 2008 edition of the Handbook of International Auditing, Assurance and Ethics Pronouncements and the 2009 edition of the Handbook of International Standards on Auditing and Quality Control which featured the thirty six International Standards on Auditing (ISAs) and the International Standard on Quality Control (ISQC) that have been redrafted by the IAASB to improve their clarity.
ASCA -Jordan continuously seeks to develop both accounting and management sciences as well as all related principles applicable to all or some professional services. ASCA -Jordan also exerts effort to upgrade the competence, practice and code of ethics according to the highest professional levels through the issuance of accounting publications and following-up on the recent developments in accounting and auditing.
http://www.ameinfo.com/242742.html
22 Sep 2010
ASCA-Jordan Issues the Arabic Version of the Handbook of International Quality Control, Auditing, Review.
The Arab Society of Certified Accountants (ASCA -Jordan) issued the first Arabic 2010 edition of the International Standards on Auditing and Quality Control handbook after being updated to include the quality control standards.
The handbook consists of:
• § The International Standard on Assurance Engagements (ISAE) 3402, "Assurance Reports on Controls at a Service Organization" issued by the IAASB in December 2009. This new standard addresses reports on the description, design, and operating effectiveness of controls relating to the broad range of services that today's service organizations provide. Such services can range from assisting with processing transactions to performing one or more business functions. ISAE 3402 is effective for service auditors' reports covering periods ending on or after June 15, 2011.
• Code of Ethics for Professional Accountants.
This handbook replaces Part I of the 2008 edition of the Handbook of International Auditing, Assurance and Ethics Pronouncements and the 2009 edition of the Handbook of International Standards on Auditing and Quality Control which featured the thirty six International Standards on Auditing (ISAs) and the International Standard on Quality Control (ISQC) that have been redrafted by the IAASB to improve their clarity.
ASCA -Jordan continuously seeks to develop both accounting and management sciences as well as all related principles applicable to all or some professional services. ASCA -Jordan also exerts effort to upgrade the competence, practice and code of ethics according to the highest professional levels through the issuance of accounting publications and following-up on the recent developments in accounting and auditing.
© 2010 Al Bawaba (www.albawaba.com)
http://www1.albawaba.com/news/asca-jordan-issues-arabic-version-handbook-international-quality-control-auditing-review
21 Sep 2010
Impact of financial crisis needs a ‘long time’ to subside.
AMMAN - Mahmoud Al Abed- Any talk of an imminent recovery from the global financial crisis is baseless, a prominent businessman and economist said Friday.
The effects of the crisis will remain for no less than a decade and by the time it subsides, a new global order will make the world different from what it is now, said Talal Abu Ghazaleh, chairman and CEO of Talal Abu Ghazaleh Organisation (TAG-Org).
His remarks came in a presentation, titled "The Arab World in Changing Global Economy", he delivered at King Hussein Club in Amman during a meeting of the Germany-based Club for Modern Market Methods (MMM-Club).
Dozens of the club members were in Jordan to exchange ideas and views with local partners, a TAG-Org press release said.
According to Abu Ghazaleh, the crisis will inevitably yield two groups: Winners comprising economies like China and India, in addition to the Arab world, especially the Gulf states; and losers including the US and west European countries, if no substantial changes are made, particularly to the pillars and policies of the US economy. He singled out Germany as an exception, citing its strong economy.
One of the big mistakes Western governments made, he said, was buying bad debts from companies on the brink of collapse, thus saving these companies while falling in debt themselves.
The US is in deep crisis as a result of its policies, Abu Ghazaleh indicated, quoting John Williams in The Energy Report (May 2010) who said that the super economic power is heading towards "a systematic collapse, a hyper inflation or a great depression”.
He agreed with American leading industrialist and investor, Warren Buffet, who said that we cannot rely on the people who "created the mess to provide remedies".
Abu Ghazaleh blamed bankers for much of this mess, pointing in particular to derivatives as the catalyst of the crisis.
The expert also noted that the world is heading towards protectionism despite claims of otherwise, citing as an example the decisions by the EU, authorising member states to take the measures they deem appropriate to protect their economies. He disagreed with Thomas Freeman, who said once that globalisation is not a choice.
"Wrong. Globalisation is a choice," he told his audience of entrepreneurs and representatives from companies dealing with consumer goods and opinion leaders.
Further commenting on global economy, Abu Ghazaleh, whose organisation spans 73 branches, said the wealth is moving towards the south and the east. He advised Arab nations to diversify their business partners and invest more in other regions than Europe and the US.
The expert also called for a new reserve currency other than the dollar, echoing a similar call by the International Monetary Fund (IMF). One feasible alternative, Abu Ghazaleh said, also citing the IMF, is the Special Drawing Rights, the international foreign exchange reserve assets allocated to nations by the IMF. China has also called for such a replacement.
http://www.jordantimes.com/?news=30174
21 Sep 2010
Abu-Ghazaleh tackles Arab World in Changing Global Economy during German's MMM Club visit to Jordan.
HE Dr. Talal Abu-Ghazaleh, chairman and CEO of Talal Abu-Ghazaleh Organization (TAG-Org) delivered a presentation entitled "The Arab World in Changing Global Economy" during a visit by a German Business-Delegation to Jordan on September 17, 2010 at King Hussein Club.
The delegation represents the Club for Modern Market-Methods (MMM-Club) which is a registered association in Germany started in 1962. Its members are entrepreneurs and companies from the consumer goods industry - all opinion formers from trade and industry as well as the connected economic sectors.
HE Mrs. Suzanne Afaneh, Minister of Tourism and Antiquities delivered the opening remarks followed by speeches by the German Embassy counselor and by MMM Club President Mr. Gerd Kaiser.
In his presentation, Mr. Abu-Ghazaleh discussed the global crisis, oil, Iran and the G20 summit in addition to other global issues.
Mr. Abu-Ghazaleh highlighted the relations between Germany and the Arab world labeling it "a truly unique partnership."
He also focused on the relations with China and that "Germany can rebuild the Orient Express."
Mr. Abu-Ghazaleh called on establishing a network of German Arab Schools (accredited by Germany throughout the Arab world) and a German Arab Business Council with a permanent secretariat.
MMM is known for the exceptional quality of its events: The Club organizes congresses, seminars and study trips and procures professional contacts. It also gives out study assignments to universities and supports their students. The contents of the seminars and congresses are available to all members in the form of documentary materials. The objective is the experience exchange about market-oriented modern business management, new trade and distribution methods.
Furthermore, members are being supplied with regularly released publications that contain current information.
At the top of the MMM-Club is the presidium that consists of active managers and entrepreneurs from renowned companies as well as the managing director of the presiding committee. A significant support of MMMs' work is an advisory board, staffed with important society personalities.
http://www.ameinfo.com/242416.html
