Most of the changes to key persons that took place in Jordan during the lifetime of the ESIS II project were to ministries, with three cabinet reshuffles, and in this year the resignation of both Prime Minister and Deputy Prime Minister, and the appointment of a new Prime Minister. The King also appointed a 20 member task force called the Economic Consultative Council to review the economic policy facing the new era.

Important changes in organizations were France Telecom buying a 40% stake in Jordan Telecommunications Company, the establishment of Mobilecom - the new Jordanian mobile telephone network operator which launched its GSM mobile service in September of this year, and Zajel entered into an agreement with a Abu Dhabi based Thuraya to market Thuraya products and services in Jordan. Recently, Bahrain Telecommunications Company (Batelco) signed an agreement for the acquisition of a "strategic stake" in two of Jordan’s major ISP’s: NETS and Firstnet. Additionally the "Information Technology Association of Jordan" was formed in the 1^st quarter of this year, as the focal point for all Jordanian IT industry related activities.

The Telecommunications Regulatory Commission (TRC, www.trc.gov.jo) regulates telecommunications in Jordan through the application of a declared policy by the Ministry of Post and Telecommunications for the provision of effective telecommunications services to the beneficiaries in line with the development of telecommunications technology, in such a way as to meet the requirements of those wishing to make use of such services on non-monopoly bases, and to encourage investment and competition in the telecommunications sector. The Minister of Post and Telecommunications is Mr. Jamal Saraireh and the General Director of TRC is Mr. Yousef Mansour. After one-year in his position Yusuf Mansur the director general of the Telecommunications Regulatory Commission was replaced at the end of May 2000, by Ma’moun Balqar former director general of Jordan Telecom. TRC seeks to maintain a successful work relationship between the government, subscribers, service providers and suppliers in order to achieve an effective growth of telecommunication services in Jordan.

A cabinet reshuffle took place on early September 1999, the first since PM Mr. Abdur-Ra'uf Rawabdeh took on his governmental duties in March 1999.

Through the issuance of a royal decree on Dec 13,1999 King Abdullah announced the creation of a twenty-member task force in order to issue recommendations to the government and oversee the implementation of the modernization plan. This body, named "Economic Consultative Council" (ECC), will convene under the presence of PM and will encompass key cabinet members and private and public sector experts. So far, the ECC has dealt with fiscal and healthcare reforms, the restructuring of the water and finance sectors, the civil service as well as economic restructuring and the privatization process. It has also helped the government prepare the necessary legislation to ensure Jordan’s entry to the World Trade Organization earlier this year. In September 2000 it launched an e-government strategy and in October it finalized and submitted a draft on a new Vocational Training Council and a report on the restructuring of the Amman Stock Exchange. In the upcoming year the ECC will be busy with crucial amendments to the Securities, Investment, Promotion, Labour and Companies Law. Other upcoming tasks including preparing the ground for enactment of e-commerce and e-government legislation, as well as submitting some WTO related drafts that were not included in the agenda of last year’s and this summer’s parliamentary sessions.

In the first quarter of 2000,His Majesty King Abdullah designated Fayez Tarawneh as Chief of the Royal Court to succeed Abdul Karim Kabariti. King Abdullah issued a Royal Decree appointing Tarawneh as chief of the Royal Court and accepted Kabariti's resignation. Also Royal Decrees approved the resignation of Salah Abu Zeid, an advisor to the King and several-time former minister; the retirement of the King's military advisor Field Marshal Abdel Hafez Mirai Kaabneh, former joint chiefs chairman; the retirement of Michel Hamarneh, long-time advisor to His Royal Highness Prince Hassan; and the retirement of Abdullah Seraj, an advisor at the Royal Court.

King Abdullah also gave Prime Minister Abdur-Ra'uf S. Rawabdeh the green light to reshuffle his Cabinet on Saturday January 15, 2000 10 months after it was formed. The reshuffle was the second since Rawabdeh took over as prime minister last March, the first under the rule of King Abdullah who ascended the Throne on Feb. 7, 1999. The first reshuffle took place in September. King Abdullah reiterated his confidence in Rawabdeh's government in December. The reshuffle involved the departure of six out of the 23 ministers.

Deputy Prime Minister Rima Khalaf, the only woman in Prime Minister Abdur-Ra’uf S. Rawabdeh Cabinet resigned on Thursday, February 26, 2000. The Cabinet endorsed Khalaf's resignation, which brought to surface simmering differences between the outgoing minister and the premier, according to a minister. Rawabdeh appointed former Minister of Industry and Trade Mohammad Halaiqa to replace Deputy Prime Minister Khalaf. Khalaf, an economist who headed the planning and industry and trade ministries at different times since 1994, is expected to maintain her leading seat on the 20-member Economic Consultative Council, headed by the King.

Minister of Information Ayman Al Majali decided to establish a committee to restructure the Press and Publication Department. The PPD will be transformed into an information bank. The committee will hold two sessions and establish new sections in the department, one related to studies and publication and the other for media and Internet.

On Sunday June 18, 2000 Prime Minister Abdur-Ra’uf S. Rawabdeh resigned. Following his resignation His Majesty King Abdullah appointed Ali Abul Ragheb as the new Prime Minister and designated Ali Abul Ragheb to form a new government. On Monday June 19 a new cabinet was sworn in before His Majesty King Abdullah. The key ministries concerning Information Society and their related ministers are:

Minister of Information: Taleb Rifai
Minister of Trade and Industry: Wasif Azar
Minister of Planning: Jawad Hadid
Minister of Telecommunications and Post: Fawwaz Zu’bi
Minister of Energy: Wael Sabri
Minister of Health: Tareq Suheimat
Minister of Municipal, Rural and Environmental Affairs: Abdul Rahim Akour
Minister of Education: Khalid Touqan
Minister of State for Administrative Development: Mohammad Thneibat

Abul Ragheb was appointed to the ECC in his capacity as the head of the financial committee at the Lower House, current Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Economic Affairs Mohammad Halaiqah joined the Council as under-secretary at the Trade and Industry Ministry and head of Jordan’s WTO negotiating team; current Education Minister Khaled Touqan was chosen to join the ECC while he was president of Balqa University; and Current Post and Telecommunications Minister Fawwaz Zu’bi joined the ECC as a leading entrepreneur in the water sector.

On June 5, 2000 the administrator of United Nations Development Programme, Mark Malloch Brown, announced the appointment of Rima Khalaf as assistant secretary general and director of the UNDP Regional Bureau for Arab States (RBAS). The appointment will become effective later this year upon the arrival of Khalaf in New York. Khalaf kept her position as senator in the Upper House of Parliament and is a member of the Economic Consultative Council, a public-private initiative established and directly supervised HM King Abdullah to push forward economic reform and modernisation. She has held high ranking positions in Jordan, including Minister of Industry and Trade, Minister of Planning and most recently Deputy Prime Minister. On Tuesday October 17, 2000 a Royal Decree was issued which accepted the resignation of Rima Khalaf as Senator.

The public telephone operator in Jordan, is the Jordan Telecommunications Company (JTC, www.jtc.com.jo). The General Director for JTC is Mr. Mamoun Balquar. Mr. Suleiman Hafez is the Chairman of Jordan Telecommunications Company. On January 23th, 2000 Jordan sold 40 per cent of the Jordan Telecommunications shares to the France Telecom-led consortium and minority Arab Bank. The rest of JTC shares are to be divided amongst three partners: the government, which remains the majority shareholder at 51 percent, the Social Security Corp (SSC) takes eight percent, and one percent is to be allocated to a special JTC employee saving fund. The acquisition is expected to boost the French firm’s regional presence, which already included interests in Egypt and Lebanon, and that France Telecom is planning to invest over $400 million in the next few years in modernizing Jordan Telecommunications Company. The deal will give the French company the privilege to monopolize telephone services by the year 2003. A new management board of JTC was formed in a new corporate entity in which the global consortium would have three sears of a seven-member board.

Jordan Mobile Telecommunication Services (JMTS, www.jmts-fastlink.com), known also as Fastlink, is a cellular service provider in Jordan located in Amman, Aqaba and Irbid. JMTS-Fastlink launched the first Cellular communications service in Jordan in September 1995, and was the only Cellular service provider in Jordan up until September 2000. Mr. David Bosworth is the CEO of JMTS and Mr. Jumana Tewal is the Public Relations Director.

MobileCom is the new Jordanian mobile telephone network operator, and is the operator of the mobile communications license granted to Jordan Telecom. The company formerly known as PetraCell, combines Jordan Telecom’s capability with the technological advantages and network management/operation experience of one of the world’s leading telecommunications operators France Telecom. MobileCom signed a memorandum of understanding worth $35 million with leading GSM infrastructure manufacturer and supplier Ericsson earlier in March 2000. Mobilecom’s GSM mobile network service was launched on September 15, 2000, less than eight months from the start of the project and there are plans to expand the network to 300,000 subscribers in the near future. CEO of MobileCom is Jean Luc Vuillemin. On Sunday November 26, 2000 Mr. Henry Azzam was appointed new chairman to complete Mobilecom’s board, after the position was made vacant earlier this year. Azzam is the managing director and Chief Economist of Middle East Capital Group (MECG), a regional investment bank.

Paging services are provided by Jordan Radio Paging (also known as Mirsal, mirsal.com.jo), and by National Group for Communications Jordan Ltd. (also known as Zajel). The General Manager of Mirsal is Mr. Bashar Arafeh whereas Mr. Mahmoud Farid is the General Manager for Zajel. Abu Dhabi-based Thuraya Satellite Telecommunications Co. has signed a service provider agreement for Jordan with ZAJEL – a company owned by the Saudi-based Silki La Silki Telecommunications Co. Under the agreement ZAJEL would distribute and market Thuraya services and products in Jordan. The agreement, signed on the 8^th of February 2000, in Abu Dhabi in the United Arab Emirates includes distributing user terminals, subscriber identity module (SIM) cars, billing and customer-care management. Thuraya is building a regional mobile satellite network, is due to launch its satellite in mid-2000 and start services later in the year. The firm, with capital of $500 million, is owned by several major Arab enterprises, including the UAE’s Etisalat Telephone Co., Abu Dhabi Investment Co, Qatar Telecom (Q-Tel) and the Arab Satellite Communications Organization (Arabsat), itself owned by 21 Arab states.

Jordan’s first internet service provider, National Equipment and Technical Services (NETS), a limited liability company, announced in the first quarter of 2000, that it would merge with FirstNet as a precursor to an eventual deal with Bahrain Telecommunications Company Middle East E.C (BMEC). FirstNet is the country’s only enterprise network provider and is listed on the Amman Stock Exchange. NETS claims the second highest number of subscribers among the Kingdom’s six operational ISPs. Batelco, NETS and FirstNet signed a memorandum of understanding governing BMEC’s pending acquisition of a strategic stake in the merged company. Marwan Jouma, NETS General Manager said the NETS-FirstNet Merger would create "a more solid company". On Saturday November 18, 2000 Gulf Giant Bahrain Telecommunications Company (Batelco) signed an agreement for the acquisition of a "strategic stake" in Firstnet and NETS. The product of the Internet venture will be called Batelco Jordan and aims to become the biggest ISP in Jordan.

The National Information Center (NIC, amra.nic.gov.jo) is the main national node for Internet services in Jordan. It is also the top level domain administrator for the .jo.It administers the second level domains gov.jo, edu.jo, org.jo, net.jo and gives full Internet connectivity only to the governmental sector. It was established in 1993 to take the responsibility of developing and managing a national information system. INDEX was formed in August 1997 in order to establish a nationwide data network in a close collaboration with the Jordan Telecommunications Company.

One of its affiliated institutions is RSS (Royal Scientific Society, www.rss.gov.jo) that has as a primary goal to disseminate the awareness to the field of S&T. Its President is Mr. Saeid Aloush. Computer Technology, Training and Industrial Studies Center is one of the eight centers that comprise the RSS. One of its major projects is requirement analysis studies for the establishment of management information systems and determining the needs for hardware, system software, application software and communication devices for several Jordanian institutions namely, the Prime Ministry, Ministry of Finance, Ministry of Health, Ministry of Education, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Income Tax Department, Housing and Urban Corporation, Civil Registration and Passport Department and Aqaba Railway Corporation.

The Arab Advisors Group is a specialized new economy research and consultancy company based in Amman, Jordan with offices, analysts, and affiliates in London, and the various countries of the Arab world. The company’s team of analysts produce a subscription only Strategic Research Service the provides its clients with country by country projections and landscape analysis report covering the telecommunication, Internet, and technology industries in the Arab world. The service also includes trend reports that analyze major trends and outlines best practices and strategies in telecommunication, Internet, and technology in the Arab world, and periodic research notes analyzing major events and developments.

Dr. Seyffedin Muraz is the Vice-President of the Royal Scientific Society (RSS). Computer technology, Training and Industrial Studies Center, one of the RSS Centers, is directed by Dr. Saqer Abdel-Rahim. In mid-August, the President of Royal Scientific Society (RSS), Mr. Saied Alloush and the Leader of JICA's Implementation Study Team ((Japan International Cooperation Agency), signed a Discussion Record in order to launch the second phase of "Information Technology Upgrading Project". A Joint Coordinating Committee (JCC) was formed. The Jordanian side is composed by Mr. Saied Alloush, RSS President as Chairman, a representative from the Ministry of Planning, a respresentative from Computer technology, Training and Industrial Studies Center, representatives from National Information Center (NIC), the Higher Council for Science and Technology (HCST), the Chamber of Industry and the Jordan Computer Society.

The Federation of Jordanian Chambers of Commerce (FJCC) was established, and commenced its operations, on December 19,1955. As a private sector representative, FJCC serves its members interests in all economic, commercial, and service fields. FJCC’s primary responsibility is to cooperate with the country’s various public sector bodies to: achieve balanced economy, steer the state’s foreign economic relations in favor of the private interest, and strive for Arab economic integration. FJCC provides an umbrella for the 15 Chambers of Commerce located in the major cities and districts of the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan. It also provides its services to a community of 70,000 members engaged in the various trading and business activities all over the Kingdom. The chairman of the FJCC is Mr. Haidar Murad.

The Amman Chamber of Industry (ACI), established in 1962, is a non-profit organization representing the Jordanian industrial sector and a main reference organization for information on industry and the economy. The Chamber represents in its membership 97% of Jordanian manufacturing firms, varying in size from the large to the medium and small. The functions and duties of the Chamber are wide-ranging and diverse. Its main concern is the continued growth, well being and development of the Jordanian economy in general, and the industrial sector in particular. The Chamber participates in the development of national economic policy through its representation on the boards of a large number of the country’s relevant institutions. Administratively the Chamber is composed of several specialized departments. These cover the areas of information, research and studies on industry and the economy, environment, foreign co-operation and relations, legal affairs, labor, public relations, documentation and certification. ACI provides up-to-date data and information about the Jordanian economy and the industrial sector with an extensive database of Jordan’s industrial establishments (www.aci.org.jo/). The chairman of ACI is Mr. Khaldun Abuhassan.

The Jordanian Businessmen Association (JBA) was established in 1985 as an independent, non-profit organization with its headquarter in Amman, Jordan. The main objective of the Association is to create and maintain a business climate that will enable the private sector to accomplish its role in the sustainable economic and business development in Jordan. The JBA is also concerned with the activation of the Jordanian private sector in cooperation and coordination with the Federation of Jordanian Chambers of Commerce and the Chamber of Industry and other private sector institutions. It is also the aim of the JBA to expand cooperation in business with both Arab and foreign countries to the mutual benefit of all sides. In this context, joint business councils have been set up so far with similar associations in Egypt, Canada, France, Turkey, Malaysia, Spain, Syria, Britain, Palestine, Singapore, Indonesia, Romania, Italy and Morocco. The Chaiman of JBA is Mr. Hamdi Taba'a.

The Young Entrepreneurs Association (YEA), was established in November 1998, as a non-profit organization with the mission of creating outstanding young entrepreneurs though idea exchange, fellowship, education, training and advocacy, to enhance entrepreneurs’ skill level allowing them to compete in the global economy. YEA has organized several seminars and training workshops specifically targeted towards exposing Jordanian business people to modern business ideas and concepts. The Database of Concerns is intended to be an electronic forum for young entrepreneurs and business people to post their problems and initiate discussions or comments on recommended solutions related to the posted problem or concern. The YEA will then use these complaints as the basis for national policy research. Resulting papers, will be distributed to members of parliament, the senate, political parties, business associations as well as government. This will help educate decision-makers and legislators as well as members of the business community on required changes and rationale national objectives and government policies. The YEA intends to support 4-8 policy papers per year. The YEA has Mr. Laith Al Qasem as President.

The Jordan Computer Society (JCS) is a non-profit organization whose objective is to promote the computer profession in Jordan. The JCS started on 5^th of April 1986 in Amman as a small organization of computer firms and professionals. The JCS annual exhibition, the Middle East Technology Show, is one of the Society’s major annual events which bring together thousands of computer professionals and end-users from various parts of Jordan and the Middle East. The exhibition is the Society’s showcase for the latest computer equipment and services available in the world markets. METS is Jordan’s sole computer event where international manufacturers and suppliers feature their latest products and services. The President of the Jordan Computer Society is Mr. Karim Tawfiq Kawar.

The "Information Technology Association of Jordan" (INT@J) was formed in the first quarter of 2000. INTAJ is a voluntary non-profit, private organization to effectively represent, promote and advance the Jordanian software and IT services industry in the global market. The new IT association is the focal point for all Jordanian IT industry-related activities. It is open to all value-added IT-related software development and support enterprises. Among INTAJ objectives are the promotion of industry investment opportunities in Jordan (venture capital and initial public offerings); the formation of relationships with local export-oriented groups; representation of the industry at conferences and trade shows; setting up databases and publicize membership through web sites, newsletters, hyper links, promotional materials and advertising. The new association aims at providing industry research and market information, as well as effecting standardization, certification and quality control in the IT industry. The Board of Directors is chaired by Mr. Karim Kawar.

The Jordan Hospital in Amman is linked through fiber optics and satellites with US-based and European hospitals making feasible the medical information exchange and patient cases examination. The General Manager of Jordan Hospital is Mr. Abdullah Bashir.