Amman, April 21, 2008—
IFC, a member of the World Bank Group, and Jordan’s Ministry of Industry and Trade today organized a conference to promote the development of a leasing market in Jordan.
Leasing experts from Jordan, Europe, Latin America, and the United States discussed international experiences in developing leasing markets and the necessary measures for strengthening business enabling environments. They also discussed how to stimulate the growth and diversification of leasing in Jordan.
IFC discussed the results of a recent leasing market study on Jordan, which shows that while the market has grown in recent years, it has yet to reach its full potential due to significant constraints. It is important that the industry diversify its finances to maximize the benefits of an active leasing market. This includes supporting micro, small, and midsize businesses.
The conference is part of a boarder project implemented by the Ministry of Industry and Trade and IFC Advisory Services in the Middle East and North Africa. The project aims to strengthen legislation on financial leasing, build capacity for financial institutions, and raise awareness of the benefits of leasing among various stakeholders.
Leasing is an important source of medium and long-term financing for companies in developed and transitioning economies. It is an effective means for increasing a lessee’s asset base, particularly in the new companies and smaller businesses that play a key role in introducing innovation and competition and creating jobs.
About IFC
IFC, a member of the World Bank Group, fosters sustainable economic growth in developing countries by financing private sector investment, mobilizing private capital in local and international financial markets, and providing advisory and risk mitigation services to businesses and governments. IFC's vision is that people should have the opportunity to escape poverty and improve their lives. In FY07, IFC committed $8.2 billion and mobilized an additional $3.9 billion through syndications and structured finance for 299 investments in 69 developing countries. IFC also provided advisory services in 97 countries. For more information, visit
www.ifc.org
.