JIB Hosts SME Finance & Development Forum

Jordan Islamic Bank (JIB) hosted SME Finance & Development Forum, which was held under the patronage of H.E the Governor of the Central Bank of Jordan (CBJ). However, the forum was organized by the Association of National Development Finance Institutions in Member Countries of the Islamic Development Bank (ADFIMI) - Turkey in the presence of the Secretary-General of the General Council of Islamic Banks and Financial Institutions CIBAFI, Mr. Abdelilah Belatik, with participation of banks, specialists, academics, official institutions and specialized finance companies in the field of small and medium-sized enterprises, on 30- 31/10/2018 at LE Grand Amman Hotel. Mr. Musa Shihadeh, CEO- General Manager of JIB delivered a welcoming remark in which he extended his thanks to the CBJ for patronizing the forum and the ADFIMI for selecting Jordan to hold this regional seminar, which is an affirmation of the distinguished position that Jordan and our bank have and their supportive role in Islamic finance industry. He commended the role of Jordan and its legislative environment and political stability, which has stimulated the financing of small and medium enterprises and provided Islamic banks with the opportunity to provide financing in accordance with the provisions of Islamic sharia. He highlighted Jordan Islamic Bank's experience in providing financing for SMEs, where 90% of the bank's financing services target individuals and small and medium enterprises, thus enhancing the concept of financial inclusion, in addition to signing agreements with the Central Bank of Jordan and the Jordan Loan Guarantee Company to ensure the financing of small and medium-sized economic projects. The Bank also contributed to raising awareness of the importance of these projects among its clients by holding specialized workshops for the Bank's customers in various governorates of the Kingdom. He commended the interest received by the financing of small and medium enterprises from various international financial institutions, including the banking sector, which sought to develop the financing of this sector as part of its social responsibilities and its benefits and economic advantages. He affirmed JIB’s continual support for various meetings that contribute to the Bank's social side by side in its economic and developmental roles that support the economy and serve the community. Mr. Metin Ozdemir, CEO of ADFIMI, expressed his thanks and appreciation to JIB for its contribution to hosting and holding this seminar in recognition of its role in supporting the Islamic banking process, growth and development and contributing to the promotion of Islamic finance for small and medium enterprises. He stressed his pride in having JIB as a member of the Association (ADFIMI), which was established since 1986. It is an international non-profit association that serves about 50 members in 18 countries and aims at enhancing cooperation among all members in all aspects and activities of financing development, understanding development potentials of member countries and obstacles to development and to encourage research and development studies in accordance with Islamic principles.