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August - September 2011

3rd General Meeting of the Economic Policy Support Forum Convenes Media Executive Director 3 Roufan Nahhas AROQAE Holds Its Board Meeting in UK 4 Chief Editor Abu-Ghazaleh Participates in Inaugurating Saadiyat Island 4 Ibtisam Awadat TAG-Org, JOHUD Sign MoU 5 Media Coordinator Ghalia Al-Hadidi Abu-Ghazaleh Inaugurates AROQAE’s 3rd Annual Conference 6 Design and Artistic Direction TAG-Org to Develop E-portal to Serve the Palestinian Mutual Market 7 Design & Publications Dept. Abu-Ghazaleh Announces the Official Registration of ASREN [email protected] 9 Mohannad Sheikh Elaiwat Souq Al Quds E-Market Launched 10 Umniah Renews Its Partnership with TAG-Knowledge Jordan Office Building, 11 19 Mecca Street-Um Uthinah TAGSB Celebrates Its Third Master’s Degree Graduates P.O Box: 3966, Amman 11953 Jordan 11 Telephone: (+ 962-6) 5100 600 Talal Abu-Ghazaleh Cambridge IT Skills Diploma Qualifies Fax: (+ 962-6) 5100 601 12 Email: [email protected] Individuals with Special Needs Issued by Media Department at IFRSs Foundation Praises ASCA/ Jordan 13 Talal Abu-Ghazaleh Organization [email protected]

Our mission will always be “Serving the Arab world yesterday, today and tomorrow”. Everything we do today is just paving the path for what we will do tomorrow. We are looking forward to more effective developments in what we do and how we do it while the region witnesses more progress towards a knowledge-based society.

Talal Abu-Ghazaleh 3

Third General Meeting of the Economic Policy Support Forum Convenes

AMMAN - Talal Abu-Ghazaleh Business Forum hosted the third General Assembly meeting of the Economic Policy Support Forum. The meeting tackled the tasks of working teams and committees.

HE Dr. Talal Abu-Ghazaleh, Honorary Chairman of the Forum, extended his thanks to attendees for their interest and keenness on voluntary participation, emphasizing that this generous country is full of good people with sincere loyalty to their homeland.

HE Abu-Ghazaleh indicated that this meeting is a procedural one for decision making and confirmed the increased positive response by ministers and officials in the state institutions through cooperating with the Forum, whether by attending meetings or providing committees with the data they require. He also particularly praised the cooperation of the Governor of the Central Bank, the Minister of Finance, the Minister of Housing and Irrigation, the Minister of Planning, the Director General of Statistics work objectives and phases in each committee. The meeting Department and the General Director of Jordan Anti- witnessed considerable positive contributions where a Corruption Commission. HE Abu-Ghazaleh said that there number of participants provided inputs in numerous is an increased interest to enrich the Forum with experts subjects enriching the discussion. Mr. Sulaiman Al Hafez and interested parties, it is a huge task and we need further called for sending reports to ministries and concerned efforts to reach the desired results. government institutions in order to introduce them to the Forum’s work program to be considered in their future The Forum chairpersons will be as follows: plans. • Honorary Chairman: HE Dr. Talal Abu-Ghazaleh • Forum Chairman: HE Mr. Taher Kanaan HE Abu-Ghazaleh indicated that the Forum’s website has • Vice Chairman: HE Mr. Shareef Fawwaz Sharaf been developed and will be launched early next August. The • Chairman of the Committee on the State General Financial website is to attract opinions, ideas and information from and Monetary Policies: HE Dr. Khalid Al-Wazny experts and society segments, including useful articles • Chairman of the Committee on Productivity in the National and research, “so we shall have an important and inclusive Economy: HE Dr. Jawad Anani. database about the Jordanian economy.” • Chairman of the Committee on Major Challenges: HE Eng. Samir Murad He added “we want to reach correct figures, data and • Chairman of the Committee on Jordan’s Accession to the information to provide them to the decision maker. I am GCC: HE Ms. Reem Badran confident that the state- if provided with authenticated • Chairman of the Coordination Committee: HE Mr. Laith Al- and sound scientific achievement- will adopt and embrace Qasem it.” In this respect, Mr. Abu-Ghazaleh made clear that the Forum will address letters to government and non- Dr. Kanaan, Chairman of Forum, requested attendees government bodies as well as non-Jordanian finance to nominate vice chairmen, where the following were institutions to provide the Forum with any additional nominated: Dr. Yousef Mansour- Chairman of monetary data and information in their possession by virtue of their policies team affiliated with the Financial Policies economic relationships with Jordan. Committee, Dr. Mohammad Obeidat- Vice Chairman of Productivity Committee and Akef Al Zoubi- Chairman of Talal Abu-Ghazaleh Business Forum hosted on June 25, 2011 the Agricultural Sector affiliated with the Committee on the founding meeting for Economic Policy Support Forum. Productivity in the National Economy. The meeting witnessed wide participation of invited officials and experts representing state economic institutions, Subsequently, the action plan was reviewed and private sector entities, civil society organizations, research committees’ chairpersons presented a brief explanation of and studies centers, academia and media. 4

AROQAE Holds Its Board Meeting in UK

CARDIFF - The Board of Directors League’s Headquarters with a of Arab Organization for Quality focus on coordination, information Assurance in Education (AROQAE) exchanges, and harmonization held its fourth meeting at the of policies between Arab University of Wales Institute accreditation commissions. Cardiff – UK presided by HE Dr. Talal The Board also decided to work Abu-Ghazaleh. on the establishment of an Arab quality testing and accreditation The main discussions focused system with focus on quality as on AROQAE activities and well as university education. It accomplishments during the was recommended to establish an past 12 months. The Board advisory council for quality centers emphasized a need to enhance comprising governments and cooperation with Arab and institutions representatives at the international accreditation bodies level of higher education. and encourage and facilitate The Board decided to proceed educational quality research as with the application submitted The meeting approved the closing well as tightening cooperation by AROQAE to join the Economic statements of 2010 and budget of with the Association of Arab and Social Council of the League 2011. It also adopted an action plan Universities and establishing of Arab States (LAS) as well as for the next period and made a international membership to send a request to the general number of decisions including, the for the relevant international secretariat of LAS to hold AROQAE establishment of Advisory Council organizations. 4th Annual Conference at the for Quality Centers.

======Abu-Ghazaleh Participates in Inaugurating Saadiyat Island as a Cultural Center

ABU DHABI - Under the patronage and presence of HE Sheikh Nahyan Bin Mubarak Al Nahyan, UAE’s Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research, HE Talal Abu-Ghazaleh, Chairman and CEO of Talal Abu-Ghazaleh Organization (TAG- Org) participated in the inauguration ceremony of Saadiyat Island as a cultural center in the UAE.

The Saadiyat Island is a world class leisure, residential, business and tourism hub designed to showcase Abu Dhabi to the world. 5

TAG-Org, JOHUD Sign MoU

AMMAN- HRH Princess Basma, chairperson of the Jordan Hashemite Fund for Human Development (JOHUD) Board of Trustees and HE Senator Talal Abu- Ghazaleh, chairman and CEO of Talal Abu-Ghazaleh Organization (TAG-Org) discussed ways of cooperation in a special meeting held at JOHUD Headquarters.

The meeting was attended by Ms. Salma Ateyya, JOHUD’s director of Developmental Projects, Dr. Sawsan Al-Majali, deputy executive director of JOHUD, and a number of TAG-Org’s directors.

JOHUD and TAG-Org discussed issues of mutual cooperation, particularly in training and information technology used to develop the local communities by employing the competencies and potentials of both sides towards the achievement of the desired goals.

The meeting was concluded with both sides signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for the provision of JOHUD centers all over the country with The MoU also covers cooperation in the field of computers, training grants for JOHUD staff working employment services of the youth through the in areas of capacity building in local communities; and database compiled by TAG-Org, and in holding furnishing the training hall of Queen Zein Al-Sharaf voluntary guidance training sessions or workshops for Institute for Development (ZENID) of JOHUD with local community members in addition to the mutual computers and equipment necessary for training in provision of support for community initiatives and addition to establishing three refurbishment centers. national gatherings for the service of both sides.

Under the Patronage of Dr. Abu-Ghazaleh, Al Manhal Graduates its 27th Batch

AMMAN- Under the patronage are all proud of you today. Your of HE Dr. Talal Abu-Ghazaleh, graduation is my festival. We thank chairman and CEO of Talal Abu- God for the blessing of security and Ghazaleh Organization, Al Manhal safety in our beloved Jordan under International School held the the leadership of HM King Abdullah graduation ceremony for the 27th II which enabled us to learn and Batch of the Scientific Management succeed,” HE Dr. Abu-Ghazaleh said Information Systems‏ (MIS) and in the keynote address. British Certificate streams alumni which took place on June 4th, 2011 “We always thank God for the at HRH Prince Hassan Bin Talal blessing of the information Auditorium at the University of technology, which would have Jordan. never crossed the minds or even our imagination or my generation. “This graduation is the result of It enabled you to communicate and At the end of the ceremony, Dr. Abu- your efforts, and thanks should be acquire information which we at Ghazaleh honored the outstanding made to your families, teachers, our time lacked,” he added. students and presented TAGITOP to friends, mates, and the School who the first-rated students. 6

Abu-Ghazaleh Inaugurates AROQAE’s 3rd Annual Conference at the University of Wales

CARDIFF, United Kingdom - The 3rd annual Conference of the Arab Organization for Quality Assurance in Education (AROQAE) was inaugurated under its chair HE Talal Abu-Ghazaleh at the University of Wales in the presence of the representatives of 16 Arab countries, the European Union and the United States. In his opening speech, Abu-Ghazaleh compared the Arab countries eager to develop education with a race between lions (the developed countries) and gazelles (Arab countries) which forces the gazelles to raise their speed to outrun the lions. This speed is the advantage of the gazelles if utilized properly. As an example, he cited the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia which allocated 27% of its budget for education and capacity building, the highest record made by any country.

IFAC Future Activities and Work Development Tackled at TAGSB

AMMAN - In cooperation with the Arab Society of Certified Accountants (ASCA / Jordan, Ms. Azza Raslan, member of the International Accounting Education Standards Board (IAESB) affiliated with the International Federation of Accountants (IFAC), gave a lecture at Talal Abu-Ghazaleh Graduate School of Business (TAGSB) on IAESB’s future activities and work development.

Ms. Raslan introduced IFAC and its role in developing accounting and auditing sciences and presented the action plan of IFAC for 2010-2013, through which IFAC seeks to develop a series of high-quality standards to ensure the development and evaluation of the skills of professional accountants.

Ms. Raslan indicated that IFAC is currently revising the International Education Standards (IES), showing the effects of each standard separately, as well as its implementation and effectiveness. This project seeks also to develop highly consistent accounting standards at the international level. 7

TAG-Org to Develop E-portal to Serve the Palestinian Mutual Market

AMMAN- Under the Patronage of HE Dr. Talal Abu- Ghazaleh, “Business-to-Business” meeting was held at Talal Abu-Ghazaleh Business Forum on July 7, 2011. The meeting witnessed the attendance of a large number of Jordanian and Palestinian businessmen and investors, including Mr. Ahmad Hashim Al Zagheer- president of the Federation of the Palestinian Chambers of Commerce, Industry and Agriculture, Dr. Abu Obaida Hafez- chairman of the Palestinian Business Forum, Dr. Talal Al Bou- chairman of the Palestinian Jordanian Business Forum and Mr. Fahed Othman Taweeleh- chair of Al Rakhaa Businessmen Association.

HE Abu-Ghazaleh called for this initiative to be more than concluding current trade swaps and agreements stressing that it should be transformed into a cooperation mechanism that continues after the conclusion of the meeting.

He addressed the audience saying that we should focus on three aspects: First: The website of the Palestinian Jordanian Business Forum must be developed to serve its noble objectives. The Web Development Department at Talal Abu-Ghazaleh Organization will perform this task in terms of “design and technology”.

Second: Commercial dealing must be conducted via the website with a view to expanding the scope of Business- to-Business forum online, so as to give an opportunity to businessmen wishing to display their products, services or ideas to develop work.

Third: Strengthening relationship among Palestinian serve as an e-commerce website between Palestinian people in Palestine and abroad, so that the website businessmen and their peers abroad. This website will becomes a special portal and an opportunity for the enable businessmen to exchange complete business businessmen in Palestine to deal with those abroad, transactions online. E-commerce helps achieve effective creating thereby a mutual market for our people living in communication with partners and clients as well as Palestine and abroad. more effective marketing, which decreases corporate expenses and research costs on buyers and therefore Dr. Abu-Ghazaleh indicated that the Palestinian people increases profit. living in Palestine are superior in technology terms and the digital knowledge rate is higher in Palestine Dr. Ahmad Al Zagheer, Dr. Abu Obaida Hafez, Dr. Talal Al Bou compared to other places despite the Israeli occupation. and Mr. Fahed Othman Taweeleh delivered speeches in the meeting, where they emphasized its significance and Web Development Manager, Mr. Ramez Quneibi, tackled projects, including the project of the Palestinian gave an illustrative presentation on developing the Mutual Market website as well as projects of members website of the Palestinian Mutual Market, which will and business forums by sector. 8

TAG- Confucius Honors Winners of the Great Wall Competition and HSK Exam

AMMAN - Talal Abu-Ghazaleh Confucius Institute (TAG-Confucius) honored students participating in the Chinese Proficiency Test (HSK) in the first and second levels in addition to students who qualified for the final stages of the Second Great Wall and Petra Competition organized by the Chinese Embassy in Amman.

The ceremony was held at TAG- Confucius Headquarters in the presence of Mr. Salah Abu Osbeh, executive director of professional Partnerships at Talal Abu-Ghazaleh Organization (TAG-Org), and Mr. Sami Kharouf, executive director of TAG- Confucius in addition to faculty members and students. Petra Competition on annual basis among various bodies that teach Chinese language. Twenty one students of TAG- Confucius sat for the exam and passed. The percentage of students Mr. Abu-Osbeh handed over the certificates in scoring more than 150 out of 200 reached 90% of addition to TAGITOP to Waseem Al Kamal and the total students who sat for the exam. Taymor Sha’ban, who came first and second respectively in the Second Great Wall and Petra The Chinese Embassy organizes the Great Wall and Competition.

TAG-Confucius Conducts HSK Qualification Exam in Chinese Language

AMMAN - Talal Abu-Ghazaleh Confucius Institute (TAG-Confucius) conducted the qualification exam in Chinese Language (HSK) for students of the Institute and the University of Jordan.

Eighteen students sat for the first level and five others for the second level exam, including two female students from the University of Jordan.

Shortly before sitting for the exam, TAG – Confucius prepared preliminary lectures to get the students familiar with the exam’s atmosphere and make sure of their readiness.

All students successfully passed the exam and some of them were remarkably outstanding. 9

Abu-Ghazaleh Announces the Official Registration of ASREN in Germany

ASREN pledges to promote research and education in the Arab world through building Pan-Arab e-Infrastructures

DUSSELDORF, Germany – Following its successful inauguration in December 2010 at the League of Arab States Headquarters, the Arab States Research and Education Network (ASREN) has been officially registered in Dusseldorf, Germany with Abu-Ghazaleh & Co. Consulting GmbH, Jordanian Universities Network, and Moroccan Research and Education Network (CNRST) as initial shareholders. The registration took place at the Notary Office of the district of Dusseldorf Higher Regional Court [Oberlandes-gericht Dusseldorf ].

The registration of ASREN is a result of continuing dedicated efforts made by the Arab National Research and Education Networks and with Talal Abu-Ghazaleh Organization’s generous financial contribution and technical and legal support. ASREN is now born as an independent and not-for-profit organization with a mission to implement, manage and extend sustainable Pan-Arab e-Infrastructures dedicated for Research and Education connecting National Research and Education Networks (NRENs) in the Arab countries. Further NRENs are expected to become shareholders in the coming months.

It is building on the EU-funded EUMEDCONNECT2 research and education network which already provides connectivity in the Mediterranean region for innovative collaborations including high energy physics, earthquake analysis and agricultural research. The objective of ASREN is to further boost scientific research and cooperation in member countries through the provision of world-class e-infrastructures and e-services with ASREN’s role on building consolidated Pan Arab e-Infrastructure, developing Arab NRENs, maintaining interoperability between NRENs, and creating collaboration venues in education and research among Arab institutions. 10

Souq Al Quds E-Market Launched

JERUSALEM and AMMAN - In support of the can be identified and an e-invoice can be issued for persistence of the Palestinian people in Jerusalem, each purchase process. The most popular goods will and in implementation of the commitment of HE also be determined. The e-payment portal will be Dr. Talal Abu-Ghazaleh, Eng. Mazen Sinokrot and electronically connected to the website. Dr. Sabri Saidam, former Ministers of Economy and Communications in Palestine, respectively, to The Old City of Jerusalem market is one of the largest establish and launch Souq Al Quds E-Market, Ultimate historical markets in the world in terms of products, for Integrated Solutions Company- Ramallah and the and includes 38.000 Arab residents as well as 1400 Arab Company for Information Technology- Amman, commercial outlets. The visitor enters the Old City a member of Talal Abu-Ghazaleh Organization, signed through seven gates although the town’s area is one an agreement in Amman to develop an e-portal. square kilometer only.

Such e-portal will serve this crucial civilizational In addition, the market includes all oriental craft project to be a vital commercial market between products and goods featuring the history and civilization Palestine and the world, which shall allow displaying of the Old City, including furniture, traditional oriental the commercial shops of the Old City of Jerusalem clothing, leathers and eastern foods. and the display of their products in a way that enables website visitors of comfortable shopping and of The market includes hotel services represented in virtual tour around the Holy City including its religious five hotels and it is considered a market of goods and and historical landmarks, particularly Al Aqsa Mosque services through which competent professionals can and the Church of the Resurrection and others. be hired in all sectors.

In addition, a search engine will be provided to assist Commenting on this event, HE Dr. Abu-Ghazaleh said: in a quick and easy access to required goods as well as “Such a project represents an optimal utilization of quick delivery to buyers wherever they are. A feedback technology in support of the persistence of people of feature will be added so that website visitors are Jerusalem, a unique investment of modern technology allowed to express their opinion on various contents elements and an actual embodiment of acts against of the website including shops, goods, prices and fake and useless promises habitually made to the others. Also, the available quantities of different goods people of Jerusalem.” 11

Umniah Renews Its Partnership with TAG-Knowledge

AMMAN- Umniah renews its partnership agreement with the Talal Abu-Ghazaleh Knowledge Society (TAG-Knowledge) for the second consecutive year during a signing ceremony held on July 13, 2011, at the TAG-Knowledge headquarters, whereby Umniah will continue serving as the exclusive telecommunications provider to TAG-Knowledge.

The agreement was signed by Ihab Hinnawi, CEO of Umniah, and Luay Abu-Ghazaleh, Vice chair of Talal Abu-Ghazaleh- Organization (TAG-Org), with the attendance of the British Ambassador HE Mr. Peter Millett and HE Dr. Talal Abu- Ghazaleh in addition to local media representatives.

As part of the agreement, Umniah will continue to support the ‘Umniah and Talal Abu-Ghazaleh MBA Scholarship Initiative’ that extends academic scholarships to outstanding Talal Abu-Ghazaleh Graduate School of Business Administration (TAGSB) students, particularly HE Dr. Talal Abu-Ghazaleh stressed that the services students benefitting from the Needy Student Endowment presented by TAG- Knowledge are a duty and a part of Fund, thus helping them obtain their Master’s degree in any the TAG-Org’s corporate social responsibility. He said that specialty offered by the TAGSB. TAGSB’s advanced academic what the private sector’ institutions offer is not a favor curricula rival those offered by top international business but a response to what the community provided to such administration colleges such as Harvard University and institutions. Canisius College.

TAGSB Celebrates Its Third Master’s Degree Graduates

AMMAN- Under the patronage of Her Royal Highness Princess Basma Bint Talal, the Talal Abu-Ghazaleh Graduate School of Business/ the German Jordanian University, celebrated the graduation of the third Masters class who successfully completed the requirements for obtaining the Master’s degree in Business Administration and Intellectual Property. The ceremony was attended by HE Dr. Talal Abu-Ghazaleh, Chairman of the Higher Advisory Council of the School, Professor Dr. Labib Khadra, President of the German Jordanian University, Professor Dr. Saleh Hashem, Secretary- General of the Association of Arab Universities, and several members of the Board of Trustees of the University and the Advisory Council of the School, as well as by a number of ambassadors and representatives of Arab organizations and foreign missions. The ceremony was also attended by a Palestinian delegation headed by HE Dr. Mazen Sinokrot. HE Dr. Abu-Ghazaleh welcomed and extended his gratitude to Her Royal Highness Princess Basma for patronizing and Dr. Abu-Ghazaleh offered financial awards, TAGSB Shields, attending the ceremony. and a “TAGITOP” to each of the following top three distinguished students: The total number of graduates who have completed the • Mohammed Mazin Ayyas. requirements for obtaining a Master’s degree in Business • Saleh Youssef Fleifel. Administration or Intellectual Property in this third • Manal Said Qarain. graduating group is 75. 12

Talal Abu-Ghazaleh Cambridge IT Skills Diploma Qualifies Individuals with Special Needs

MUSCAT- The Omani Institute for Information Technology Authority. Professional Training, a member of In addition, the Authority conducted Talal Abu-Ghazaleh Organization exams for participating trainers to (TAG-Org), announced the completion verify suitability, qualifications and of a special program in Oman to train readiness. Then, they were dispatched instructors preparing candidates to train people with special needs to for examinations for the Talal work with computer programs in the Abu-Ghazaleh Cambridge IT Skills knowledge centers established by the Diploma to work with people with Authority throughout the Sultanate of special needs suffering from hearing Oman,” he added. impairment. The Institute started to implement a Around 17 trainers who themselves training program for visually impaired have hearing and speech impairment individuals to qualify them to obtain were trained and qualified in addition Talal Abu-Ghazaleh Cambridge IT to a similar program targeting “Training lasted for two months Skills Diploma, using internationally individuals with visual impairment. including administrative skills as well approved special programs for as communication, presentation, blind people to enable them to use a The Executive Director of the evaluation and time management. computer through hearing. Institute, Mr. Majdy Al Abyad, stressed The program also covered basic levels that this project is one of the vital of English language,” he said. HE Abu-Ghazaleh called on spreading projects implemented by TAG-Org to this project to all societies and qualify trainers for one of the best “The Institute’s trainers sought the institutions in the Arab countries international programs aimed at assistance of sign language expert. targeting individuals with special minimizing digital illiteracy in the In terms of quality, the project needs to benefit, train and qualify as Arab world. was supervised by the Omani many of them as possible.

UNESCO &TAG-Org Launch ICT in Education Indicators for Arab States Project

AMMAN- United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) and Talal Abu-Ghazaleh Organization (TAG-Org) have recently launched a new ICT in Education Indicators for Arab States pilot project.

The project aims to build capacity in Arab states by strengthening national capabilities to define ICT in education indicators for measuring the use and impact of applying ICTs in education, as well as to manage the ICT in education policy development and implementation cycle.

The project’s two-day Policy Developers meeting held in Amman included government representatives from seven Arab states in the Middle East and the Gulf as well as UNESCO experts and representatives from TAG-Org in the region. Participating in this first project’s activity were Bahrain, Egypt, Jordan, Oman, the Palestinian Authority, Qatar and United Arab Emirates. In addition a link was made to a similar UNESCO activity for the Maghreb, so that a broad selection of Arab states is represented in this effort. 13

Arabic Translation of IFRS Released

AMMAN- The International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) Foundation announced posting the Arabic-language version of a book containing IFRSs and IFRSs for SMEs, translated by the Arab Society of Certified Accountants (ASCA/Jordan), on the International Accounting Standards Board (IASB) website with a view to marketing the book electronically. This translation can be accessed via the official website: http://eifrs.ifrs.org/eifrs/PDFArchive. It is a result of efforts exerted by ASCA/Jordan to provide high-quality professional services to members, researchers, academics and those working in various accounting fields at all local, Arab and international levels. The scope of this project includes all Arab countries, members, subscribers and interested parties from the IASB around the world. It will also cover all editions of international standards starting from the 2010 edition. The project will be renewed on an annual basis. ASCA/Jordan continuously seeks to develop accounting and management sciences, as well as all related principles applicable to professional services. ASCA/Jordan also strives to improve competence and practice [modes of operation?] and strengthen the code of ethics in accordance with the highest professional standards through the issuance of accounting publications and following up on the recent developments in accounting and auditing.

IFRSs Foundation Praises ASCA/ Jordan

AMMAN - The International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRSs) Foundation praised the work of the Arab Society of Certified Accountants (ASCA/Jordan) in translating and developing the training material on IFRS for SMEs. ASCA has translated and developed 22 training modules related to small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), in addition to a presentation offering easy-to- apply explanations, simple examples and questions at the end of each training module. This material will be introduced next September in Dubai in the context of the specialized “train-the-trainers” workshop being organized by ASCA/ Jordan, Dubai SME and IFRSs Foundation. This workshop aims at developing capabilities of trainers and qualifying them to provide training on IFRS for SMEs. For more information on the training material, please visit the following link: http://www.ifrs.org/HFRS+for+SMEs/ArabicModules.htm ASCA/ Jordan continuously seeks to develop accounting and management sciences, as well as related principles applicable to professional services. ASCA/ Jordan also strives to improve the competence and practice and strengthen the code of ethics in accordance with the highest professional standards through the issuance of accounting publications and following up on the recent developments in accounting and auditing. 14

USAID Selects TAG-Knowledge as a Sponsor for Professional Committees

AMMAN- The United States Agency for International Development (USAID) has selected Talal Abu-Ghazaleh Knowledge Society (TAG-Knowledge) as the future sponsor of the meetings of its professional committees. This selection was announced at a special ceremony held in the context of the semi-annual meeting of specialized societies which took place at the Grand Hyatt Amman Forum.

These meetings are considered an opportunity for the decision makers and those in charge of knowledge societies to exchange experience, sharpen skills, explore cooperation areas, expand scope of services provided by professional committees to their members and secure the sustainability of such committees through joint coordination.

Mr. Tareq Hammad, Executive Director of TAG-Knowledge, emphasized that the mission and activities of these committees are completely consistent with TAG-Knowledge’s objectives of promoting economic and social development in Jordan.

Addressing the meeting, Mr. Laith Al Qasem, General Manager of economic Development Project funded by the USAID, stressed the significance of Professional Committees Initiative which seeks to promote economic development, enhancing thereby the effectiveness and impact of the program.

Palestinian Welfare Association - Jaffa Delegation Visits TAG-Knowledge

AMMAN - A delegation from the Palestinian Welfare Association in Jaffa, chaired by the President of the Association, has recently visited Talal Abu-Ghazaleh Knowledge Society (TAG-Knowledge). The delegation was received by Mr. Tareq Hammad, Executive Director of TAG-Knowledge, who introduced them to the role played by TAG-Knowledge in promoting the skills and expertise of university students through research and studies available online, training courses and various professional certification programs. TAG-Knowledge also seeks to deepen the commitment to social responsibility among university students