ESCWA Technology Center and LES-AC sign MoU to encourage innovation

The MoU, signed by HE Dr. Talal Abu-Ghazaleh, LES-AC chairman, and ESCWA Technology Center Executive Secretary Dr. Rima Khalaf, stipulates the cooperation for expanding opportunities to correspond between innovators and investors in the ESCWA countries, and to disseminate information and enhance procedures for technology transfer on a regional level.

Moreover, the Memorandum shall strengthen partnerships with regional and international organizations and key stakeholders to plan and implement technology transfer projects along with launching national and international campaigns that support technology transfer initiatives on the regional level through joint efforts by all concerned entities.

Following the signing ceremony, HE Dr. Abu-Ghazaleh expressed his satisfaction for this partnership and cooperation. "This is a great day that we are cooperating with the United Nations represented by ESCWA and it is indeed a very exceptional partnership to achieve our joint goals stated in the MoU," he said.

"We will exert all required and invest our expertise in the fields of licensing and technology transfer armed with the feasibility studies that meet the needs of the ESCWA members," he added.

Dr. Abu-Ghazaleh highly commended the essential role played by Dr. Rima Khalaf in her capacity as the ESCWA Executive Secretary and praised her as a Jordanian woman.

Meanwhile, Dr. Fouad Mrad, CEO of the ESCWA Technology Center, stressed that through this cooperation "our mission will be easier in fulfilling the ESCWA goals and vision represented by enhancing economic and social development at the Western Asia region in accordance with the region's special priorities."

"We are proud to be partners in this economic development effort with LES-AC headed by Dr. Talal Abu-Ghazaleh to benefit from his vast experience and joint vision to accomplish what was indicated in the MoU," Dr. Mrad continued.

The Economic Commission for Western Asia (ECWA) was established on 9 August 1973 pursuant to the Economic and Social Council's resolution 1818 (LV). The purpose of setting up the Commission was to raise the level of economic activity in member countries and strengthen cooperation among them. The ESCWA Technology Centre (ETC), inaugurated in 2011, supports technological development in all ESCWA states. It is a regional hub for technology, innovation and scientific research through monitoring the available opportunities in ESCWA countries and developing them in accordance with the needs of these countries.

Meanwhile, LES-AC is committed to providing the Arab world with professional executives in the fields of licensing and technology transfer, as well as promoting economic growth by encouraging, facilitating and enforcing Intellectual Property licensing and research and development (R&D) investment.