Introduction:

The Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan, as a member of multilateral and bilateral trade initiatives, has a significant interest in raising awareness of international trade issues among its business community, legal professionals, educators, legislators and other policy makers.  In the past several years, increasing levels of trade have been driving Jordan’s economy and the government has made economic issues a priority, including developing trade initiatives. There are similar trends in neighboring countries.  However, stakeholders have pointed to a general lack of knowledge and understanding of the obligations and opportunities under the WTO and other international trade agreements by stakeholders in the Middle East.  This lack of expertise adversely impacts the region’s continued economic development and international partnerships.

In line with the overall plan to create and provide possibilities for scientific research The Faculty of Law intends in the establishment of local and regional center for legal studies, research and consultations in important areas such as free trade and the WTO rules and procedures governing the settlement of disputes.

 

This center will be the first place of its kind in the region

 

Objectives of the Center:

 

A) Main objectives:

 

1- to build capacity among University of Jordan to educate the business and legal communities, as well as legislators and other stakeholders on important commercial issues related to free trade, so that the University can continue to engage stakeholders in such discussions after the end of the proposed grant period.

 

2- to impact future generations of professionals engaged in business, law, and policy making by helping professors to more effectively teach trade issues, to conduct research on related topics, and to develop materials and programs for public education.  

 

B) Secondary objectives:

 

The objectives of the Center may also include the following:

 

-       Providing legal studies and consultation to public and private sector in the area of free trade and international trade law.

-       The establishment of specialized L.L.M program of American

      Legal studies

-       Becoming a national and regional source of expertise.

 

The University of Jordan Law Faculty has identified a need for greater focus and expertise on commercial issues in Jordan. This expertise is needed to attract international business to Jordan, to educate legislators as they review and sign international covenants, to provide consultation to local and international lawyers and businessmen, and to educate law students—future decision makers in the region.

 

Therefore and to implement the objectives of this project we highly appreciate any sort of support and suggestion related to this project.