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Several projects and investment opportunities in the transport sector are expected to be announced during the first International Transport Conference and Exhibition for the Middle East (JOTRANS), which opens November 23 on the shores of the Dead Sea.

Decision makers, businesspeople and industry operators will take part in the two- day conference to discuss challenges facing the sector in the Middle East.

Highlighting the significance of the transport sector, Minister of Transport Alaa Batayneh, described it as the “backbone of socio-economic development in any country”.

"The event is important to share experiences and look into scopes of cooperation between participants," the minister said at a press conference to announce the event yesterday.

The conference agenda includes regional transport policies, globalisation, investment, logistic services and civil aviation and public transport sector reform, in addition to road safety and traffic congestion, Batayneh said.

Participants will also focus on railway systems, the integral role of transport in trade development, the importance of transport infrastructure and maritime transport, he added.

In addition, Jordan's comprehensive transport strategy will be reviewed, especially since the country faces several problems due to the huge increase in the number of vehicles operating on the roads, which has increased traffic accidents, Batayneh told reporters.

Public Security Department figures indicate that more than 98,000 traffic accidents occurred last year, killing 900 people and injuring more than 18,000, the minister noted.

According to Captain Mohammad Khashman, chairman of Jordan Aviation Company, the event will provide decision makers and businesspeople an opportunity to look into challenges facing the sector, especially since it is a main force behind sustainable development.

He said Jordan still needs more projects in the sector, stressing the importance of partnership between the private and the public sectors with regard to the infrastructure network and road, air and maritime transport.

The Kingdom needs JD750 million to develop transport infrastructure in 2009, thus the necessity for partnerships, Khashman added.

JOTRANS, which is being held in cooperation with the Transport Ministry, the Greater Amman Municipality, the Arab Union of Road Transport and the World Federation of Public Transport, will be an annual event.