Jordan has taken some major steps in the last four years towards creating a dynamic and practical approach to be a part of the international ICT sector.  The most significant step towards a realistic goal in developing ICT is the creation of the REACH initiative.  The REACH initiative is a marriage of the public and private sectors working together to create a dynamic and workable plan.  REACH stands for and embraces actions in the following areas: “1. Regulatory Framework, 2. Enabling Environment and Infrastructure, 3. Advancement of National IT Programs, 4. Capital and Finance, 5. Human Resource Development”[5].  The teams who created the document involved leaders in the IT sector under the supervision of the government. 

The document is constantly being updated and evaluated to accommodate changes in the economy and the IT sector.  REACH 2.0 was created then and most recently REACH 3.0 was introduced at the Jordan ICT Forum 2, which was held on September 30, 2002.  The ICT Forum was an international conference joining countries from Europe, the Middle East and Asia.  By being involved in the international community, Jordan is taking the right steps towards developing and improving its ICT sector.  REACH can be viewed as the country’s National Technology Policy as it encompass all the goals the country seeks to accomplish through its ICT sector.  “The goals and targets outlined in REACH are ambitious and attainable.  By the end of 2004, the country will have generated 30,000 IT related jobs, will be earning $550 million dollars per year  in exports, and will have attracted $150 million dollars in foreign direct investment” [5]

The kingdom was able to create a partnership between the government and the private sector, to take a role in the international community, and most importantly to create the vision of having a viable and successful ICT industry.

The following is a list of tasks assigned by REACH 1.0 and REACH 2.0 that were completed by the time REACH 3.0 was published (September 2002): [3]

• IT Industry Development

  • Establish new IT Industry Association

• Regulatory Framework Stengthening

  • Streamline Customs Procedures

  • Amend Restrictive Provisions of Labor Law (discussed in detail in IT Legal Environment Section)

  • Enhance Access to JIB Incentives

  • Sign IT Agreement and IT Customs Valuation Accord of WTO

  • Develop Electronic Commerce Legislation (discussed in detail in IT Legal Environment Section)

• Government Support

  • Establish Private-Public Council for ICT Services Industry

• Capital and Finance

  • Facilitate ICT IPOs on the Amman Stock Exchange

• Infrastructure Development

  • Provide Preferential Access to High-Speed Lines   

For a complete list of tasks that are still pending or were partially completed please refer to the REACH 3.0 document [3].