The two parties will focus on capacity building requirements to maximize Jordan's chances to benefit from CDM.

SABEQ's assistance to the Ministry of Environment falls within the program's strategic objectives to enhance the competitiveness of different economic sectors it supports.

The program provides assistance to qualify Jordan for Carbon Trading/CDM financing of carbon projects. An international expert will conduct an assessment of the current carbon trading situation in Jordan as a first step towards identifying CDM opportunities and taking measures to strengthen procedures to make effective use of CDM.

The launch of awareness campaigns on carbon emissions and how to produce a 'carbon credit' will form a national drive that will serve to rationalize and support green investments, enhance the economy and demonstrate Jordan's environmental leadership in the region.

The Kyoto Protocol's CDM provides a framework for financing 'carbon projects' to reduce net global greenhouse gas (GHGs) emissions. Phase I of the Kyoto Protocol set the stage for emissions trading for carbon projects. Projects can trade their resulting emission reductions - Certified Emissions Reductions (CERs) for monetary compensation.

'Understanding how to exploit carbon trading mechanisms can provide an opportunity and process for Jordanian green business ideas to improve their resulting return on investment,' said Laith Al Qasem, Chief of Party, USAID Jordan Economic Development program (SABEQ).

In 2007, USAID Jordan Economic Development Program (SABEQ) sponsored a carbon trading mission to the Carbon Finance Europe Conference and Workshop, held in London. Headed by the Secretary General of the Ministry of Environment and the membership of high level delegates from the ministries of planning, finance and energy, the mission learned about best international experiences in the field from a legal and technical perspective.

The USAID Jordan Economic Development Program (SABEQ) is a five year broad economic development initiative implemented by Bearing Point, Inc. and a sizeable team of international and Jordanian partner firms.

By both supporting improvements in the business environment and providing assistance to expand innovation and productivity in Jordanian businesses, it supports the main objective of building up the private sector as a powerful engine of economic growth.