His Majesty King Abdullah met with representatives of the Portuguese private sector and entrepreneurs on the sidelines of a Jordanian business forum that convened in Lisbon Tuesday to coincide with the king's visit.

King Abdullah told Portuguese business leaders that there was ample scope for economic cooperation between the private sectors of the two countries, and elaborated on Jordan's efforts to boost economic performance. He said Jordan had vast investment opportunities and many competitive qualities that made investment in various sectors worthwhile.

The King also discussed infrastructure projects now underway in a wide range of vital sectors, including energy, renewable energy, water, pharmaceuticals and tourism.

He noted that there were objective reasons that pointed to growing economic and investment cooperation between the two countries.

King Abdullah also told the Portuguese business community that Jordan had adopted a set of measures to deal with repercussions of the global economic crisis, saying that Jordan is continuing with its development plans and will continue to bolster economic performance and create a better investment climate.

The King referred to the special economic zones recently established in Jordan, saying they offered substantial opportunities for investment.

The discussion between the King and the Portuguese entrepreneurs also addressed ways to cement investment cooperation and deepen economic ties in view of available opportunities.

Minister of Industry and Trade Amir Hadidi and Jordan Investment Board Director General Maan Nsour briefed Portuguese investors on opportunities available in Jordan's investor-friendly climate.

On the periphery of the business forum, the two countries signed several agreements and memos of understanding.

Among them were an investment promotion and protection agreement, a cooperation accord between the chambers of industry and trade in both countries and a plan to set up an Amman-based regional office for renewable energy ventures in the Middle East and North Africa.

The business forum attracted more than 200 Portuguese firms from the sectors of alternative and renewable energy, construction materials and contracts, information and communication technology, textiles, tourism, transport and cosmetics.