His Majesty King Abdullah on Tuesday stressed that finding practical solutions to Jordan's economic challenges remains a top priority.

Success in this endeavour, King Abdullah said during a meeting with business leaders Tuesday, would help stimulate the economy, improve living standards and create jobs, thus contribute to alleviating poverty and unemployment.

At a meeting with the representatives of the Kingdom's key industries, the King discussed with participants ways to address the present economic challenges.

The King said the government is working according to well-defined plans to improve economic performance and the investment environment. He added that the implementation of these plans requires cooperation and partnership with the private sector.

The King also urged public-private sector cooperation in establishing economically rewarding vocational programmes that meet local market needs.

Discussions also focused on means to enhance national economic competitiveness and the best systematic approach to a relationship between the government and the private sector that would ensure a better economic performance.

The meeting also address how best to eliminate obstacles to the development of the trade, tourism, information and communications technology, health, insurance, housing and energy sectors.

Present at the meeting were Prime Minister Samir Rifai, Royal Court Chief Nasser Lozi, Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of State and Government Spokesperson Ayman Safadi, Minister of Finance Mohammad Abu Hammour, Minister of Industry and Trade Amer Hadidi, and Minister of Tourism and Antiquities Zeid Goussous.