His Majesty King Abdullah on Wednesday reviewed investment opportunities in Jordan at a meeting with CEOs of 15 top US financial firms.

At a Wall Street meeting, the King highlighted the private sector's role in supporting national economy and development.

He said Jordan places great importance on investment in youth, who constitute more than half of the population in the Middle East. He also elaborated on the Jordan Education Initiative, which was launched a few years ago to improve quality of education and modernize the educational system.

He noted that other Arab countries like Egypt and Bahrain, in addition to the Palestinian Authority have embraced the plan.

Meanwhile, King Abdullah said the challenge posed by the Palestinian issue and other security and political problems in the region hinder development and economic growth. But despite the regional tension, he told the top executives, Jordan accomplished a lot in economic fields, thanks to modern policies and an attractive investment environment.

Participants in the meeting contributed ideas that could help develop Jordan's economy and improve living conditions.

Earlier Wednesday, King Abdullah presided over a ceremony marking the creation of the Red Sea Institute of Cinematic Arts in Aqaba. The institute, which is a joint effort of Jordan's Royal Film Commission (RFC) and the University of South California's School of Cinema-Television, will enrol men and women from the Middle East to study all disciplines of the cinematic arts. An agreement was signed by RFC Commissioner Samer Muasher and Elizabeth Daley, the school's dean.