Amman, January 16, 2008 The United States Agency for International Development (USAID), through the Sustainable Achievement of Business Expansion and Quality Program (SABEQ) in collaboration with Jordan Chamber of Industry, and Millennium CATALYST , a Jordanian company providing solar systems, conducted a workshop today at the Kempinski Hotel- Amman on the application of solar energy and water heating. The workshop included Mr. Ziad Abbasi, USAID/SABEQ Light Manufacturing Sector Lead, Dr. Zaki Ayoubi, General Manager and Board Member of Jordan Chamber of Industry, Dr. Ayman Al Maaitah, CEO of Millennium, and Mr. Ennis Rimawi, Managing Partner of Millennium.

The purpose of the workshop was to shed light on the drawbacks affecting the main sources of energy, oil and gas, and to introduce other methods of energy that wouldn’t create a heavy burden on individuals, government entities, and businesses in the Kingdom.

Mr. Ziad Abbasi welcomed the audience and highlighted USAID/SABEQ Program’s activities and main mandate while explaining the importance of seeking alternatives that would substantially reduce operating costs for the industrial sector.

Mr. Ennis Rimawi said ”We appreciate the efforts of USAID/SABEQ for supporting this initiative as we believe that this alternative source of energy would have a positive impact on the overall economy and would alleviate the heavy burden of utility bills on the public.”

On his part, Dr. Ayman Al Maaitah stated: “Since prices are increasing rapidly, relying on the sun for energy as an alternative to fossil fuel will reduce our utility bills. “Less use of fossil fuel will also reduce Carbon Dioxide emissions which contribute to global warming, and environmental issues which are now of great concern, globally. “Solar thermal technology is now available in Jordan and is both a financially sound investment as well as an environmentally conscious one.” He added.

Millennium is the exclusive agent for the world's most reputable high-quality manufacturers of evacuated tube solar collectors. Quality products combined with Millennium’s extensive experience and the innovative approach of its team has produced the most efficient advanced solar heating systems.  Millennium has gained significant credibility among its customers from all sectors whether residential, commercial, or industrial. As a regional player, Millennium currently has a large network of distributors and is expanding its network of associates and distributors to include the entire MENA region.

The USAID-funded Sustainable Achievement of Business Expansion and Quality Program (SABEQ) is a five year broad economic development initiative implemented by BearingPoint, 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, to support the main objective of building up the private sector as a powerful engine of economic growth.

-End-