Organized by the Information Technology Association – Jordan (INT@J) in response to a request from HM King Abdullah II, the REACH initiative is the core of a national strategy to develop a vibrant, export-oriented information technology services sector.

The strategy will bolster the country's nascent ICT sector and maximize its ability to compete in local, regional and global markets. It takes into consideration Jordan's strengths and weaknesses vis-à-vis other relevant competitors. Most importantly, it outlines a clear action plan, specifying actions to be implemented - by the private sector, the Government, and by other stakeholders - to ensure a favorable place for Jordan in the knowledge-based economy of the future.

Based on the assumptions of the stimulation and growth made possible by implementing the REACH Initiative strategy, the following economic impacts are projected to be attained within the period years from 1999 through 2004:

• 30,000 ICT related jobs by 2004 (20,000 direct and 10,000 indirect)
• US$550 million in annual exports by 2004
• US$150 million in cumulative Foreign Direct Investments by 2004

To date, Jordan's ICT sector has grown from $60m to $167m, exports have increased by more than 350 percent, and employment has increased from 1,250 to 10,000 professionals.