Amman: Chairman of the Jordan and Amman Chamber of Industry (ACI) Fathi Jaghbier on Tuesday discussed with Chinese Ambassador to Jordan Guo Wei ways to develop economic and trade relations and build on available opportunities to strengthen cooperation between the two countries' business communities.
According to Jordan News Agency, Jaghbier highlighted a trade imbalance favoring China, with Chinese exports to Jordan surpassing $5.1 billion in 2024, while Jordan's exports to China amounted to approximately $318 million. He noted that Jordanian exports to China reached $271 million during the first ten months of 2024, compared to $289 million in the same period in the previous year, emphasizing a trade gap that demands joint efforts to bolster Jordanian industrial exports and cooperation in high-value sectors.
The meeting, as stated by an ACI statement, examined challenges faced by Jordanian industrial exports to China, particularly concerning administrative and technical requirements, standards, and regulatory procedures, including those by the General Administration of Customs of China (GACC), especially for food products.
Both parties emphasized the need for enhanced coordination between relevant official bodies to expedite registration and accreditation processes, facilitate market access for Jordanian products, improve competitiveness, and expand their presence in external markets.
Discussions also explored the potential for increased Chinese investment in Jordan and expanding joint industrial partnerships in sectors where Jordan holds competitive advantages, contributing to technology transfer, increased production capacity, job creation, export growth, and overall economic expansion.
The talks underscored the importance of participating in specialized trade fairs and economic events, as well as mutual promotion programs, to connect Jordanian companies with Chinese counterparts and potential importers, thereby strengthening the presence of Jordanian products in Chinese and broader Asian markets.
Looking ahead, both sides agreed to maintain close coordination in the upcoming period and build on the ideas discussed to enhance economic, trade, and investment cooperation and achieve a more balanced trade relationship, aligning with Jordan's efforts to support its national industry and expand access to global markets.